Kottayam Tourism Information

History of Kottayam:

The history of Kottayam dates back to the 9th century AD when it was a part of the Kulashekara Empire (AD 1090–1102). It was then referred to as Vempolinad. Vempolinad split into the kingdoms of Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur by about AD 1102. Both these kingdoms were later annexed by Marthanda Varma of Travancore between 1748 and 1754. Spices like pepper and cardamom attracted foreign merchants to this land, and soon Marthanda Varma established contacts with the Portuguese and the Dutch. The history of Kottayam is incomplete without a mention of its Syrian Christian community, which traces its origin to Saint Thomas who visited the region in AD 53. Saint Thomas is said to have established seven churches on the Malabar Coast.

It is famous for two 8th-century Persian crosses with Pahlavi inscriptions that prove them to be the earliest examples of Christianity in India.

Cheriapalli:

Adjacent to the Valiyapalli, the church of Cheriapalli is also dedicated to St. Mary. It was built in AD 1579 and houses some exquisite vegetable dye paintings on the ceilings and walls depicting biblical and non-biblical themes.

Thazhathangadi Mosque:

The 1,000-year-old mosque at Thazhathangadi is believed to have been built by Malik Dinar. Built in the Kerala style of architecture, it is an important pilgrim centre of Kottayam.

Good Shepherd Church:

Situated behind the civil station of Kottayam, the Good Shepherd Church is the first church of the Diocese of Vijayapuram. Built in the Italian style, its construction was completed in 1882 and was further renovated in 1964. The annual feast of Good Shepherd is held here in the month of April.