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About the Locale

Kottayam is a city of letters and churches and waterways and plantations. It is the first 100% literate Municipal City in India and publishes several newspapers and magazines in Malayalam and English .

It is the stronghold of the Syrian Christian community, with over 200 churches. One of which - ‘Cheriapally’ - is over 300 years old and is a fine example of period architecture.

Kottayam is located at the foothills of the Western Ghats and is close to several plantations and has become a trading centre for plantation crops: rubber, tea, pepper and cardamom.

Getting to Kottayam

Kottayam is connected by rail and road to all the major cities in South India . The nearest airport is at Kochi , 91 Km. from here. The main ferry station at Kottayam operates ferry services to various places through scenic backwaters.

Getting to Akkara

Akkara is about 5 kms from Kottayam Town . Ask for Chungom Bridge and just before you reach the bridge take a deviation towards the Old Seminary of the Orthodox Syrian Christians sect. As you face the gate of the Seminary take the kuchha road to your left. Go 50 metres onto the narrow path take a right turn and there's the boat Jetty. Then yell- Cooooo eeeeee -for transport! A vallam will appear to ferry you to Akkara.

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