Kottayam

Kottayam is known for its beautiful backwaters. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the title - the land of letters, latex and lakes. The Vembanand Lake and its associated backwaters border Kottayam district on the West. The Vembanad wetland system covers an area of over 1512 km². The lake is bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. It lies at sea level, and is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island. Canals link the lake to other coastal lakes to the north and south. Several rivers flow into the lake, including the Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Pamba and Periyar. The lake surrounds the islands of Pathiramanal, Perumbalam and Pallippuram. The Vembanad Lake is approximately 14 kilometres wide at its widest point. A unique characteristic of the lake is the location of the Thannermukkom salt water barrier.  There are hill ranges to the East and the Ernakulam district to the North. The houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Kottayam are most enchanting.