Kottayam

Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats in the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad in the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the enviable title: The land of letters, latex and lakes. This land also boasts the first Malayalam printing press which was established by Benjamin Bailey, a Christian missionary, in 1820 AD.
Kottayam is the ideal take-off point for visits to Peermede, Munnar, Idukki, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple city of Madurai.
Area: 2203 sq. km
Population: 1,952,901 (2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level