Echoes of chirping birds, exuberant greenery, sky-located shrubby hills and the lavish valleys – all exemplify the incomparable splendor of the alluring Maniyamkunnu hills. The network of hilly and yet smooth roads, lead through the miraculous spells of celestial hills and appealing valleys to various other stately tourist attractions in and around Kottayam district.

The confluence of the amicable climatic conditions, gorgeous surroundings, mystically exotic natural grandeur, wildlife sanctuaries in the proximity, luxurious hotels and resorts and the hospitable people around here, fascinates the domestic and international tourists alike. Serving as one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala, its sumptuous natural elegance seems to be clarifying the query, ‘why Kerala is known as God’s own country’. Embellished with all sorts of ultra-modern amenities, adventurous activities like trekking and all other recreational facilities, Maniyamkunnu attracts varying leagues of tourists, and renders holistic rejuvenation.

History

Since centuries, Maniyamkunnu has maintained its immaculate natural beauty. With its desirable climatic conditions, it has always fascinated the people. There was a time, when the British people used to spend quality time during summer in Maniyamkunnu. But tourism industry, as it is today, has become possible due to the tireless efforts of Kerala Government.

How to Reach Maniyamkunnu

By Air

Kottayam airport is the nearest airport from Maniyamkunnu. Also, the Kochi international airport is about 86 kilometers from Kottayam. Both the cities of Kottayam and Kochi are connected to the national highways and other smaller roads, and one can easily reach the nearby destinations through roads.

By Road

Kottayam is well connected to various other nearby cities in Kerala through national highways and other roads. And, from Kottayam, Maniyamkunnu can be easily reached by roads. One can hire taxis from Kottayam to Maniyamkunnu or go by the luxury buses.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Maniyamkunnu is the Chinavanam Railway Station, which is at the distance of 1 kilometer. Also, the Kottayam Railway station is only 7 kilometers away and is quite a convenient one to get down and reach Maniyamkunnu by taxi or other road transports.

Getting Around

There are various ways to stroll through the mesmerizing wonders of the Divinity. But being in the vehicles may keep one at a distance from the nature. The best way therefore is to take a walk through the gifts of nature. Keeping a camera in hand can offer the opportunity to capture some specific moments and make them memorable lifelong.

Weather of Maniyamkunnu and the Best Time to Visit

Being a hilly area surrounded by lush greenery, Maniyamkunnu has quite amicable temperature throughout the year. It is one of the best summer getaways in Kerala as it has quite cool and pleasant temperature in the summer. Most of the people visit the place in summer. During monsoons, the roads around here may be quite slippery, but for rain lovers, it provides a romantic atmosphere.

Attractions

There are several tourist hotspots in and around Maniyamkunnu, and following are the most notable ones:

Vembanand Lake

If you wish to enjoy fishing, boating and other water sports activities, Vembanand Lake would render immense of thrills and adventures. Situated at about 16 kilometers far from Kottayam, it receives water from various canals and rivers. With the scenic beauty and the suitable spaces for picnics, it looks quite enchanting throughout the tourist seasons. Its vitality escalates during the Onam festival. The boat races organized here enthrall the participants and the spectators alike.

Pathiramanal

Accessible by boat, Pathiramanal Island lies between Kumarakom and Thaneerukkom. Home to innumerable migratory birds, it is one of the most favorite spots for bird watchers. With the availability of sufficient and suitable water and surroundings along with the desirable foods for birds, it fascinates the migratory birds from various parts of the globe.

Kumarakom

Interlinked with waterways and canals, and located about 10 kilometers from Kottayam, Kumarakom is impregnated with the wonderful gifts of nature. Enriched with greenery of paddy fields, coconut groves and mangrove forests, it represents themagnificence of nature. Boats, country crafts, canoes and water sports activities make it a perfect venue for entertainment and rejuvenation. The arch attraction at Kumarakom is the Bird Sanctuary. The migratory birds such as owls, egret, duck, water fowl, cuckoo, darter, heron, Siberian Stork and teal etc immensely excite the tourists.

Anchuvilakku

Built by the freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalawa, Anchuvilakku is one of the most salient examples of the grandeur of Keral Architecture. It is a lamp post close to Changancherry boat jetty. The five lamps lit by kerosene, render a spectacular view.

Aruvikuzhi Waterfalls

It’s an amazingly stunning landscape with the water cascading down from the mountain with a height of about 100 feet. Amidst the roars of waterfalls, the tourists can take a siesta under the shade of the rubber trees.

Kayyoor

Amidst the enchanting landscape of green hills in Bharananganam Panchayat, is the shrine of Pandava Brothers. The epic Mahabharata comes alive when the lamps here are lit by the ghee. The women are not allowed to step inside the temple, but they can certainly view it from outside.

Erumeli

Enriched with natural beauty, Erumeli is a small village full of the natural gifts of God.  At a distance of about 60 kilometers from Kottayam, it is a well known place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Muslims. It also serves as the entrance point to Sabrimala Temple.

Ilaveezhapoonchira

Ilaveezhapoonchira literally means ‘the valley where no leaves fall’. The place is named so because no leaves fall here as there are no trees. It is a great wonder to see. The hills, picnic spots, lakes and the splendid views of sunrise and sunset immensely escalate the charms of this place.

There are several other tourist attractions to visit. The attractions such as Vagamon, Mankallu Mudikal, Illickal Mala, Illickal Kallu, Kannadipara, Vazhikkadavu and Nattakom and Panachikad also play a vital role in entertaining, recreating and rejuvenating the tourists.

Shopping in Maniyamkunnu

The coconut products, oils, quality tea, spices, Aloe Vera Products, and handicrafts items are considered to be some worth shopping items here

Activities to do in and around Maniyamkunnu

Water Sports

Boating, canoeing and many such other water sports activities are quite entertaining here. Due to the abundant availability of lakes, rivers and canals around here, it proves to be quite a popular place for activities on the water.

Bird Watching

There are several lakes where the migratory birds from across the globe keep flocking throughout the different seasons, and it is a great relish to see the exotic species of birds not commonly seen in other places.

Trekking

There are several hills here, and many of the hills have special facilities and guides for trekking.

Ayurvedic Treatment

Kerala is well known for its Ayurvedic treatments. In several parts of Kerala, you can get the best Ayurvedic treatment, and Maniyamkunnu renders such treatment for various disorders and diseases.

Fishing

If you love fishing, you have ample of opportunities. Due to the sufficient availability of the lakes, fishes and fishing facilities, many of the tourists come here to especially enjoy fishing and relishing the meat of fresh fish.

Walking through the Nature

If you have an affinity towards nature, walks through the forest would immensely enthrall you. The rich flora and fauna can provide you all the joys of nature with a revitalizing experience.

Nearby Places

Kochi, Kollam, Thrissur and Thiruvanathapuram are some nearby cities with a great number of tourist attractions

Dining Out

Be you a vegetarian or you enjoy relishing non-vegetarian food; you can enjoy all types of food here. Along with the cuisines from the other continents, you can also revel amidst the local tastes. Also, if you wish to eat seafood, you have ample of opportunities.

Festivals and Events in Maniyamkunnu

Onam is considered to be the festival of the state, and many of the tourists from far places travel to enjoy the festivities. Flower Show and Food Festival is an annual festival, and is celebrated with high fervors in January’s third week.

Accommodations near Maniyamkunnu

Being very close to Kottayam, there are plenty of choices in terms of hotels, resorts and service apartments near Maniyamkunnu. Whether you wish to stay in the richly appareled luxurious hotels and resorts, or desire to stay longer by paying less in service apartments; you can have all the options here. In fact, you have the freedom of selection of accommodation as per your budget and desire.

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