Manimala River
About: |
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Manimala RiverThe Manimala River, also known as Manimalayar, is a significant river flowing through the southern and central parts of Kerala, India. 1 It originates from the Muthavara Hills in the Western Ghats and flows through the districts of Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha, eventually joining the Pamba Rive  River Manimala is an important water way of Central Travancore. Rising in the hills of Kottayam- Idukki ranges, the river flows through the midland plains and joins with Pampa and Manimala Junction. The river offers a beautiful view at this spot and flows swiftly striking against the many rocks in the river.. The Holy River Pampa, River Achankovil and Manimala River, which are Kerala's three largest rivers, flow through the district. |
Location info: |
| The Manimala River originates from the Western Ghats in Idukki district and flows through several districts of Kerala, including Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha, before joining the Pamba River. It is approximately 90 km long and passes through picturesque landscapes. |
Climate/Weather: |
| Summer (March to May): Warm with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rainfall, making the river swell and offering a beautiful, lush green landscape. Winter (October to February): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. |
History: |
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The Manimala River has historical and cultural significance, being an important waterway for the ancient trade routes of Kerala. It has been a source of livelihood for local communities for centuries, supporting agriculture and fishing. The river also plays a significant role in the traditional boat races and festivals celebrated in Kerala. |
Interesting things to do: |
| Manimala is blessed with scenic beauty. Watch the pampa river nearby, and
also visit the other visiting places in Manimala. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
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Manimala Village: Visit the quaint village to experience traditional Kerala culture, architecture, and hospitality. Maramon Convention: If visiting in February, attend the famous Maramon Convention, one of the largest Christian gatherings in Asia, held on the riverbanks. Temples and Churches: Visit ancient temples and churches along the riverbanks, which are known for their unique architecture and religious significance. Scenic Backwaters: Explore the confluence of the Manimala River with the Pamba River and the scenic backwaters that form at this junction. |
Mobile range info: |
| Most major mobile network providers offer good coverage in the area. However, coverage may be patchy in remote stretches of the river. |
How to reach? |
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By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 100 km away. |
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By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam, which is around 30 km from the river. |
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Road Transport: Manimala is well connected with other parts of the district and state by road transport and the nearest railway station is Changanasserry. For inward travel, most depend on three wheelers or own two wheelers. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
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Kumarakom Backwaters: Famous for houseboat cruises and bird watching, located 35 km from Manimala River. Vagamon Hills: A hill station known for its cool climate and scenic landscapes, around 60 km away. These are later woven into an array of beautiful and colorful products. Screw pine Products range from table mats, purse, file holders, mirrors, chapels, waste box, cushions, hats, kitchen pouches, decoration items etc. Kallara also produces bamboo products, rubber wood items and wood products. Aranmula: Known for its ancient temple and the Aranmula Boat Race, about 25 km from the river. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
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The nearest petrol pump is located in Manimala town, approximately 5 km from the riverbanks. |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
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River View Homestays: Several homestays available along the river, offering a comfortable stay with local hospitality. Resorts in Kumarakom: Offers luxurious accommodation options for those willing to travel a bit further. Budget Lodges: Available in nearby towns like Kottayam and Thiruvalla, providing affordable stay options. |
Things to carry: |
| Comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather Insect repellent and sunscreen Hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle Camera/binoculars for photography and bird watching Snacks, as food options might be limited in remote areas |
Tips & Suggestions: |
| Respect the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting temples. Carry a small amount of cash, as not all places accept cards. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip. |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
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Local Police: 100 Medical Emergency: Nearest Hospital: |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
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Link: http://binbrain.com/blog/2008/02/17/top-ten-tourist-points-in-kerala-my-view |
Photo Gallery
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Video Gallery
| Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary |
| The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located at Kumarakom village, a distance of 16 km from Kottayam town. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is highly rich in its sheer scenic beauty. It is rightly known as a heaven to birds. The great collection of birds here is a remarkable thing. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise.This place is home to more than a few hundred bird species and a large number of migratory birds also arrive here, on a regular basis. Hence, the sanctuary witnesses the rush of a large number of visitors, every year.....more |
| Kumarakom Backwaters |
| Kumarakom backwaters is the major backwater stretch is in Kottayam district, where a network of rivers and canals empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. Located at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad Lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating and Fishing.Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake. The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets.....more |
| St.Mary's Cathedral Church |
| St Mary's is a small church in Vazhappally Village, part of the Cathedral church and the Arch Diocese of Changanacherry, Kerala. It was first established in 1177, and reconstructed and consecrated in 1887.More than 125 families are gathering here for daily masses and other prayers.The Cathedral church is located on Market Road, about half KM from Changanassery town. A new semi-circular section was added to the rear of the building in the 60s to accommodate a growing congregation. Outside, at the head of the building, stands the tallest structure in the town, namely, the bell tower. The ringing of the bell can be heard throughout the city.....more |
| Kallumkathra St George Jacobite Syrian Church |
| Kallumkathra St George Jacobite Syrian church is situated in Pulikkuttissery village in Aymanam, about 10 km west of Kottayam town, Kottayam District, Kerala. Established in 1817, the church is bounded by a canal. In the past, devotees could reach here only via water transport. Today the church is well connected by road. It is one of the oldest churches in the Kottayam diocese.The picturesque landscape and the innumerable tributaries of Meenachil river adds to the beauty of the village. The church itself is surrounded by a canal. Till recently water transport was the only possible way to reach the church premises.....more |
| Orthodox Theological Seminary Church |
| The first Orthodox Christian school of theology in Asia, the Orthodox Seminary, was founded in 1815 at Kottayam, in the state of Kerala (ancient Malabar) by Ramban Ittoop, a priest-monk of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.St.Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary is one of the two primary seminaries under the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India. This seminary is dedicated to the theological training in orthodox christian beliefs and priesthood. This Seminary will cater to the needs of parishes in North India as well as to the mission front of the Church. The learned monk from Kunnamkulam was carrying out with singular courage a major decision of the church made at Kandanadu in 1809 to start two schools of theology (Padithaveedu), one in the North and the other in the South of Kerala......more |
| Poonjar Palace |
| Poonjar Palace is situated in Meenachil taluk at Poonjar on the Pala-Erattupetta route, 47 km away from Kottayam district, kerala. Poonjar Palace is one of Kottayam’s well known landmarks, a favored destination for art & history lovers and a reminder of Kottayam’s glorious legacy and past. Poonjar Palace has beautifully preserved the past which is now exhibited through the grand chandeliers, Nataraja sculptures and military equipments etc. Poonjar Palace is a scintillating evidence of the magnificent and royal collection of the rich past of this place. The palace has an amazing collection of royal antiques like palanquin, weapons of warfare, grand chandeliers, jewel boxes.....more |
| Ezhumanthuruthu Island |
| Ezhumanthuruthu is a small "thuruthu" ie island situated 8 km west of Kaduthuruthy town. It falls in Kottayam district, the city of letters. It is a densely populated place of Kaduthuruthy Gram Panchayat.The place is also blessed with the presence of the ancient Devi temple Kunnummel Kavil situated on the top of the Ezhumanthuruthu Hill from where you can have a beautiful view of the surrounding places upto the radious of 10 to 15 kilometers.Now this island village which was unreachable without the help of a country boat is connected with well built high ways with Vaikom, Thalayolaparambu, Kaduthuruthy, Muttuchira, Kallara and other places.....more |
| Vembanad Lake |
| Vembanad Lake is located in Kumarakom, Kottayam district.The Vembanad wetland system covers an area of over 1512 km and is bordered by 3 districts. Several rivers flow into the lake and Canals link the lake to other coastal lakes of the region.One of Asia's largest freshwater lakes, the Vembanad Kayal, as it is locally known, is a giant reservoir and a major ecological resource. The dense vegetation on its banks is a wonderful sight. Asia, and it is connected to a network of canals throughout the region. Some plants on the lake include paddy fields, coconut groves and white lilies. It is located in proximity to the KumarakomBird Sanctuary, which is worth a visit.....more |
| Thazathangadi Juma Masjid |
| Thazhathangady Jumma Masjid situated on the banks of the river Meenachil, Thazhathangady, 2km from Kottayam one of the Heritage Zones of Kerala, India, near the town of Kummanam. This is also called as the “Taj Juma Masjid”. The ancestors of this Masjid came and settled in Kottayam, from different parts of Kerala. They started living as a community in the Hanafi Tradition from 1947 onwards under the spiritual guidance from Kottayam Settu Masjid. Cremations used to be done in the cemetery of this Masjid. The Muslims who lived here played an active role in Freedom Struggle and other National Movements.....more |
| Bay Island Driftwood Museum |
| Bay Island Driftwood Museum is located at Kumarakom, Kottaym District, kerala. A Museum to display a unique collection of superior quality driftwood articles of very high artistic value, prepared through a rate and innovative modern art form, is functioning at the scenic village of Kumarakom. A Visitor would find there a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs.The collections in the museum are from the serene beaches of the Islands, situated in Bay of Bengal. These islands are know as Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Bay Islands and hence the name Bay Island Driftwood Museum. Bengal or know as Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Bay Islands and it is the reason to name the museum as Bay Island Driftwood Museum.....more |
| Meenachil River |
| Meenachil River is loacted about 6kms from Kottayam town, Kottaym District, Its made famous by Arundhati Roy in her masterpiece "God of Small Things", originates near Vanilla County. The river or rather the stream is of ravenous beauty as it gushes and gurgles forth through the rocks and creates baby waterfalls and little pools on the way down. The Meenachil River flows through the center of the Kottayam district of Kerala. The river originates from the Western Ghats. The river is formed when several small streams merge together namely, as Kullathukadavaru, Thrikovilaru, Poonjarapuzha, Chittur and Payyaparathodu and the length of the river is 78 kilometers.The river finally surrenders itself in to the Vembanad Lake.....more |
| Ettumanoor Temple |
| Located 12 kms north of Kottayam town, at Ettumanoor is an ancient Shiva temple, which was built in the 16th century. Ettumanoor temple is a marvelous example of the Kerala style of architecture, attracts many Hindu devotees from all over the state. The copper plated conical roof of the central shrine, is in itself a majestic structure.The present temple building, with its gopuram and the fortress around it, was reconstructed in (1542 AD). The mural paintings on the walls inside and outside the gopuram are quite famous. The images of Balagopalam and other Devas are painted with high artistic ingenuity. The golden flag staff inside the temple is a beautiful sight. On the top of it is the image of a bull surrounded by a small bells and metal leaves of the banyan tree. The temple roofs are covered with copper sheets and it has 14 ornamental tops.....more |
| Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall |
| Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls is located 18 km from Kottayam town, and 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom, Kottaym District, Kerala.Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is a beautiful picnic spot where streams snake through the landscapes that house fascinating rubber plantations and the gushing waters make gurgling noises that are a treat to the ears. The waters splash down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.Rushing down from a great height, the waterfall presents a picture of breathtaking beauty. It would not be wrong to state that the Aruvikkuzhi waterfall carries with it a magical quality that allures visitors at the very first glance.The waterfall is a beautiful sight to behold especially after the Indian monsoon season is painted with a fresh coat of green and the thundering roar of the waterfalls makes conversation impossible.....more |
| Kesari Waterfall |
| The Kesari waterfalls, also known as Valanjamkanam falls, lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumaly route. Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly; trek to Kuttikanan offers additional adventurous spirit and closeness to nature.Valanjamakanam is a three-hour journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumili.Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr. journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly; trek to Kuttikanan offers additional adventurous spirit and closeness to nature.this amazing waterfallincreases the spirit to the tourists who are on their way to Kuttikanam, the nature blessed place in Kottayam. Also known as Valanjamkanam fall, this waterfall has been captured in the cameras of those passing by......more |
| Maramala Waterfall |
| Maramala Waterfall lies a few kms away from Eerattupetta. It is exactly 7 kms from Teekoy rubber estate. From here a private vehicle can take you further 2 kms after which the road is not motor able. To reach the falls one has to trek through the estate over the rocky path. The waterfall is about 60 metres in height, falling into a 12-meter deep pool and joins the River Teekoy way down.From there, it's easy to trek trough the estate and get there.The waterfall cascades from a height of 60 meters and slides down about 200 meters to meet the Teekoy river.....more |