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Kottarakkara - The Cradle Of Kathakali

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Kottarakkara, a small town located in the district of Kollam, is primarily known for its palaces and temples. The name of the town is derived from two Malayalam words – kottaram (which means palace) and kara (which means land). When combined, Kottarakkara literally means the land of palaces and the name is rightly justified through its history.

In olden days the region of Kottarakkara was known by the name Elayadathu Swarupam and was under the reign of Travancore Royal Family. According to the available historical records, the first palace was built during the 14th century and ruins of seven royal palaces are to be found in the region.

The Birthplace Of Kathakali

Kottarakkara occupies an unparalleled position in the modern cultural history of Kerala as the place where Kathakali was originated. The story behind the origins of Kathakali is traced back to the rivalry between two kings, the Raja of Kottarakkara and the Raja of Kozikode.

It was Kottarakkara Tampuran who gave invented a form of dance called Ramanattam, from which modern Kathakali took its shape. He is also credited with the popularization of Kathakali among common men. Kottarakkara thus has a rich artistic history which has tremendously influenced the culture and people of this region.

Tourist Places In And Around Kottarakkara

The sightseeing in Kottarakkara is an interesting mixture that includes temples, churches, palaces and trading centers. Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Temple and Sree Manikanteswara Mahadeva temple attract devotees and tourists alike. Other notable attractions of the region include Pathanapuram, Kottarakkara Palace and Kizhakketheruvu Orthodox Valiyapalli.

How To Reach Kottarakkara

Situated at a distance of about 27 km from the city of Kollam and 60 km from the capital city of Kerala, Kottarakkara is easily accessible by rail and road.

Kottarakkara Weather

The climate of the region is pleasant almost around the year, enabling tourists to visit the place in all seasons. A trip to Kottarakkara can be clubbed with other sightseeing options in and around Kollam.

Kottarakkara is Famous for

Kottarakkara Weather

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Kottarakkara

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How to Reach Kottarakkara

  • By Road
    Kottarakkara enjoys good connectivity by road and buses are the primary mode of transportation. Kerala State Transport buses (KSRTC) as well as private buses are available from Kottarakkara to neighboring cities and towns such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Coimbatore, Thenkasi and Shenkotta. Private agencies run regular luxury bus services to Bangalore, Kumily, Ooty and Munnar. Taxis and auto rickshaws could be used for commuting within the town.
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  • By Train
    Kottarakkara has a railway station located at a distance of about 2 km from the heart of the town. Situated on the Kollam-Madurai route, the trains from the station connects to only Kollam and Punalur. The major railhead is in Kollam at a distance of about 23 km from Kottarakkara town. Frequent trains are available from Kollam station to all major cities of India and other parts of Kerala.
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  • By Air
    Kottarakkara does not have an airport of its own. The airport nearest to this small town is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport situated at a distance of about 70 km. There are flights from Thiruvananthapuram Airport to all major cities of India such as Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Those who arrive by air can take taxis from the airport to reach Kottarakkara.
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