Kerala ·
Kottarakkara
Kottarakkara, also transliterated as Kottarakara, is a town and municipality in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. Kottarakkara lies 27 kilometres (17 mi) to the east of Kollam city centre.
Kottarakkara at a Glance
Why Kottarakkara?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Sree Indilayappan Temple
Kottarakkara at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Kottarakkara before planning your visit.
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Places to Visit
- Sree Indilayappan Temple: Marayikkodu Sree Indilayappan Kshethram is a 1500-year-old Hindu temple in South India. Non-Hindus are permitted in the temple.
Sightseeing Places
- Sree Indilayappan Temple: Marayikkodu Sree Indilayappan Kshethram is a 1500-year-old Hindu temple in South India. Non-Hindus are permitted in the temple.
Temples
- Sree Indilayappan Temple: Marayikkodu Sree Indilayappan Kshethram is a 1500-year-old Hindu temple in South India. Non-Hindus are permitted in the temple.
Places That Define Kottarakkara
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Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Kottarakkara on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), about 58 km from Kottarakkara.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottarakkara railway station, about 2 km from central Kottarakkara.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Kottarakkara (Apr, May, Jun) averages 25–31°C with about 284 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Kottarakkara (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 24–30°C with about 247 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Kottarakkara (Oct, Nov) averages 23–30°C with about 289 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Kottarakkara (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 23–33°C with about 41 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 33°C and lows of 23°C.
Suggested Itinerary
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Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Kottarakkara, also transliterated as Kottarakara, is a town and municipality in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. Kottarakkara lies 27 kilometres (17 mi) to the east of Kollam city centre.
- Overview: Kottarakkara, also transliterated as Kottarakara, is a town and municipality in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. Kottarakkara lies 27 kilometres (17 mi) to the east of Kollam city centre.
- Ancient History: Kottarakkara, also known in the ancient days of the kings as the Elayadathu Swarupam, was a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family, later the kingdom collapsed and some elite Nair royals settled in the Thrikkannamangal region of Kottarakkara. It is the home of Kathakali, a well known dance drama which originated initially as Ramanattam created in the 17th century by Prince Kottarakkara Thampuran and later patronized by the Raja of Kottarakkara in the early 19th century absorbing other dance forms of Krishnanattam with further innovations.
The Sacred Heart of Kottarakkara
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Kottarakkara is regarded as the birthplace of Kathakali, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. The art form is believed to have originated in the 17th century when Prince Kottarakkara Thampuran composed several plays and developed it as an alternative to Krishnattam of Guruvayur.
Spiritual Significance
Kottarakkara is regarded as the birthplace of Kathakali, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. The art form is believed to have originated in the 17th century when Prince Kottarakkara Thampuran composed several plays and developed it as an alternative to Krishnattam of Guruvayur.
Pilgrimage Traditions
Kottarakkara, also known in the ancient days of the kings as the Elayadathu Swarupam, was a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family, later the kingdom collapsed and some elite Nair royals settled in the Thrikkannamangal region of Kottarakkara.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kottarakkara is most comfortable in December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is March (average high 35°C) and the wettest months are May, June, July, August, September, October and November.
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), about 58 km away. The nearest railway station is Kottarakkara railway station, about 2 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Sree Indilayappan Temple.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 29°C to 35°C over the year, with about 2367 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Kottarakkara
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