Kottayam, India

Kottayam, India

Kottayam India

From the beginning of the ninth century AD, the histories of Thekkumkoor and Kottayam were virtually indistinguishable. Kottayam was then part of Vempolinad, a region within the Kulashekara Empire (800–1102 AD). Around 1100 AD, the Kingdom of Vempolinad split into the kingdoms of Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur. After the division, Thekkumkur became an independent kingdom, while Vadakkumkur became a vassal of Cochin. The royal family was originally based in Vennimala, Kottayam. It was protected by a fort known as Thaliyilkotta, and the locality eventually became known by the same name as the fort. Later, the Thekkumkoor kings moved their headquarters to Nattassery, near Kumaranallore on the outskirts of Kottayam town. It is also believed that the Thekkumkoor family ruled Kottayam from Thazhathangadi. Later, the Portuguese and the Dutch established trade relations with both kingdoms, trading in black pepper and other spices.
Recommended airport
Cochin (COK)
Nearby destinations
  • Kochi a 49.75 km
  • Kumarakom a 9.52 km
  • Alleppey a 21.54 km