Koottickal

Koottickal is a village at the base of Western Ghats mountain ranges in Kottayam District, Kerala. It is 2000 feet above sea level and is situated in the eastern border of Kottayam District, 60 km from Kottayam, and around 6 km away from Mundakayam on the Kottayam-Kumily National Highway.. There are streams and waterfalls in the surrounding places. The Muthukora Hills (2500 ft above MSL) are nearby. Urban centres in Kottayam and Ernakulam districts can be viewed from the top of Muthukora Hills.

This village is situated near Manimala river. Kuttikkanam, Peermade and Thekkady Forest Reserve are close by. St. George's High School is one of the oldest high schools in Kottayam District.

Rubber is a prime crop in Koottickal valley and is one of the first places in India where it was cultivated.. The Irish planter, John Joseph Murphy nurtured his rubber plantations here. The tomb of Murphy is situated atop the nearby hillock. The old-world charm of British plantations is still around with purity of village life.

Koottickal can be reached from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram International Airports via Kottayam.

Kottickal is really a beatiful place because of its wildness. During Mansoon is shows all its beauty through rains, waterfalls and greenish hills.

* [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/12/10/stories/2005121001790200.htm Hill with a view]