Are you looking for a destination that offers a blend of nature, culture, and adventure? Do you want to explore a place that is off the beaten track and away from the crowds? If yes, then you should visit Kattappana, a small town in the Sahyadri Range of Kerala, India. Kattappana is known as the cardamom capital of India, as it produces the largest quantity and the finest quality of cardamom in the country. Kattappana is also a place where you can experience the rich and diverse culture of Kerala, with its religious harmony, literacy, and festivals.
Kattappana is a perfect destination for travelers who want to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature, while also learning about the history and traditions of the local people. In this travel guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kattappana, including how to get there, what to see and do, when to visit, where to stay, and more. Read on to discover why Kattappana is a hidden gem of Kerala that you should not miss.
Kattappana History and Culture
Kattappana has a fascinating history and culture that reflects the influence of various communities and religions. The name Kattappana comes from the Malayalam words kattu (forest) and pana (rock), as the town is surrounded by forests and hills. Kattappana was originally a part of the Travancore Kingdom, and later became a part of the Idukki District of Kerala in 1976. Kattappana is famous for its farming, especially of cardamom, which is a spice that is used in many cuisines and medicines.
Kattappana owes its fame and fortune to Sebastian Joseph Njallani, a visionary farmer who developed a unique variety of cardamom called Njallani, which has a superior aroma and flavor. Njallani cardamom is also known as Mysore cardamom or Madras cardamom, and is exported to many countries. Kattappana is also known for its literacy, as it has a literacy rate of 97%, which is higher than the national average of 74%. Kattappana is also known for its religious diversity and harmony, as it has people from different faiths, such as Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism, living together peacefully. Kattappana celebrates many festivals, such as Onam, Christmas, Eid, and Mahavir Jayanti, with great enthusiasm and joy.
Kattappana Places to Visit and Things to Do
Kattappana has many places to visit and things to do that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. Here are some of the top attractions and activities that you should not miss in Kattappana:
St. John’s Hospital:
This is a charitable hospital that was founded by Father John Vadakel in 1968, with the aim of providing free medical care to the poor and needy. The hospital has grown over the years, and now has a capacity of 500 beds, and offers various specialties, such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics. The hospital also has a museum that displays the history and achievements of the hospital, as well as the life and work of Father John Vadakel. The hospital is a testament to the compassion and service of the people of Kattappana, and is a must-visit for anyone who wants to witness the true spirit of humanity.
Anchuruli Tunnel:
This is a scenic tunnel that connects two reservoirs, namely the Idukki Reservoir and the Erattayar Reservoir. The tunnel is about 4 km long, and has a diameter of 3.5 meters. The tunnel was built as part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, which is one of the largest and oldest hydroelectric projects in India. The tunnel offers a stunning view of the Anchuruli Waterfalls, which are formed by the water gushing out of the tunnel. The waterfalls are especially spectacular during the monsoon season, when the water level is high. The tunnel is also a popular spot for trekking and boating, as it is surrounded by lush green forests and hills. The tunnel is a great place to enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature, and to admire the engineering marvel of the tunnel.
Njallani Cardamom:
This is a unique variety of cardamom that was developed by Sebastian Joseph Njallani, a visionary farmer who revolutionized the cardamom industry in India. Njallani cardamom is famous for its superior aroma and flavor, and is also more resistant to pests and diseases. Njallani cardamom is also known as Mysore cardamom or Madras cardamom, and is exported to many countries. You can visit the Njallani Cardamom Estate, which is the largest cardamom estate in India, and learn about the cultivation and processing of cardamom. You can also buy some fresh and authentic cardamom from the estate, and enjoy its taste and fragrance.
Kattappana Market:
This is a bustling market that sells fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and handicrafts. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine of Kattappana, and to buy some souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family. The market is especially lively on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when it attracts many vendors and buyers from nearby towns and villages. The market is also a good place to try some of the delicious and diverse dishes of Kattappana, such as appam, puttu, idiyappam, fish curry, chicken roast, beef fry, and payasam.
Kattappana Cuisine:
This is a delicious and diverse cuisine that reflects the influence of various cultures and religions that have shaped Kattappana. Kattappana cuisine is mainly based on rice, coconut, spices, fish, and meat, and has a variety of dishes that suit different tastes and preferences. Some of the popular dishes of Kattappana cuisine are appam, which is a thin and soft pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, puttu, which is a steamed rice cake with coconut shavings, idiyappam, which is a string hopper made from rice flour and water, fish curry, which is a spicy and tangy curry made from fish and coconut milk, chicken roast, which is a dry and crispy dish made from chicken and spices, beef fry, which is a spicy and crunchy dish made from beef and coconut oil, and payasam, which is a sweet and creamy dessert made from rice, milk, sugar, and nuts. Kattappana cuisine is a feast for the senses, and is a must-try for anyone who loves food.
Kattappana Travel Tips and Resources
Kattappana is a destination that is easy to reach and explore, but there are some tips and resources that can help you make your trip more smooth and enjoyable. Here are some of the tips and resources that you should keep in mind while planning and visiting Kattappana:
How to get to Kattappana:
Kattappana is well-connected by road and air, and you can choose the mode of transportation that suits your budget and convenience. The nearest airport to Kattappana is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 110 km away, and has flights from many domestic and international destinations. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Kattappana, which will take about 3 hours. The nearest railway station to Kattappana is the Kottayam Railway Station, which is about 85 km away, and has trains from many major cities in India. You can take a taxi or a bus from the railway station to Kattappana, which will take about 2 hours. You can also drive to Kattappana from nearby cities, such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Munnar, Thekkady, etc., which have scenic and well-maintained roads.
How to book your accommodation and transportation in Kattappana:
Kattappana has a range of accommodation options, from budget hotels and homestays to luxury resorts and villas. You can book your accommodation online or offline, depending on your preference and availability. Some of the popular and recommended accommodation options in Kattappana are Hotel Green Valley, Hotel Hill Palace, Hotel Kattappana, Hotel Njallani, Hotel Orchid Residency, Hotel Sreekrishna, Hotel Thekkady, Hotel Vrindavan, Homestay Kattappana, Homestay Njallani, Resort Green Meadows, Resort Misty Mountain, Resort Spice Garden, Villa Cardamom County, and Villa Kattappana. You can book your transportation online or offline, depending on your preference and availability. You can rent a car, a bike, or a bicycle, or use public transportation.
How to budget your expenses and save money in Kattappana:
Kattappana is a destination that is affordable and economical, and you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable trip without spending too much. The average cost of a trip to Kattappana for a solo traveler is about INR 2,000 per day, which includes accommodation, transportation, food, and sightseeing. You can save money by choosing budget hotels or homestays, using public transportation or renting a bike, eating at local restaurants or street stalls, and avoiding unnecessary shopping or tipping. You can also look for discounts and offers on online platforms.
How to stay safe and healthy in Kattappana:
Kattappana is a destination that is safe and healthy, and you can have a hassle-free and worry-free trip. However, there are some precautions and tips that you should follow to ensure your safety and health in Kattappana. Here are some of them:
- Carry your identity proof, such as passport, Aadhaar card, driving license, etc., and keep them in a safe and secure place.
- Inform your family and friends about your itinerary and contact details, and keep in touch with them regularly.
- Avoid traveling alone at night, and stay in well-lit and crowded areas.
- Beware of scams and frauds, and do not trust strangers or give them your personal or financial information.
- Respect the local laws and regulations, and do not indulge in any illegal or immoral activities.
- Carry a first-aid kit, and some essential medicines, such as painkillers, antiseptics, antihistamines, etc., and consult a doctor if you feel unwell or have any injuries.
- Drink only bottled or filtered water, and avoid tap water or ice cubes.
- Eat only freshly cooked and hygienic food, and avoid raw or street food.
- Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing, and protect yourself from the sun, rain, and insects.
- Carry a mosquito repellent, and a sunscreen lotion, and apply them regularly.
How to respect the local customs and etiquette in Kattappana:
Kattappana is a destination that has a rich and diverse culture, and you should respect and appreciate the local customs and etiquette in Kattappana. Here are some of the dos and don’ts that you should follow while visiting Kattappana:
- Do greet the locals with a smile and a namaste, which is a gesture of folding your hands and bowing your head slightly.
- Do ask for permission before taking photos or videos of the locals or their property, and respect their privacy and dignity.
- Do dress modestly and conservatively, and avoid wearing revealing or offensive clothing, especially in religious places.
- Do remove your shoes and cover your head before entering a temple, mosque, church, or any other place of worship, and follow the rules and rituals of the respective faith.
- Do appreciate and compliment the local cuisine, art, music, and handicrafts, and try to learn some words and phrases in Malayalam, the local language.
- Don’t litter or pollute the environment, and dispose of your waste properly or carry it with you.
- Don’t touch or harm the plants, animals, or birds, and respect the natural resources and biodiversity of Kattappana.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol in public places, and avoid any intoxicating substances or drugs.
- Don’t engage in any public display of affection, such as kissing, hugging, or holding hands, and respect the social norms and values of Kattappana.
- Don’t argue or bargain too much with the vendors or shopkeepers, and pay a fair and reasonable price for the goods and services.
Kattappana is a destination that is worth visiting and exploring, as it offers a unique and unforgettable experience of nature, culture, and adventure. Kattappana is a place where you can enjoy the scenic and serene beauty of the Sahyadri Range, the aromatic and flavorful cardamom, the rich and diverse culture of Kerala, and the warm and hospitable people of Kattappana. Kattappana is a place where you can have a relaxing and refreshing trip, while also learning and discovering new things. Kattappana is a place where you can create and cherish some of the best memories of your life.
We hope that this travel guide has helped you to plan and enjoy your trip to Kattappana, and that you have found it informative and useful. We would love to hear from you about your feedback and experiences in Kattappana, and how we can improve our travel guides.
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