Take a look at Kallara, the knowledge town

Kottayam: Kallara, a small town 20 km northwest of Kottayam, is now known as an educational centre for its number of established schools and the Sree Saradavilasini Temple, the reigning deity of which is the goddess of knowledge, Saraswathi. But Kallara is also place with unending stretches of paddy fields, which are a treat to the eyes. The paddy fields are crisscrossed by numerous canals that drain into the backwaters of Ezhumanturuth and fall into the mighty Vembanad Lake.

Another attraction to Kallara is the availability of screwpine that gown in abundance on the side of canals and waterways. Locally called tazha, the shaft of this plant is plucked, cut and seasoned before being woven into an array of beautiful and colourful products.

Legend has it that Pancha Pandavas built the Pandavar Kulangara Sreekrishna Swamy Kshetram and Kallara Kavu in Kallara when they were in exile and hence the place derived its name. Kallara also has many churches of certain Christian factions.

The kettuvallams, modified into cruise boats and house boats, roam the backwaters of Kallara giving tourists a view of its scenic beauty. In addition, there are many tours that take visitors into lush greenery and water bodies of Kallara. There are also several small hotels and spas that allow guests to enjoy herbal treatments.