help, what's the truth about kottayam?

magmich · Sep 5th, 2007, 07:13

i am headed to india (maiden voyage) by mid-october. i have a job offer in kottayam that fits my needs very well. however, after reading a description of the city in "the lonely planet": "a rather ugly mess of concrete buildings and traffic." i am hesitant to take the postion.

additionally, i was told by someone who worked for the same folks i will that kottayam, "is nothing, has nothing, nothing, nothing."

two sources can't be wrong, right?

thanks for your guidance y'all.
much peace,
maggie

machadinha · Sep 5th, 2007, 07:44

Hm... I may have some Kerala placenames mixed up, but isn't Kottayam some sleepy tropical backwatery smalltown? If so and if that's your thing, could be quite pleasant. If not, could be quite boring I guess. Couple of nice eateries and the odd bar and a cinema if I recall. Concrete blocks I can't remember, fading colonial bungalows kind of stuff rather.

Mind you, I really may have it mixed up with another place (Kollam?) Others will be in with their reflections no doubt. In the meantime, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kottayam with links to official city sites etc.

No chance to visit first to check it out for yourself? Not a bad idea when relocating anyway.

dimitri · Sep 5th, 2007, 11:00

Hi,

Kottayam town is densely populated with narrow roads and heavy trafffic during peak hours. But once you move out of the town it is a peaceful and beautiful place. In fact the most famed Kumarakom backwaters is around 14 kms from Kottayam.

Kottayam is one of the richest towns in Kerala. It has branches of almost all the banks.
It is a Christian dominated place having headquarters of many Christian communities.
However if you are looking for a in vogue place where you can get to hang around, this might not be the place. But it is quite developed and you will get everything that you will ever need from there.

ranjan154 · Sep 5th, 2007, 11:14

My friend, forming an opinion about anything on recommendation is not bad but authentication of any recommendation is very necessary. Something bad for someone might be great for you.

New-South-Welshman · Sep 5th, 2007, 11:46

I have a friend whose mother comes from Kottayam. He says he loves it because it's layed back and easy going. Not to mention the sometimes great weather.

pundabee · Sep 5th, 2007, 12:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by magmich

i am headed to india (maiden voyage) by mid-october. i have a job offer in kottayam that fits my needs very well. however, after reading a description of the city in "the lonely planet": "a rather ugly mess of concrete buildings and traffic." i am hesitant to take the postion.

additionally, i was told by someone who worked for the same folks i will that kottayam, "is nothing, has nothing, nothing, nothing."

two sources can't be wrong, right?

thanks for your guidance y'all.
much peace,
maggie

If you want to hang out in expensive bars and nightclubs with other foreigners you probably won't like Kottayam. If you want to spend your free time experiencing the outstanding natural beauty of Kerala, Kottayam is in a perfect location (e.g. the backwaters are a 20 minute drive from Kottayam, and the ascent into the mountains is only 50 km from Kottayam).

You can rent a house less than 30 minutes from the centre of town for less than $200 a month (basic but nice).

You can buy anything you need in Kottayam.

Kochi, the economic capital of Kerala, is only 2 hours from Kottayam.

Kottayam is well connected by trains and buses.

Keralans are the nicest people in India.

However, you have to be able to deal with rain, heat and humidity (just like you would have to in many other places in India).

Nick-H · Sep 5th, 2007, 13:57

It's on my list of maybe-places to live at some time in the future!

Even Trivandrum and Kochi are laid back. Do not expect wild life in Kerala!

Uhhh.... there's plenty of wildlife though!

.

federica · Sep 5th, 2007, 23:40

I agree with all the posts before. Kottayam is quite laid back, but not ugly. Concrete towers? No. You can find them in Ernakulam, but even there it's no concrete jungle at all.

Kottayam is in the Christian area of Kerala (that doesn't mean you'll find only Christians there), and railway connection is pretty good.

The scenery is nice, you can go on backwater trips every day

The ferry boat to Allepey takes around 2h.

If you want nightlife, don't go to Kerala at all... but you will find so many other beautiful things there, you won't miss it

Nick-H · Sep 6th, 2007, 00:06

Isn't it the railway station for Sabarimela (sp?)? In which case it will be full of black-clothed Hindu men at pilgrimage times.

magmich · Sep 6th, 2007, 00:53

thanks for your replies, KEEP THEM COMING!

i don't find night-life a vital requirement(particulary when it comes in the form of night-clubs laden with the same folks i could hang out with here in the US,) but it is important for me to have social connections; a tea/coffeeshop to hang out at, outdoor markets, etc.

however, yoga is essential for me (and one the signifiant reasons i am heading to india.) should i assume it is in kottayam?

to boot, i have read some about kalarippayat. as a capoeirista, i would really love to train the anceint tradition. (i know the opportunity to do so exisits around thiruvananthapuram.) would the same be true in kottayam?

again, i appreicate your words and wisdom. i understand that advice is--well, just that. india is so enormous though, and very daunting (in spite of a meritbale amount of world travel under my belt.)

much peace,
maggie

machadinha · Sep 6th, 2007, 01:10

There's this recent thread which might provide some inspiration: Kerala Kalarippayattu .

I think building up a social life and true friendships (rather than superficial or professional acquaintances) and so on can be tough in a place like India, but it's not really my place to say, so -- over to the others

What I can say is most immigrants anywhere face this sort of trouble. There's a difference between moving somewhere and really being at home there, and it can take literally years, if not forever (I come from an expat family).

federica · Sep 7th, 2007, 03:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Isn't it the railway station for Sabarimela (sp?)? In which case it will be full of black-clothed Hindu men at pilgrimage times.

Yes, it is...

susanmallugal · Sep 12th, 2007, 22:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by magmich

i am headed to india (maiden voyage) by mid-october. i have a job offer in kottayam that fits my needs very well. however, after reading a description of the city in "the lonely planet": "a rather ugly mess of concrete buildings and traffic." i am hesitant to take the postion.

additionally, i was told by someone who worked for the same folks i will that kottayam, "is nothing, has nothing, nothing, nothing."

two sources can't be wrong, right?

thanks for your guidance y'all.
much peace,
maggie

Well Maggie, I am sure all cities are well populated with people. Kottayam is growing and most of india is something of a mess. but i think u should go with an open mind. As you will love the people and their culture. the food is great! Kerala is the most lush state compared to the rest of india! the highest amt of litaracy is in Kerala too. don't worry..i am sure you will enjoy it. but i must say it's no america. so only if u enjoy travelling then u should go. I am sure you will love it. most americans do.

good luck!

Jorge Reverter · Sep 13th, 2007, 01:25

Kottayam is the city of books in India. That's means quite a lot at least for me. Something like Hay On Wye in South Wales but bigger. The city is extremely well situated with a pleasant weather in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Wish I was there.

Jorge

Btw - The mother of Arundhati Roy used to live there.

Nick-H · Sep 13th, 2007, 01:40

That sounds great

Sep 5th, 2007, 07:13	#1
magmich Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: portland, oregon Posts: 3	help, what's the truth about kottayam? i am headed to india (maiden voyage) by mid-october. i have a job offer in kottayam that fits my needs very well. however, after reading a description of the city in "the lonely planet": "a rather ugly mess of concrete buildings and traffic." i am hesitant to take the postion. additionally, i was told by someone who worked for the same folks i will that kottayam, "is nothing, has nothing, nothing, nothing." two sources can't be wrong, right? thanks for your guidance y'all. much peace, maggie

Sep 5th, 2007, 07:44	#2
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,391	Hm... I may have some Kerala placenames mixed up, but isn't Kottayam some sleepy tropical backwatery smalltown? If so and if that's your thing, could be quite pleasant. If not, could be quite boring I guess. Couple of nice eateries and the odd bar and a cinema if I recall. Concrete blocks I can't remember, fading colonial bungalows kind of stuff rather. Mind you, I really may have it mixed up with another place (Kollam?) Others will be in with their reflections no doubt. In the meantime, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kottayam with links to official city sites etc. No chance to visit first to check it out for yourself? Not a bad idea when relocating anyway. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Sep 5th, 2007, 11:14	#4
ranjan154 Amateur Photographer Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater Noida (India) Posts: 856	My friend, forming an opinion about anything on recommendation is not bad but authentication of any recommendation is very necessary. Something bad for someone might be great for you. __________________ Rakesh Ranjan -------------- http://www.flickr.com/photos/travinfoindia/

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Sep 5th, 2007, 11:00	#3
dimitri Back to Nature Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Posts: 29	Hi, Kottayam town is densely populated with narrow roads and heavy trafffic during peak hours. But once you move out of the town it is a peaceful and beautiful place. In fact the most famed Kumarakom backwaters is around 14 kms from Kottayam. Kottayam is one of the richest towns in Kerala. It has branches of almost all the banks. It is a Christian dominated place having headquarters of many Christian communities. However if you are looking for a in vogue place where you can get to hang around, this might not be the place. But it is quite developed and you will get everything that you will ever need from there.

Sep 5th, 2007, 11:46	#5
New-South-Welshman Drunk Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sydney, NSW Posts: 1,574	I have a friend whose mother comes from Kottayam. He says he loves it because it's layed back and easy going. Not to mention the sometimes great weather.

Sep 5th, 2007, 13:57	#7
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,213	It's on my list of maybe-places to live at some time in the future! Even Trivandrum and Kochi are laid back. Do not expect wild life in Kerala! Uhhh.... there's plenty of wildlife though! .

Sep 5th, 2007, 23:40	#8
federica Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Bavaria Posts: 1,774	I agree with all the posts before. Kottayam is quite laid back, but not ugly. Concrete towers? No. You can find them in Ernakulam, but even there it's no concrete jungle at all. Kottayam is in the Christian area of Kerala (that doesn't mean you'll find only Christians there), and railway connection is pretty good. The scenery is nice, you can go on backwater trips every day The ferry boat to Allepey takes around 2h. If you want nightlife, don't go to Kerala at all... but you will find so many other beautiful things there, you won't miss it

Sep 6th, 2007, 00:06	#9
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,213	Isn't it the railway station for Sabarimela (sp?)? In which case it will be full of black-clothed Hindu men at pilgrimage times.

Sep 6th, 2007, 00:53	#10
magmich Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: portland, oregon Posts: 3	thanks for your replies, KEEP THEM COMING! i don't find night-life a vital requirement(particulary when it comes in the form of night-clubs laden with the same folks i could hang out with here in the US,) but it is important for me to have social connections; a tea/coffeeshop to hang out at, outdoor markets, etc. however, yoga is essential for me (and one the signifiant reasons i am heading to india.) should i assume it is in kottayam? to boot, i have read some about kalarippayat. as a capoeirista, i would really love to train the anceint tradition. (i know the opportunity to do so exisits around thiruvananthapuram.) would the same be true in kottayam? again, i appreicate your words and wisdom. i understand that advice is--well, just that. india is so enormous though, and very daunting (in spite of a meritbale amount of world travel under my belt.) much peace, maggie

Sep 6th, 2007, 01:10	#11
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,391	There's this recent thread which might provide some inspiration: Kerala Kalarippayattu . I think building up a social life and true friendships (rather than superficial or professional acquaintances) and so on can be tough in a place like India, but it's not really my place to say, so -- over to the others What I can say is most immigrants anywhere face this sort of trouble. There's a difference between moving somewhere and really being at home there, and it can take literally years, if not forever (I come from an expat family).

Sep 13th, 2007, 01:25	#14
Jorge Reverter Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Murcia - Spain Posts: 1,465	Kottayam is the city of books in India. That's means quite a lot at least for me. Something like Hay On Wye in South Wales but bigger. The city is extremely well situated with a pleasant weather in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Wish I was there. Jorge Btw - The mother of Arundhati Roy used to live there.

Sep 13th, 2007, 01:40	#15
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,213	That sounds great