Mayyanad is a coastal village located in the Kollam district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated near the Arabian Sea and is known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Here are some key features and attractions of Mayyanad:
- Backwaters: Mayyanad is situated along the famous Kerala backwaters, which consist of a network of interconnected rivers, lakes, and canals. The backwaters provide stunning views and opportunities for boat rides, making it a popular tourist destination.
- Temples: The village is home to several ancient temples, including the Mayyanad Mahadeva Temple and the Umayanallor Subrahmanya Swami Temple. These temples are not only places of worship but also architectural marvels with intricate sculptures and designs.
- Beaches: Mayyanad has beautiful sandy beaches along its coastline. Tourists can relax by the sea, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, and witness breathtaking sunsets.
- Culture and Festivals: Like many other places in Kerala, Mayyanad has a rich cultural heritage. The village is known for its participation in various traditional festivals, including Onam and Vishu, where cultural performances, music, and dance are part of the celebrations.
- Cuisine: Kerala is famous for its delicious cuisine, and you can savor authentic Kerala dishes in Mayyanad. Seafood is a prominent part of the local diet, and you can enjoy dishes like Kerala fish curry and appam (rice pancakes) in the village.
- Kollam: Mayyanad is in close proximity to Kollam (Quilon), which is one of the oldest seaports in Kerala. Kollam offers additional attractions, including Ashtamudi Lake, the Thangassery Lighthouse, and historic churches.
- Boat Cruises: Visitors to Mayyanad can take boat cruises through the backwaters, offering a unique perspective of the picturesque landscape and the traditional life of the people living along the waterways.
Mayyanad’s natural beauty and cultural heritage make it an appealing destination for tourists looking to experience the charm of Kerala’s coastal villages. It’s a place where you can unwind, enjoy the serene environment, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
About 10 kilometers south of Kollam, is Mayyanad, a beautiful village famous for its temples and shrines. Mayyanad is located on the banks of the Paravur lake. The Subrahmanya Temple at Umayanallor, the most important among the other temples, has a shrine said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Adi Sankaracharya of Kaladi. The Rameshwara Temple has obvious Dravidian characteristics. The Pandyan influence in its design is unmistakable and you can see inscriptions dating between 12th and 16th centuries. Another famous temple here is the Valiyavila Madan Nada. The other temples lie scattered at different places around here. There are frequent bus services from Kollam to Mayyanad or can be reached by local train from Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. Mayyanad’s costal line along the Arabian sea is famous for its fishing. Several famous Temples, Churches and Mosques are situated in Mayyanad.
Malayalam Daily Newspaper “Kerala Kaumudi” was started from Mayyanad in 1911. Mayyanad is the birth place of several social leaders like C.Kesavan, C.V. Kunjuraman, etc. The first Panchayat President was Prof. K. Ravindran who went on to become the founder principal of Mahatma Gandhi Government Arts College in Mahe and Tagore Arts College in Pondicherry.