Pala Voyage Tips and guide

Pala is a town in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. Pala is the headquarters of the Meenachil Taluk and the Pala Revenue Division. It is a bustling commercial center surrounded by rubber plantations, rivers, and hills. It also serves as a base for exploring nearby hill stations and pilgrimage sites.

Pala lies on the banks of the Meenachil River and has long been an important trading hub, especially for rubber and agricultural products. The town has a strong Christian cultural presence alongside Hindu and Muslim communities.

Pala is well connected by road:

• From Kottayam (≈30 km)
• From Ernakulam (Kochi) (≈75 km)
• From Thodupuzha and Ettumanoor

Regular buses (KSRTC and private) operate frequently from other regions to Pala KSRTC Bus Stand and Kotaramattam Bus Stand (private).

The nearest railway station is:

• Ettumanoor Railway Station (≈25 km)

Alternatively:

• Kottayam Railway Station (major hub)

Nearest airport:

• Cochin International Airport (≈75 km)

• Auto-rickshaws are the easiest way to move within town
• Local buses connect nearby villages
• Taxis are available for longer trips

• 

  St. Thomas Cathedral – A major Syro-Malabar Catholic church and pilgrimage center
• Lalam Old Church – One of the oldest churches in the region
• Pala Kurisupally – The symbol of Pala

• Kadappattor Mahadeva Temple – A prominent Hindu temple on the riverbank
• St. Alphonsa Shrine – The Tomb of St. Alphonsa

• Meenachil River – A river flowing through the town

• Illickal Kallu – A famous hilltop viewpoint with trekking opportunities. It is 20 km far from Pala.

• 

  Participate in Pala Jubilee (December 7) and other local church feasts and also temple festivals.
• Explore nearby waterfalls and hill viewpoints
• Visit rubber plantations around Pala

• Rubber-based products
• Spices from nearby high ranges

• Local bakery items (Kerala chips and aluva)

There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Pala such as Hotel Grand Courtyard, Hotel Bobby's, Friends Hotel , Aimie restaurant, etc.

Pala is known for its Syrian Christian cuisine.

Try

• Appam with stew
• Porotta and beef curry

Local bakeries are also worth visiting.

Alcohol is available in licensed shops. There is a nice toddy shop in Cherpunkal. There, you will get traditional food and toddy.

• Thodpuzha – nearby muncipality
• Wagamon – Hill station
• Illickal Kallu – Trekking spot