Kottathavalam, Kottayam, Kerala India

 The magnificent cave, Kottathavalam near Murugan hills at Kurushumala lies at a distance of about 70 km from Kottayam. The place was surrounded by hills on three sides like a fort and hence it got its name Kottathavalam. One can enter here through a series of rock cut steps and its interior is carved in the shape of chairs and couches. The molded figures of Madurai Meenakshi, Ayyappa, Muruga and Kannaki inside the cave are worth exploring. It is believed that the Pandya king of Madurai and his family camped at this location on their way to Poonjar.