If you want to swap the honeypot resorts for countryside, then the serene Kariyampadam tourist village, though located in the city limits of Kottayam, is the perfect rural retreat far from the madding crowd. Close to 110 acres of paddy fields in the 51st ward of the Kottayam municipality were put to good use to tap the region's tourism potential. 

What to see?
Kariyampadam is in a different league altogether with its vast, lush green paddy fields and the soothing, cool breeze. The bund on one side of the canal, in the middle of the paddy field, has been made into a walkway by laying coir geotextile. The picturesque one-kilometre path attracts people in droves in the morning and evening for their daily dose of walking. Walking on the pathway is never tedious as the spot is riddled with breathtaking views. According to officials concerned, the Kariyampadam walkway is the longest path laid with coir geotextile under the Employment Guarantee Scheme. 

Activity possibilities
You can meander through the canal in a pedal boat and there are also instructors who can teach you the nuances of kayaking. Angling enthusiasts can go on a fishing spree in Kariyampadam. You can spice up your palate by hopping into the Kudumbashree-run eating outlet, which is open at fixed hours. There are marked spaces with chairs where you can take a breather and relax, and the beautiful sunset takes Kariyampadam to another level.

Attractions nearby
1) The 400-year-old St Mary's Church, built by the Chempakasseri Maharaja in 1125 AD. St Alphonsa was baptised in this church.
2) Valiyamadom Nalukettu of the Chembakassery kings
3) Alphonsa Bhavan, the ancestral home of the saint, is also a pilgrimage centre. 
4) Various traditional homestays along the calm Meenachil River

How to reach?
Take a left turn from the first market junction you reach while travelling on the Kudamaloor road after crossing the Kumaranallur bridge while coming from Kottayam. The distance between Kottayam railway station and Kariyampadam is 5km. 

Things to remember 
• Don’t litter as the paddy fields are harvested periodically 
• Don’t try to enter the canal as it is fraught with danger 
• Use pedal boats and kayaks with the permission of the authorities 
• Drive with utmost care on the Kumaranallur-Kudamaloor road that leads to Kariyampadam, as it’s narrow. 

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