Kottayam Guide

Acclaimed as the land of letters, latex and lakes, Kottayam has Kottyam is known as the land of letters, latex and lakes Kottayam boast a of Panoramic backwater stretches lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people characterize this picturesque land which attracts hordes of tourists. The majestic Vembanad Lake and the stunning backwaters of Kumarakom are its prime attractions…..

Kottayam sightseeing places

Bharanaganam: Bharananganam is a famous pilgrimage center in Kottayam. It is near Palai town. Bharananganam is a village along the banks of Meenachil River. Bharananganam is also known as Dakshina Guruvayoor (Guruvayoor of South) because of the presence of Sree Krishna Swami Temple. The place name Bharananganam is closely associated with this temple.

Kumarakom: Kumarakom the place is having a small bird sanctuary where different species of birds can be seen. Fishing, boating and visits to the countryside make this destination a unique place to look forward to. A boat cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the serenity of the enchanting backwaters.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: This Bird Sanctuary is having the migratory birds come from the Himalayas, and a few from far away Siberia. The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, Brahminy kite and the duck, as well as the migratory Siberian crane. Parrot, teal, lark, flycatcher, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Dawn is the ideal time for bird watching when the birds prepare to leave their forest homes and fly over the lake. An early morning trek, well before sunrise, is recommended for avid bird watchers

Vembanad Lake: This is an enchanting picnic spot where traditional Cargo boats (also known as Kettuvallams) are modified into cruise boats and house boats, with all the facilities of a luxury hotel including kitchenette, bathrooms and sit-outs. Kottayam packs in a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the enormous stretch of water called the Vembanad Lake. “The midnight sands” or Pathiramanal, the only island in the Vembanad Lake, can also be visited by boat.

Pala and Kanjirapally: Nature nourishes this land of exceptional features with two rivers - Meenachil and Manimala, which in turn are a boon to farmers. Sprinkled with well organized rubber plantations, these places have their name written with golden letters in the economic chronicles of the state.

Ilaveezhapoonchira: Elaveezhapoonchira, a valley where leaves don’t fall, got its name with its lack of trees. This is yet another slice of nature for tourists where the subtle charm of nature is reflected in every detail. The place is accessible from Pala and is located amidst fine-looking hillocks. This hill station (3000 m above sea level) near Melukkavu Mattom, 60 km from Kottayam, is punctuated by gigantic hills. Set amidst the beautiful hillocks of Mankunnu, Kudayatoormala, Thonippara and Poonchira, this valley fills up to form a scenic lake during monsoons. A haven for mountaineering and trekking, this place is also a hotspot to witness sunset and sunrise.

Kurisumala: Kurisumala is located on the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts, boasting of a European model house and an artificial lake (both constructed by the famous architect Laurie Baker). The place is renowned for the Christian pilgrims who flock to here during the Holy week. Devotees climb this rocky hill carrying a small wooden cross on their hands which they believe will reduce their burden of sins and cure diseases. The place is just 3 km from Vazhikkakadavu. There is a rock cut temple at Murugan Mala, to the eastern side of Kurisumala, dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Siva).

Vaikom: The place has its name inscribed in the chronicles of Indian freedom struggle as the place where Mahatma Gandhi took part in the sathyagraha. Vaikom is located on the western side of Kottayam and sharing borders with Vembanad Lake, the place is also renowned as “Thekkan Kashi” (southern Varanassi) for the Mahadeva Temple here. The temple is famous for Ashtami (Vaikkathashtami) Celebrations. With vast emerald backwaters and lush green nature, the place has a high potential for tourism. Spending a vacation cruising along the Vembanad Lake, listening to the chirping of birds is sure to linger in the memories forever. The numerous fishing villages and the tribal hamlets here add to the beauty of Vaikom.

Vayaskara and Chirattamon: Vayaskara and Chirattamon are famous for the full-fledged Ayurvedic treatment and therapy centers.
Wagamon: Wagamon is located 64 km from Kottayam and 65 km from Idukki, Wagamon is set at an altitude of 1100 meter above sea level, making it the trekker’s paradise. Dotted with tea gardens, meadows and majestic waterfalls, this fantastic strip of land is on Idukki - Kottayam border. The 3 hills - Murugan Mala, Kurisumala, And Thangal Hill, further accentuate the beauty of Wagamon. Though making a visit during the monsoons could surprise you with heavy downpours, it is the right time for ayurvedic therapies and treatments.

Poonjar palace: One can also get rare glimpses of chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, royal furniture, jewel boxes, sculptures of Nataraja (the dancing Siva), grain measures, and more. Palanquin, a canoe carved out of single piece of wood, stands out from the rest with its unique beauty and artistic finesse. On Pala-Erattupetta route stands this glorious palace rich with antiques, rock cut lamps and sculptures – everything exuding a royal charm. There is also an amazing replica of the fabled Madurai Meenakshi Temple next to the palace. The walls of this temple are engraved with stories from the Puranas (ancient literatures).

Kottathavalam: This magnificent cave set in the Murugan hills at Kurishumala, welcoming the visitors with a series of steps cut in rocks. Once inside the cave, one gets the rare glimpses of the rocks carved like chairs and couches. The legend attached to the history of the cave says that the royal family from Madurai took rest here in this cave during their journey to Poonjar. There are also figures of Ayyappa, Murugan, Kannaki and Madurai Meenakshi inside the cave.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls: This sparkling waterfall is just 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom and 18 km away from Kottayam. Set amidst rough rocks and rubber plantations, this waterfall falls down from an astonishing height of 100 feet.

Things to Do

• Trekking – Go trekking and explore the many wonders hidden in the dense greenery of the Western Ghats and Wagamon. For those with a penchant for action-packed adventure, Kottayam has surprises galore to offer.
• Kumarakom – Never miss the series of boat races held during the Onam Season in Vembanad Lake. What adds more zing to the event is that viewers get to see diverse varieties of boats including Veppu, Chundan and more.

Quick Facts

Location: Kottayam is located in the southern part of Kerala. The place is bordered by Ernakulam in the north, Idukki in the east, and Alappuzha and Patthanamthitta in the south.
Climate: Enjoying an annual rainfall of 346 cm, the place has a tropical climate. The hot season fall between the months of March and May. One can enjoy torrential rains brought by the monsoon clouds during June to September – this is the ideal season for an ayurveda vacation.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Shopping: The best time to shop in Kottayam is from 9.30 am to 8 pm. Most of the shops here are located on the stretch of Kottayam-Kumily road (better known as KK road), which passes through the town. A trip to the much fabled Baker Junction can also add to your shopping experience.

How to Reach Kottayam?

By Air: The nearest international airport is at Cochin, located at a distance of around 80 kilometers.

By Rail: The railway station of Kottayam is located at a distance of just 2 kilometers from the bus station. There are regular trains from major cities of Kerala that come to Kottayam.

By Roads: Kottayam is well connected to the rest of Kerala and India by a wide network of motor able roads.

Click here for Kottayam Map