Kottayam, an ancient city, is also one of the larger towns in Kerala. It became the first city in India to achieve 100% literacy in 1989 and is known as the Letter Capital of Kerala or ‘Akshara Nagari’ (City of Letters) due to the presence of publishing houses, newspaper companies, colleges, and university. Kottayam also boasts of the first English educational center in South India and the first Malayalam printing press that was established by Benjamin Bailey in 1820 AD. Geographically, it is considered as a gateway to the high ranges in Central Kerala and is fringed by the magnificent Vembanad Lake and the rice fields of Kuttanad to its west and the Western Ghats to its east. The calm backwaters of Kerala that are synonymic with any Kerala Tourism promotion are the main attraction of this district.

Tourist Places in Kottayam

01. Vembanad Lake

The Vembanad Lake is a huge freshwater lake stretching from Kochi to Alappuzha extended by a wide network of rivers and canals. The lake is formed by joining of 10 rivers including six major rivers from central Kerala and is India’s longest lake with a length of 96.5 km. It has now become a major backwater tourism destination where one can see and do many things:

• Sit along the edges of this huge lake and admire the wildlife, fishermen on their canoes, and magnificent houseboats that cross the channels of these backwaters.
• Enjoy the many shades of colors of the lake and the sky depending on the time of the day. Admire the sunset view. Do not forget to carry your camera and binoculars, of course!
• Take a houseboat cruise or canoe ride into the heart of the scenic lake and enjoy the sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. One has to take a boat ride to feel the enormity of this lake.
• Get hands-on experience on fishing. The lake is rich with a wide variety of fishes, like Pearl Spot, Labeo, Prawns, Challa, Milk Fish, etc.

The Vembanad Lake can be accessed from Kumarakom or the Muhamma boat jetty at Alappuzha.

Distance: 16 km from Kottayam town

02. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary spread across 14 acres is situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. It is a renowned bird sanctuary where one would come across a wide variety of migratory birds. The sanctuary was developed in a rubber plantation during the British rule and was formerly known as the Baker’s Estate.

There are well laid out tracks to move within the sanctuary and one can also take a boat ride to cruise along the Vembanad Lake or float along the Kavanar River to watch local birdlife. Pathiramanal, a 10-acre enchanting island along with other tiny islands that are home to a rare breed of migratory birds can be accessed by a boat from the bird sanctuary. The main attractions here are the local birds like waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, Indian darter, egret, moorhen, kingfishers, and the cormorant, white ibis, Brahminy kite. Among the migratory birds that are to be seen here are Siberian crane, Parrot teal, lark along with others during their respective migratory seasons.

• Travel Tips: Start early as it takes 2-3 hrs to cover the sanctuary. Also dawn is the ideal time for bird watching when birds prepare to leave their homes to fly over the Vembanad Lake. Do not forget to carry your binoculars and camera. Also carry with you some snacks and definitely drinking water.
• Best Time to Visit the Sanctuary Is: June – August, the breeding season of the resident wetland birds. November – May every year the sanctuary is a shelter for some rare migratory birds.
• Timings: 06:30 am – 6:00 pm (Last entry is at 03:30 pm)
• Distance: 16 km from Kottayam town

03. Poonjar Palace

Poonjar, a small town in Kottayam district set in the foothills of Western Ghats is a place of historic importance. The Poonjar dynasty that originated from the Pandyan kings migrated from Madurai to this part of Kerala in the 12th century, due to constant civil wars in the Tamil state. They also carried with them one of the three idols of Meenakshi – ‘Kula Devatha’ and established it as a ‘Pratishta’ at the Meenakshi Temple, situated on the banks of the Meenachil River. During their stay, the Poonjar family procured land from the Thekkancoor Rajas, part of the Kottayam, Pathanamthitta Ernakulam and Idukki districts, ruled and maintained their supremacy late until the 18th century. In the late 19th century, the Travancore Royals backed by the British took control and established their colonial power over these regions of Kerala.

This ancient Poonjar palace reflects the real wealth of the past era. Exquisite antiques, furniture including a palanquin, an Ayurvedic massage treatment bed (known as ‘Droni’), chandeliers, jewel boxes, sculptures, weapons and palm leave engravings have been preserved here. Close to the palace is a replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple that has sculptures narrating stories from the Puranas. Another attraction not be missed here is the ‘Chuttuvilakku’ (Row of lamps) carved on the stone walls of the Sastha Temple.

Distance: 41 km from Kottayam

04. Ilaveezhapoonchira

This is an idyllic picnic spot surrounded by beautiful hillocks that makes it an ideal place for trekking too. During monsoons, the valley between the mountains fills up to form a large pond. “Illa-veezha-poonchira” means ‘the pond of flowers where leaves do not fall’. It can be easily reached by road from Palai in Kottayam.

Distance: 20 km from Thodupuzha / 55 km from Kottayam

05. Kumarakom

Kumarakom, an enchanting backwater village in the Kuttanad region of Kerala, is a collection of small islands on the Vembanad Lake. It has now become a popular tourist destination that offers visitors plenty of leisure options including, Boating and fishing facilities, riding through the backwater country on a houseboat (locally known as ‘Kettuvallam’), sail through the zigzag waterways on a canoe, or relax at a backwater resort set amidst lofty coconut palms and evergreen foliage.

Place to Visit/Things to Do in Kumarakom:

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Pathiramanal: A picturesque island known for its beauty and a favorite haunt for the rare migratory birds.
• Houseboat Ride: Take a houseboat cruise on the Vembanad Lake from Kumarakom to Alleppey.
• Boat Race in Kumarakom: Two main boat races are Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race (popularly known as the Kumarakom Boat Race held in August/September) and Kavanattinkara Boat Race (held during Onam Season – September).
• Bay Island Driftwood Museum: A museum with a unique collection of sculptures made of driftwood, collected from the Bay Islands of Andaman and Nicobar. These wood sculptures that were drifted to the shores by waves are mostly in their original shape and have been refined with a little effort and skill to resemble living beings – animals, reptiles, birds and fishes.
• Antique Shops: There are few antique shops in and around Kumarakom that sell traditional handicrafts, ethnic designs, and items that include swords, knives, lamps, household utensils, large wooden panels and carved pillars that were part of traditional homes.
• Churches in Kumarakom: Almost one third of the local population here in Kumarakom is Christians. There are quite a number of churches here:
• Vadakkumkara St.John’s Church (Kariyil Church): Built-in 1760, it was the first Roman Catholic Church in Kumarakom.
• John’s Church, Vallara: Built-in 1841 for the Knanaya Christians.
• Attamangalam St. John’s Jacobite Church: A Jacobite church built-in 1853 whose patron saint is John, the Baptist. One could also find on display the paintings of various holy men hanging by the walls of this church; one that notably stands out is that of Parumala Thirumeni, painted by the renowned painter, Raja Ravi Varma, of the Travancore royal family.
• All Saints’ CSI: Built by Robert George Baker in 1894 for the 12 labor families in his estate who had accepted Christianity?
• Other churches in Kumarakom are: Peter’s Church, St. John’s Orthodox Church, St. Markus’ CSI Church.
• Temples in Kumarakom: Most temples in Kumarakom are centuries old and boast of their rich history and tradition followed till date.
• Subrahmanya Temple and Sree Dharma Sastha Temple: The Subrahmanya Temple is believed to be the first temple of Kumarakom. Built almost 1800 years ago on orders of the Vadakkumkore king, the village is supposed to have got its name from the two words – ‘Kumara’ and ‘Akam’ which means ‘home of lord Subrahmanya’. Built-in the same complex is the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, believed to be about 1200 years old.
• Sree Kumara Mangalam Temple: The Sree Kumara Mangalam Temple is more than a century old and was built after Sree Narayana Guru, a great social reformer who stood up against the caste prejudices of Hinduism, consecrated an idol of Lord Subrahmanya. This idol became the deity of the Sree Kumara Mangalam Temple.
• Other temples in Kumarakom are: Muthante Nada Mahadeva Temple, Puthiyakavu Devi Temple, Thekkumkara Sree Ardhanariswara Temple, Nashanthara Sree Bhagavathy Temple

06. Mannanam

Mannanam in Kottayam district is a place of historic prominence and has many firsts to boast of: the first seminary of the Malabar Church (1833); the first Catholic Sanskrit School in Kerala set up in 1846; the first printing press (CMS Press) started by Benjamin Bailey in 1846; and the first daily newspaper in Malayalam – Deepika started in 1887. The Chavara Art Museum at Mannanam has brilliant exhibits of the church history. DTPC Kottayam provides fascinating boat rides through the backwaters on the Pennar Canal.

Distance: 11 km from Kottayam

07. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

The Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is an ideal picnic spot located among the rubber plantations. Water cascades down the mountains from a height of 100 ft. in a five-step series making it a great spectacle to watch. St. Mary’s Church is situated on top of the waterfall.

Distance: 19 km from Kottayam / 2 km from Pallickathode

08. St. Mary’s Church, Bharananganam

Bharananganam is an important pilgrim center in South India. The St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Church also known as the ‘Anakkallu Palli’ is where the mortal remains of St. Alphonsa have been preserved. Thousands of devotees gather every year at this church during the annual festival, to commemorate the death anniversary of Saint Alphonsa on 28 July.

Distance: 5 kms east of Pala / 25 kms from Kottayam

09. St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Cheriapally

Also known as Kottayam Cheriyapally (meaning ‘small church’ in Malayalam), it is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. Built-in 1579 by Thekkumkoor Maharajah after a large scale migration of the Christian community to this region; this church has an outstanding architecture blend in Portuguese and Kerala style. The walls are decorated with beautiful murals made in Oriental and Western styles based on scriptural and non-scriptural themes.

Distance: 2 kms from Kottayam

10. Juma Masjid, Thazhathangady

The Thazhathangady Juma Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in India, almost 1000 years old. It has been famous for its architecture, wood carvings and traditional design that gives it a resemblance to a king’s palace. The mosque is situated on the banks of the Meenachil River.

Mosque Timings: 07:00 am – 06:00 pm.

Distance: 4 km from Kottayam on the Kottayam – Kumarakom Road.

11. Thirunakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple

The Thirunakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple is a 500-year-old temple built by the Thekkumkoor Maharajah, in the heart of Kottayam town. The temple is one of the most revered Siva temples in central Kerala, and the construction of the temple is worth viewing, built in traditional Kerala architecture style with colorful murals. The Painkuni festival conducted during the Malayalam month ‘Meenam’ is the main festival of this temple.

Temple Timings: 04:00 am – 11:00 am and 05:00 pm – 08:00 pm.

Distance: 2 km from Kottayam

12. Dharmasastha Temple, Pakkil

Located in Kottayam district, the Dharmasastha Temple at Paakil is among one of the eight temples established by Parasurama. The annual festival of this temple is ‘Sankranti Vanibham’ celebrated in the Malayalam month of Midhunam (June/July).

Distance: 3 kms from Kottayam

13. St. George’s Church, Puthuppally

The St. George’s Church at Puthuppally is a famous Malankara Orthodox Church believed to have been built by the Thekkumkoor Rajas. Decades later, the church was successively rebuilt multiple times, thus consecrating it into a composite shrine of three churches. It was declared as the ‘Georgian Pilgrim Centre of the East’ by Baselius Didymus I Catholicos of the East in the year 2007. The annual festival (Puthuppally Perunnal) is a feast of St. George (Gee Varghese).

Distance: 8 kms from Kottayam on the Kottayam – Kozhencherry Road.

14. Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple

The Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple situated in Kottayam district of Kerala. It was reconstructed in its present form in the year 1542 AD. The temple has been famous for its Dravidian mural paintings on the walls, especially the painting of Nataraja (dancing Shiva) in the gopuram and the gold statue of seven and half elephants (‘Ezharaponnaana’ in Malayalam) weighing 13kg, which is held in public view during the Arattu festival (a 10 day festival in February/March).

Distance: 11 kms from Kottayam & 2 kms from Ettumanoor Railway Station.

15. CSI Cathedral Church

The CSI Cathedral is a famous church located in the Kottayam district of Kerala. It was built during the British reign and is considered as a monument of that era.

Distance: 3 kms from Kottayam.

16. Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church situated at Devalokam in Kottayam is known to be the headquarters of the Indian Orthodox Church that is believed to have been founded by St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus Christ, who came to India in A.D. 52.

Distance: 59 kms from Kottayam

17. Vaikom Siva Temple

The Vaikom Siva Temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala where its pooja ceremony has continued since its inception, without being broken. Situated at Vaikom in Kottayam district of Kerala, it is a prominent pilgrim center in South India. The temple construction resembles the typical Kerala style of architecture and it has been famous for its elephant parades, traditional art performances, and the annual temple festival is known as ‘Vaikom Ashtami’ held in November/December.

Distance: 31 kms from Kottayam

18. St. Mary’s Forane Church, Athirampuzha

The St. Mary’s Syro Malabar Catholic church at Athirampuzha is a 9th-century church built in 835 AD. It was built on the land donated by the Brahmin family of Ettanasseri, as a thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for the miraculous birth of a son in their family. Leonard D’Cruz, a Portuguese sailor has installed the statue of St. Sebastian here in 1687. The renovation of the present church with beautiful gardens and a grand structure began in 1962 and was consecrated in 1966. The annual festival (or Palli Perunnal in Malayalam) is celebrated in honor of St. Sebastian with offerings of gold, silver, fireworks, and illuminations all around.

Distance: 8 kms from Kottayam

19. St. Mary’s Church, Kudamaloor

An 800-year-old ancient church that was built by the Chembakassery Maharajah. The Kudamaloor Temple close to the Church is also equally famous.

Distance: 4 kms from Kottayam

20. St. Joseph’s Monastery, Mannanam

The St. Joseph’s Monastery Church at Mannanam is a prominent pilgrimage center whose foundations were laid by Father Kuriakose Elias of Chavara. Father Kuriakose was declared as a Saint by the Vatican in the year 2014 and his mortal remains are preserved here at this church. Thousands of devotees gather here to pay homage to this Saint every Saturday.

Distance: 10 kms from Kottayam

21. Vimalagiri Church

Also known as the Angathattu Palli, the foundation stone of this impressive church dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary was laid in 1956 and construction completed by 1964. Tourists find the architecture of the Vimalagiri Church to be spellbinding as it was constructed in lines of the traditional Gothic style of architecture.

Distance: 600 meters from Kottayam Railway Station.

22. Pazhayapalli, Changanacherry

This 950-year-old mosque is among one of the famous mosques of Central Travancore. The annual festival known as Thangal Adiyanthiram involves a grand community feast where devotees offer up to two tonnes of rice to prepare Biryani to be served on this day. The Chandanakudam festival celebrated at this mosque is also a crowd-pulling event in Changanacherry Town.

Distance: 2 kms from Changanassery and 21 kms from Kottayam

How to Reach

By Road: Kottayam is well-connected to other major districts of Kerala. The KSRTC Bus Station at Kottayam operates bus services to all major cities in Kerala.

Distances between major towns are as mentioned below:

• Kottayam to Kumarakom: 12 km
• Kochi to Kottayam: 62 km
• Thiruvalla to Kottayam: 27 km
• Kottayam to Thiruvananthapuram: 152 km

By Air: The nearest International Airport to Kottayam is the Cochin International Airport or Nedumbassery Airport, Kochi (COK): 76 km

By Rail: The Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM) is situated at a distance of 2 km from the Kottayam Bus Terminus. All major trains pass through and stop at this station.