Home :: South India Travel Destinations :: Kottayam India

The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). Kottayam is one of the exotic backwaters sites attracting tourists throughout the year. Being a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches make this a place of tourist attraction. Lying below the sea level, some of its nearby places are also a treat to the eyes.

Having all the three types of land composition like low, middle and high, this place is a rich panorama of natural beauty. The land is situated on the southern side of Kerala with beautiful landscape surrounding the city. It has Ernakulam on its north while the east is protected by Idukki district. The exotic Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts signify the southern part, whereas Vembanad Lake makes the western side of Kottayam even more striking. Kottayam is also connected with picturesque Vembanad Lake with a canal.

The history of Kottayam is significant from the time of the second Chera Empire who used to have a great influence on the region. Maharaja Marthandaverma had a great influence on the state of Kerala as a ruler. He conquered the Vembolinadu established by his former rulers. Since ages, Kottayam has been regarded as one of the most important places of Kerala both politically and otherwise.

Prime Attractions of Kottayam
Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple: This ancient temple in the town is a sacred place of worshipn for the Hindus. There are some wall paintings. The annual temple festival (March/April) attracts a large number of people.

hazhathangadi Valiapalli (2 km from west of Kottayam town): Built in 1550 AD, this church belongs to the Knanaya Orthodox Syrian Community. The Persian cross, believed to be one of the seven brought here by St. Thomas, and the Pahlavi inscriptions of this church are famous.

St. Mary's Church, Cheriapalli (2 km of Kottayam town): Built in 1579 by Thekkumkoor Maharajah, this church displays outstanding architecture which is a blend of Kerala and Portuguese styles. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals made in oriental and western styles on biblical and non biblical themes.

Bharananganam: It is an important Christian pilgrimage centre where the mortal remaints of Sister Alphonsa (1916-1946) was interned in a chapel next to the St. Mary’s Church. This 1000- year old church features an attractive Grotto of Virgin Mary.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary(16 km from Kottayam town): Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Other common varieties like the woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots can also be spotted here. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here.

Erumeli(60 km north-east of Kottayam town): Nestled in the lush green Western Ghats is this nature-rich village. This is also the entrance point to South India's most prominent pilgrim centres - the Sabarimala Temple. At Kanakapalam nearby, teak plantations dot the landscape.


Vavarambalam, Erumeli: This mosque is dedicated to Vavar, a companion of the deity - Sree Ayyappa - of the Sabarimala temple. The mosque is unique in that Hindu pilgrims customarily worship here before their trek to Sabarimala. Festival: Pettathullal (January).

Excursions of Kottayam
Ilaveezhapoonchira: Skirting the Kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira, spread over thousands of acres. The verdant landscape punctuated by four gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft., is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. Ilaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset. A DTPC rest house nearby offers comfortable accommodation.

Wagamon: This enchanting hill station on the Idukki - Kottayam border, dotted with tea gardens and meadows, will soon be one of India's foremost ecotourism projects. The breeding centre of the Kerala Livestock Board is located here.

The Vembanad Lake(16 km from Kottayam town): Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.

Mannanam: This was set up by the DTPC to provide quality accomodation to the holidaying crowd. An intricate network of shimmering waterways embroider the richly green landscape, making the land charming in every detail. Boat cruise packages are being thoughtfully designed to give tourists the most memorable experience. The enchanting journey will take you through the Pennar Canal to the picturesque backwater districts of Alappuzha and Ernakulam.

Main Festivals
» Elamkavu Attuvela
» Ettumanoor Festival
» Manarkad Perunal
» Thirunakara Festival

How to Get There
By Air : Nearest Airport is at Cochin, 76 kms away. The Thiruvananthapuam International Airport is 152 kms.

By Rail: Kottayam Railway Station 2 kms. away from the Central Bus Station and is connected with major cities and tourist centres.

By Road: There are two bus stands, one run by state transport and the other private. The buses to major centres operate from the KSRTC bus station.

By Ferry: The Ferry Station is 3 kms, away from the railway station. Services to Alleppey, Mannar, Chempakulam, Mankombu and Ambalapuzha.