Kottayam
Top Places to Visit in Kottayam
Popular attractions and places to visit in Kottayam
Bay Island Driftwood Museum
A one of a kind museum of fossilised driftwood sculptures near Kumarakom, curated by a single collector.
Elaveezha Poonchira
A cluster of grassy hillocks and a valley pool near Melukavu, linked in legend to the Mahabharata.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
A 16th century Shiva temple famed for its Nataraja mural and seven and a half golden elephant statues.
Illikkal Kallu
A split rock formation in the Western Ghats offering wide views, reached by trekking from Vagamon's edge.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A 14 acre bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake, home to migratory storks, herons, and local waterfowl.
Marmala Waterfall
A forested waterfall near Teekoy reached by a rocky trail, among the taller falls in the Kottayam hills.
Pathiramanal Island
A small island in Vembanad Lake reachable only by boat, known for migratory birds and quiet backwater scenery.
Poonjar Palace
A 600 year old wooden palace of the Poonjar Rajas, with a replica Meenakshi temple and royal antiques.
St. Mary's Church Bharananganam (St. Alphonsa Shrine)
The 1,000 year old church holding the tomb of St. Alphonsa, India's first canonised woman saint.
St. Mary's Orthodox Church (Cheriapally)
A 1579 Portuguese built church blending temple style architecture with painted scenes from the life of Christ.
Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid
A 1,000 year old wooden mosque on the Meenachil river, built without domes in traditional Kerala style.
Thazhathangadi Old Trade Quarter and KK Road Markets
Kottayam town's traditional shopping strip for Kerala silk sarees, gold jewellery, and antique curios.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the heart of Kottayam city in Kerala. Built in the 16th century by the rulers of the Thekkumkur kingdom, the temple is known for its traditional Kerala-style architecture, mural paintings, and the famous Thirunakkara Festival, which features colorful processions, temple rituals, and cultural performances.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
One of Kerala's 108 ancient Shiva temples, forming a sacred trio with Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy.
Vembanad Lake and Kumarakom Backwaters
Kerala's largest lake, laced with canals, paddy fields, and houseboats around Kumarakom village.
Best Time to Visit Kottayam
Plan your trip around the right season
Why visit
Pleasant weather for Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Vembanad lake views, and the rubber plantation countryside. Good base for both backwaters and Munnar.
Keep in mind
Kumarakom resort belt fills up in December and January. Book ahead.
Why visit
Fewer tourists on the lake and bird sanctuary routes.
Keep in mind
Humidity builds. Midday boat rides on Vembanad get sticky.
Why visit
Backwater scenery is very lush. Kumarakom bird sanctuary sees some migratory activity.
Keep in mind
Heavy rain affects outdoor exploration and some boat timings.
How to Reach Kottayam
Intercity connectivity and travel options
Cochin International Airport (~90 km) is the nearest. Kottayam railway station is a major stop on the Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram line. NH183 connects Kottayam to Kumily and Munnar.
Getting Around Kottayam
Local transport and practical tips
Local transport
KSRTC buses and autos within Kottayam town. Taxis for Kumarakom (~14 km) and Vembanad lake boat trips. Ferries from Kodimatha jetty.
Best Areas to Stay in Kottayam
Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip
Alleppey – Kumarakom canal belts
Houseboat morningsPickup jetties stay predictable when resorts coordinate timings.
Town-centre homestays
Food explorersThali breakfasts before toddy-shop cycling afternoons.
Beach cliff pockets (where applicable)
Sunset walkersSea breezes break inland humidity spikes.