
Kottayam tourist places : Kottayam beautiful district in Central Kerala borders Western Ghats to east and Vembanad Lake and paddy plains of Kuttanad to west. Kuttanad has beautiful backwaters paddy fields hills rubber plantations & more.
Kottayam major spice and rubber trading center was Kerala’s first 100% literate city. Culture is great here. famous tourist spots in Kottayam draw thousands of visitors annually.
Kumarakom backwaters and bird sanctuary Ilaveezha poonchira hill station near Melukavumattom Poonjar Palace Vagamon Vennimala hill of triumph & Pallam backwaters are primary tourist attractions in Kottayam.
The Driftwood Museum Matrumala Kallara Vazhikkadavu Kurisumala Bharananganam Pathiramanal Pala Kanjirappally & Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls are also Backwaters and waterfalls are Kottayam’s main attractions.
With its many canals and waterways Kottayam hosts several boat races. Festive seasons bring boat racing. Kottayam hill stations are popular.
Vagamon and Elaveezhapoonchira are picturesque Kottayam hill stations. Kottayam has numerous noteworthy churches and temples. This is popular Kerala pilgrimage site.
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Kottayam tourist places : Attractions in Kottayam
Ilaveezhapoonchira
Ilaveezhapoonchira is great picnic location amid hills. This position 55 miles from Kottayam is one of Keralas best places to see dawn and sunset. Ilaveezhapoonchira has thousands of acres of velvet valleys.
Three beautiful hills—Mannakunnu Kodayathoormal & Thonippara—surround it. Ilaveezhapoonchira attracts adventurers. Three hillocks make it perfect for hiking.
The lush scenery with four massive hills is ideal for relaxation. Hills about 3200 feet above sea level. Monsoon makes this place elegant. monsoons make beautiful lake in valleys. Enjoy this nature wonder.
Poonjar Palace
The beautiful Poonjar palace in Kottayam district showcases Kerala’s rich culture. This mansion recalls Bygone glory. Architecture is another highlight of this 600 year old palace. wood based palace is typical of Kerala architecture.
The palace museum displays royal antiques rock cut lamps sculptures furniture like Palanquin and droni carved from one wood piece chandeliers palm leaf engravings jewel boxes lamps Nataraja (the dancing Shiva) sculptures grain measures statues & weapons.
A stunning duplicate of Tamandus Madurai Meenakshi Temple located near Poonjar Palace. chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) etched into neighboring Sastha temples stone walls is very intriguing. temple walls have purana based sculptures.
Rajas are Poonjar Palace royals. Anyone visiting this palace will be amazed.
Aruvikkuzhi Falls
Aruvikkuzhi waterfall 18 kilometers from Kottayam is thrilling. Some of Kottayam’s best picnic spots are Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls. Its great to be here with roaring sound of water as they cascade down mountains till they descend down height of 100ft.
This cold invigorating atmosphere is soul touching. Rubber plantations surround Aruvikkuzhi which is lovely. Visitors can relax in its shade. church is near waterfalls. Another local site is Maramala Waterfalls.
Matrumala
Matrumala is hilltop with panoramic views. settlement of Kooroppada houses Matrumala 8 miles from Vennimala. site is easily accessible from Kottayam via Pampady.
Named after its little Goddess temple which Parasurama Kerala’s creator is said to have built. top temple is stunning.
Kallara
Kallara is weird tiny village located around 20 kilometers northwest of Kottayam metropolis. Kallara and its neighbors Kaduthuruthy and Thalayolaparambu are known for their endless canal crossed paddy fields. This canal flows into Vembanad lake from Ezhumanthuruthu backwaters. Historically these were transportation.
This hamlet is famous for its screw pine product production. screw pine grows abundantly along canals and rivers. Make beautiful handcrafted materials from these.
Popular screw pine products include table mats purses file holders mirrors chapels garbage boxes cushions caps kitchen bags & decorations. Kallara is known for bamboo rubber wood & wood products. place is easily accessible by road and train from Kottayam.
Kurisumala
Kurisumala is famous Kottayam Christian pilgrimage site. Hundreds of pilgrims from far and near ascend peak during holy week and after with little wooden crosses.
The stillness of hills cool mountain air & lush environment make this tranquil monastery on top of hill soul touching. rock cut Murugan Mala temple on hills eastern side honors Shivas son.
Bharananganam
Christians visit Bharananganam for pilgrimage. Nearby is 1000 year old St. Mary’s Church. church is well carved Virgin Mary grotto.
Vazhikkadavu
Vazhikkadavu is charming Kottayam hill station. This hill station of rocky terrains is situated on boundaries of district. Tall and steep cliffs flank main rock while terrifying valley lies to other.
The Meenachil River borders this beautiful landscape. scenery is gorgeous in December/January with orchids and wildflowers. Vazhikkadavu is beautiful.
Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal is small island reachable by boat. trip to this beautiful island is thrilling. Pathiramanal Sands of Night located near Vembanad Lake in Kottayam. Natural beauty will delight you. island is birdwatchers delight with unusual migratory birds.
Driftwood Museum
The Driftwood Museum has huge collection of Andaman and Nicobar driftwood sculptures. These sculptures showcase prior generations artistic talent and hard work. Many root sculptures of all sizes and styles are on display here.
This gallerys best driftwood sculptures are tribal Jarva women crippled family Monkey Lion & Elephant. Here are sculptures of Kargil War between India and Pakistan. This museum is unique in nation. This place has wonderful blooms and buds.
Vennimala
Vennimala in Puthuppally Kottayam is peaceful and picturesque. hill represents hill of victory since Lakshmana defeated demons here. Historically Vennimala was dense forest.
Lord Rama and Lakshmana may have visited this mountainside in exile. Vennimala caverns hosted several sages @ time. Lakshmana destroyed several demons who threatened and bothered sages @ their request. Sanskrit name for location is Vijayadri. In Malayalam Vijayadri became Vennimala.
Malayarayars occupied Vennimala in medieval times. Ancient Kerala’s legendary emperor Cheraman Perumal consecrated this temple. He stayed and constructed palace here because of its splendor. monarch made hill sacred and protected.
Pala Kanjirappally
The rivers Meenachil and Manimala feed Pala and Kanjirappally two prominent Kottayam spots. Both towns have rubber plantations.
Vagamon
Vagamon is charming hill station in Kerala 64 kilometers from Pala @ 1100 meters above sea level. Its grassy slopes deep valleys gorgeous meadows & green tea plantations make it tourist destination. Thousands of tourists visit this mountainous region for its peacefulness and mild climate. Vagamon symbolizes religious unity.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is group of idyllic islands. This picturesque Vembanad lakeside region is full of rice boats and canoes. Boating fishing etc. are available in Kumarakom. Ideal summer vacation spot.
Backwaters are Kumarakoms main draw. Beautiful blue backwaters and houseboats in Kumarakom draw hundreds of tourists from around world. Traditional house boat cruises on turquoise backwaters are greatest way to see rural and marine life.
Kumarakom bird sanctuary is another draw besides backwaters. 14 acre Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary has rare birds and vegetation.
Boat rides on lake offer stunning views of uncommon migratory birds. lush greenery and aquamarine backwaters made this tourist destination. Ayurvedic treatment fishing & birdwatching are also enjoyable in Kumarakom.
Kottayam tourist places : Top Kottayam attractions
Kottayam “Land of Letters” has beautiful scenery cultural legacy & tranquil backwaters. This picturesque Kerala province is famous tourist destination for tranquil and restorative getaways.
Houseboat Cruises: backwater houseboat trip is Kottayam highlight. Take peaceful canal ride amid lush countryside and charming villages. Enjoy spectacular vistas wonderful local cuisine & serene atmosphere as you glide along. most popular houseboat cruise destinations are Kumarakom and Alleppey.
Temple visits: Kottayam has various historic and notable temples that showcase Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Lord Shiva dedicated Vaikom Mahadevar Temple is known for its annual celebration and spiritual significance. Another important temple Ettumanoor Mahadeva with beautiful carvings and serene environment. Visit these temples to experience local devotion and traditions.
Nature Walks: Kottayam has beautiful natural sceneries for exploring. Birdwatchers should visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for its varied birdlife. Peacefully explore beautiful foliage quiet lakes & tranquil backwaters. Vembanad Lake and Thanneermukkom Bund are also worth visiting.
Ayurvedic therapy: Kottayam’s Ayurvedic wellness centres offer rejuvenating therapy. Enjoy traditional Ayurvedic massages therapies & herbal treatments to relax heal & rejuvenate. Refresh your body and mind with Ayurveda.
Cultural Experiences: Traditional Keralite art forms flourish in Kottayam revealing regions rich culture. Kathakali classical dance drama with extravagant costumes and makeup is mesmerizing. Experience graceful and powerful Kalaripayattu martial arts. Mohiniyattam female classical dance is graceful. These cultural encounters are unforgettable.
Kottayam’s best time to visit?
Kottayam is ideally visited from November to March for its lovely weather and beautiful backwaters. Kottayam is gorgeous year round & each season has its own charm.
How can I reach Kottayam?
Major Kerala and Indian cities are accessible from Kottayam. closest major airport and railway station are Cochin International Airport and Kottayam. From there take bus cab or car to Kottayam.
Finding Best Kottayam Stay while exploring Kottayam tourist places
With its tranquil backwaters rich flora & cultural legacy Kottayam has accommodations for every budget. In this lovely region you will discover perfect location to stay for luxury comfort or authenticity.
Hotels & Resorts: Kottayam has many luxurious hotels with top notch amenities and service. Pools spas exercise centers & good dining are common @ these hotels. Resorts and hotels are ideal for pampering.
For more authentic and immersive experience try homestay. Homestays give warm and welcome opportunity to experience local life. Meet local family learn about their culture & eat home cooked meals. For more personalized and cheaper accommodations homestays are ideal.
Houseboats: Staying on houseboat in Kottayam is unforgettable. Relax in these floating accommodations while you explore backwaters @ your own speed. Savor local cuisine see scenery & unwind in your floating house. Kumarakom and Alleppey are popular houseboat locations.
Budget Friendly Options: Kottayam has many economical hotels. Guesthouses cheap hotels & lodges offer clean affordable accommodations. You can stay comfortably without breaking bank.
Consider these things before booking Kottayam lodging:
- Location: Choose between city center backwaters or quieter region.
- Budget: Choose an accomodation within your budget.
- A pool spa or restaurant may be significant to you.
- Experience: Choose luxury resort modest homestay or houseboat.
Consider these variables to select best lodging for your needs and interests. Kottayam has variety of hotels to suit your needs from luxury to economy.
To meet diverse budgets and interests Kottayam has resorts hotels homestays & houseboats. Houseboats are particularly common in Kumarakom and Alleppey whereas Kottayam has many other accommodations.
Check govt official website https://kottayam.nic.in/en/tourist-places/
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