Kottayam tourist places – top 10 places to visit in Kottayam

Friends, are you planning to visit Kottayam this year. Let us look at some famous Kottayam tourist places which you should not miss during your trip to this region. So below are my list of top 10 places to visit in Kottyam.

Kottayam is a city located in the state of Kerala, known for its

  • beautiful backwaters,
  • temples, and churches.
  • Also known as the land of letters, lakes, and latex, as it is a major center for the production of rubber.

The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many tourist destinations that are worth visiting. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top tourist places in Kottayam.

Top 10 Kottayam tourist places

So friends below are the list if 1op 10 places in Kottayam. I hope yoy will find this article helpful while making your trip plan for Kottayam visit.

Vembanad Lake

This place is no1 on my list of Kottayam tourist places.

This lake is the largest in Kerala and is a major tourist attraction in Kottayam. It is also a popular spot for backwater cruises, and visitors can take a boat ride to explore the lake and its surroundings.

It is located in the district of Kottayam and stretches over an area of around 200 square kilometers.

The lake is a part of the Vembanad-Kol wetland system, which is the largest of its kind in India and is a designated Ramsar site.

The lake is fed by several rivers, including the Meenachil, Manimala, and Pamba, and is also connected to the Arabian Sea through a narrow canal.

Vembanad Lake is known for its beautiful backwaters and is a popular spot for boat rides and cruises. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the lake and its surroundings, including the nearby villages, temples, and churches.

The lake is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Some of the popular bird species that can be seen here include the darter, cormorant, and kingfisher.

In addition to its natural beauty, Vembanad Lake also has a rich cultural and historical significance. The lake has played an important role in the region’s history and has been an important center of trade, transportation, and agriculture.

The lake is also home to several traditional fishing communities, who still use traditional methods of fishing to catch fish and other aquatic species.

Overall, Vembanad Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Kottayam or the surrounding areas. With its beautiful backwaters, rich cultural heritage, and diverse birdlife, it offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.Regenerate response

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and is a popular spot for birdwatching.

It is home to a variety of bird species, including the rare and endangered Siberian crane. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the sanctuary and see the birds in their natural habitat.

Kottayam tourist places ( Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary )

Visitors in June and August are treated to a variety of uncommon sights. The resident egrets, herons, Indian darters, little cormorants, white ibises, and various kinds of kingfishers are all in their breeding season now.

Waterfowl, cuckoos, owls, water ducks, parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, and wood beetles can also be viewed. One of the most popular activities in the Kottayam district is taking a boat tour around the sanctuary, which is really calming.

St. Mary’s Church, Kuravilangad

St. Mary’s Church, Kuravilangad, is one of the oldest churches in India, believed to have been built in the 5th century AD.

The church is located in the small town of Kuravilangad in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It is a significant religious and historical site and is a popular spot for religious tourism.

The church is dedicated to St. Mary, the mother of Jesus and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

The church’s architecture is a blend of Indian and European styles, and it is said to have been built by the Syrian Christian community who had settled in the area.

The church is also said to have been visited by St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.

St. Mary's Church, Kuravilangad - Kottayam tourist places

The church is known for its ancient mural paintings and frescoes, which are considered to be some of the oldest and best-preserved in India.

The frescoes depict scenes from the Bible, including the life of Jesus and Mary. The church also has a rich collection of antique and traditional items, including a cross made of granite, which is said to have healing powers.

The church is also famous for the annual feast of St. Mary, which is celebrated in the month of May. During this time, the church is decorated with flowers and lights, and thousands of devotees from all over the country visit the church to participate in the feast.

St. Mary’s Church, Kuravilangad, is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and religious tourism.

Its ancient murals, frescoes, and other traditional artifacts offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region and its people. The church is also a great example of the syncretism of Indian and European cultures in early Christianity in India.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

This temple is one of the oldest in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a major pilgrimage center and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

Visitors can also take a dip in the temple tank, which is believed to have healing properties.

One of the oldest temples in Kerala is this Shiva Linga, which is thought to date from the Treta Yuga (the second of the four yugas).

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

official website : https://www.vaikomtemple.org/

The architecture of the temples is particularly impressive. This is the only temple in Kerala having an oval-shaped Sreekovil, despite the fact that it seems circular from the outside.

The shrine’s initial chamber is made of stone and a single piece of wood. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is made of stone. The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is located in Kerala’s Kottayam district.

Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple

This temple is located in the heart of Kottayam and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

Due to its bright mural paintings and traditional Keralan architectural style, the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple draws sizable audiences.

These illustrate Lord Shiva and the Dashavathara tales (ten avatars of Lord Vishnu). The temple is home to a Koothambalam, a traditional temple theatre where different cultural dance and art forms are presented.

This temple was established by the King of Thekkumkoor, according to documents, and is thought to be 500 years old (a princely state that existed before 1750 CE in the southern part of Kerala). The temple also has a Kodimaram and an anakottil (elephant camp) (flag mast).

The temple also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the annual temple festival.

You can read more details about this temple here.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. It is also a major pilgrimage center and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva gave three Shivalingas to an Asura by the name of Khara. He carried one by his teeth and one in each of his right and left hands as he travelled to Kerala.

He dedicated the Lingam he was holding between his teeth in Kaduthuruthi, the one he was holding in his right hand in Vaikom (Vaikom Mahadeva Temple), and the one he was holding in his left hand in Ettumanoor.

Khara is thought to have turned into a deer and begun worshipping the Gods after consecrating all three of these holy locations on the same day.

The deer is said to have been taken in by the god of Ettumanoor and held there. As a result, this location was given the Malayalam name Udhruthaina Puram, which translates to Ettumanoor (The place where the deer was lifted).

Illikkal Kallu

Illikkal Kallu is a beautiful waterfall located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats mountain range and is known for its scenic beauty.

The waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and is a popular spot for trekking and hiking. Visitors can take a trek to the waterfall, which takes around 2 hours, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

The waterfall is also a popular spot for picnics, and visitors can take a dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall.

The pool is said to have therapeutic properties and is believed to have healing powers. Illikkal Kallu is also known for its unique rock formations, which are a popular spot for photography.

It is a perfect place for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Poonjar Palace

This palace was built by the Poonjar royal family and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

It also houses a collection of antique and traditional items, including a bronze museum that showcases the traditional art of metal casting.

The Poonjar Palace in the Meenachil Taluk stands as a magnificent example of the regal extravagance of bygone times.

Poonjar Palace - best place to visit in Kottayam

A palanquin, a thoni carved from a single piece of wood for ayurvedic massages, enormous chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, a variety of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (dancing Lord Siva), grain measures, statues, and weapons are just a few examples of the extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture that surrounds the palace walls.

Once a year, a special couch that has been preserved here is removed for ceremonial purposes.

An magnificent recreation of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple may be found next to the palace. The carvings on the temple’s walls depict Puranas-era battle scenes (the legends of ancient India ).

Marmala Waterfall

Marmala Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats mountain range and is known for its scenic beauty and serene surroundings.

The waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and is a popular spot for trekking and hiking. Visitors can take a trek to the waterfall, which takes around 2 hours, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

The waterfall is also a popular spot for picnics and visitors can take a dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall.

The pool is said to have therapeutic properties and is believed to have healing powers. The waterfall is particularly beautiful during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its highest.

Marmala waterfall is also known for its rare herbs, plants and medicinal plants that grows in the surrounding area.

The waterfall is also a great spot for birdwatching, as many rare and exotic birds can be spotted in the area.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

Last on my list of Kottayam tourist places , the top 10 tourist places in Kottayam is Bay Island Driftwood Museum.

The Bay Island Driftwood Museum, located in Kottayam, Kerala, India, is a unique and interesting place to visit.

It is known for its collection of driftwood sculptures, which are made from pieces of driftwood found on the shores of the nearby islands.

The museum was founded by a local artist, who began collecting driftwood as a hobby and turned it into a full-fledged museum.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

The museum has a wide collection of sculptures, which range from small figurines to large installations. Some of the sculptures depict animals, birds, and human figures, while others are abstract and modern in design.

The museum also has a collection of traditional and modern artworks made from driftwood. Visitors can learn about the process of creating driftwood sculptures from the artist himself, and even purchase some of the artworks from the museum.

The museum also hosts several art and craft workshops, where visitors can learn the techniques of driftwood sculpture making.

The workshops are open to all ages and skill levels, making it a great activity for families and groups of friends.

Official Website: https://www.bayislandmuseum.com/

Overall, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum is a unique and interesting destination, which offers a glimpse into the art and culture of the region.

It is a must-see destination for art lovers and those interested in learning more about the traditional and modern art forms.


How to reach Kottayam?

  • Kottayam is around 600Kms from Bangalore and will be around 14 hrs of drive
  • Chennai to Kottayam is around 700Kms and will take around similar time – 14 to 15 hours of drive.
  • Cochin to Kottayam is around 62Kms and will be around an hour of drive
  • Nearest airport to Kottayam is Cochin.
  • Kottayam has its own railway station.

In conclusion, Kottayam is a city with a rich cultural heritage and is home to many tourist destinations that are worth visiting.

From backwaters to temples and churches, Kottayam has something to offer to everyone. Visitors can explore the beautiful Vembanad Lake, take a birdwatching tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary,

Friends hope you liked this article on Kottayam tourist places, the top 10 places to visit in Kottayam. In case I have missed out any important place of visit in Kottayam do post your comment in the comment box.

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