Kottayam Travel Guide

In Kottayam, Kerala’s “land of letters, latex, and lakes”, time slows down to the rhythm of oars slicing through still waters and rustling coconut palms. The town lies between the emerald Western Ghats and the vast Vembanad Lake, and is known for its literary history, centuries-old churches, and quiet countryside.

Unlike the bustling houseboat hub of Alleppey, Kottayam offers a more meditative experience. Think canoe rides with no engine hum, rubber plantations, and lake views. Whether you’re a nature lover, a pilgrim, a birdwatcher, or a traveller seeking to understand local culture, Kottayam makes for a beautiful travel detour in Kerala.

Why Should You Visit Kottayam?

• It’s the land of letters: Kottayam holds the distinction of being India’s first fully literate district and has long been regarded as Kerala’s publishing hub. It’s the birthplace of major publishing houses like DC Books and Malayala Manorama. It is noteworthy that the English education in South India traces its roots back to the Old Seminary in Kottayam, which was established in 1813. Just a few years later, in 1821, Rev. Benjamin Bailey set up the CMS Press here, the very first printing press in Kerala.

• Backwater escapes without the crowds: The Vembanad backwaters touch the western edge of Kottayam district, especially at Kumarakom. Canoe through narrow canals, take a sunset ride, or simply watch the water hyacinths drift by from a jetty.

• Churches rich in both architectural beauty and historical significance: St. Mary’s Orthodox Church (also called Cheriapally), dating back to 1579, is an Indo-Persian gem having mural-covered walls and granite carvings. The peaceful compound takes you back to the 16th century.

• A gateway to Kumarakom and rubber plantations: Kumarakom is technically a village under the Kottayam district, making it perfect for short trips. Or head east toward Pala and Kanjirapally to explore Kerala’s highland rubber estates and spice farms.

• Delicious local cuisine: The cuisine is delectable, some popular dishes are fiery beef fry with parotta, duck roast, appam and stew, and karimeen pollichathu. Kottayam’s cuisine is comfort food at its best.

What Are the Top Places to Visit in Kottayam?

With its rich history, natural beauty, and spiritual significance, Kottayam offers an enriching travel experience for all. Here are the top attractions that we recommend.

1. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple

Right in the town centre, this 500-year-old temple is a fine example of Kerala-style architecture. Don’t miss the mural paintings inside the sanctum walls. If you visit during the annual temple festival in March, you’ll witness traditional performances like Kathakali and Mayilattam.

2. St. Mary’s Orthodox Church (Cheriapally)

In 1579, St. Mary’s church was built, making it a historical and architectural landmark for centuries to come. From an architectural perspective, the Persian and Kerala architectural styles are a graceful fusion. The ancient wooden doors and ceilings bear exquisite carvings, while the murals depict scenes from the life of Christ.

3. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Located on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake, this sanctuary is spread across 14 acres and is home to migratory birds like Siberian storks, herons, and egrets. It’s best explored early in the morning with a slow walk or a silent boat ride through the narrow canals.

4. Illikkal Kallu (Day Trip)

This stunning cliff-top viewpoint is just 55 km from Kottayam town. Come here to enjoy beautiful views of the misty valleys and rolling hills. IIIikkal Kallu is best visited during early mornings or the golden hour.

5. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

This ancient Shiva temple is said to be over a thousand years old and is one of the oldest in Kerala. The Vaikom Mahadeva temple is especially worth a visit during Vaikathashtami, when it draws large crowds and organizes a procession.

6. Vembanad Lake (Kumarakom Side)

A vast stretch of calm backwaters lined with coconut palms, Vembanad Lake is best accessed via Kumarakom. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical here.

Local Experiences and Activities

• Explore rubber plantations and spice farms: Venture toward the eastern highlands (Kanjirapally, Pala, and Teekoy) for a walk through rubber tapping fields and spice gardens. Several eco-farms and homestays offer plantation tours where you can see pepper, nutmeg, and cardamom growing in the wild.

• Canoe at dawn in Kumarakom: Skip the motorised houseboats and choose a quaint shikara, or get adventurous and choose a canoe. Though a truly meditative experience would be booking a local canoe ride around sunrise. The still waters, bird calls, and rising mist create a surreal experience. Local guides are available and often double as naturalists.

• Eat like a local: Try duck roast at Hotel The Waterscapes, Karimeen fry at Tharavadu Restaurant, or stop by Indian Coffee House for old-school charm. If you want to experience a traditional Syrian Christian meal, you can join a cooking class held by a local chef or resident.

• Attend a cultural festival: If your trip coincides with the temple festivals at Thirunakkara or Vaikom, make time to witness the procession of caparisoned elephants, chenda melam (drum orchestra), and local art forms like Ottamthullal.

• Shop at MG Road and Baker Junction: MG Road in Kottayam town is perfect for local shopping. You can buy crispy banana chips, Kerala sarees, and spices. Stop at DC Books’ flagship store nearby for Malayalam literature or coffee table books on Kerala.

Best Time to Visit Kottayam

The most pleasant time to be in Kottayam is October to February, when the weather is cool and you can spend several hours exploring the town’s beauty.

• Winter (October–March) – Peak Tourist Season

  This is the most popular time to visit Kottayam, especially for first-time travelers. The air is fresh, the humidity is low, and the skies are mostly clear. Winter is also the time for several religious and cultural festivals like Ettumanoor Shivaratri, local temple pooram festivals, and Christmas celebrations in the Christian-majority areas.

• Summer (April–May) – Off-Season but Scenic

  Tourist spots are less crowded, and hotel rates drop, making this a great time for travelers looking for budget-friendly escapes.

• Monsoon (June–September) – Green and peaceful

  The district becomes a lush, emerald canvas, especially around the hills and backwaters. It’s perfect for wellness retreats, Ayurvedic treatments, and slow travel.

How to Reach Kottayam

• By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 90 km away. Taxis and buses are available to Kottayam from the airport.

• By Train: Kottayam Railway Station is well-connected to cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Bangalore, and Chennai. It’s one of the busiest stations in Kerala.

• By Road: Kottayam lies on the NH183 and is accessible by bus or car from Kochi (approx. 65 km), Alappuzha (about 46 km), and Thekkady (approx. 110 km).

Festivals and Events in Kottayam

1. Thirunakkara Arattu Festival (March):

Held at Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, this vibrant event spans 10 days with cultural performances, decorated elephants, and rituals.

2. Vaikathashtami (Nov-Dec):

This annual festival at Vaikom Mahadeva Temple features joyous processions and traditional art forms. It attracts thousands of devotees and is deeply spiritual.

3. Boat Races (Aug–Sept):

Kumarakom and the surrounding areas witness smaller-scale snake boat races during the Onam season. Not as grand as Alleppey, but more intimate and local.