Top Tourist Attractions in Kottayam
Kottayam
Kottayam, IPA: is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a place that is known for extraordinary qualities. It is the district headquarters of Kottayam district, located in south-west Kerala. Kottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. … The city is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber. Most of India’s natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board.
Best Places to Visit in Kottayam
- Malarikkal Village Tourism
- ILAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA
- VEMBANAD LAKE
- POONJAR PALACE
- VAGAMON
- BIRD SANCTUARY, KUMARAKOM
- KUMARAKOM
Malarikkal Village Tourism
Thiruvarppu, near Kumarakom, is a magical pink-hued location.
ILAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA
Ilaveezhapoonchira, a hill station in MelukavuMattom, 60 kilometres from Kottayam, is gaining popularity as a tourist destination. Poonchira is a lovely hillock located among three magnificent hillocks Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala, and Thonippara. According to folklore, Panchali, the legendary heroine of the Mahabharata, bathed at this pool. The D.T.P.C. is transforming this area into a hiking destination. A tourist cottage with rooms and a dormitory for 15 persons has been built. Poonchira’s breathtaking valleys cover hundreds of acres. The lush scenery, interrupted by massive hills that rise to roughly 3200 ft., is a wonderful area to relax. This site reveals even another stunning slice of nature during the monsoons, when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake.
Ilaveezhapoonchira means “valley without leaves” and is so named because there are no trees in the area. This is also one of the best sites in Kerala to see the sun rise and set.
VEMBANAD LAKE
Kottayam is home to a vast network of rivers and canals that flow into the vast expanse of water known as the Vembanad Lake, a rapidly rising backwater tourism attraction. Vembanad Lake is 83.72km long and 14.48km wide. Traditional cargo boats, known as Kettuvallams, have been converted into cruise ships and house boats, complete with kitchens, toilets, bathrooms, and sit-outs. These boats move elegantly through the backwaters, allowing tourists to appreciate the splendour of the Vembanad Lake at their leisure. House boat tours and vacation packages are available at the Kumarakom tourist village. Pathiramanal, often known as the Midnight Sands, is a little lovely island in Vembanad Lake. This isolated island in Vemabanad Lake is only accessible by boat.
Pathiramanal, often known as the Midnight Sands, is a little lovely island in Vembanad Lake. This isolated island in Vemabanad Lake is only accessible by boat.
POONJAR PALACE
The Poonjar Palace in Meenachil taluk is a magnificent relic of princely splendour from a bygone period. A palanquin, a thoni carved out of a single piece of wood for ayurvedic massages, gigantic chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, a variety of lamps, Nataraja (dancing Lord Siva) sculptures, grain measurements, statues, and weaponry are among the treasures housed within the palace walls. A one-of-a-kind couch preserved here is brought out once a year for ritualistic purposes. A stunning replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple may be found near the palace. The walls of this temple are adorned with sculptures depicting combat stories from the Puranas (the legends of ancient India ). The most remarkable feature here, however, is the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved into the stonewalls of the neighbouring Sastha Temple. Such rock-cut lights are uncommon in India.
THAZHATHANGADI JUMA MASJID
The Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid is one of India’s oldest mosques (about 1,000 years old). The masjid is thought to have been built by Habib Dinar (son of Malik Dinar, who introduced Islam to Kerala). It is built in the typical Kerala architectural style. It is well-known for its architectural richness, wood care, and beauty. This mosque is built on the bank of Meenachil river.
VAGAMON
This enchanting hill station, 64 kilometres from Kottayam, at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level, is a trekker’s delight. This enchanting hill station on the Idukki-Kottayam border, filled with tea gardens and meadows, will soon be one of India’s most important Ecotourism projects. The Kerala Livestock Board’s breeding centre is located here.
BIRD SANCTUARY, KUMARAKOM
The bird sanctuary, which spans 14 acres of land, is a popular attraction in Kumarakom. The sanctuary, which is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, is a popular stop for migrating birds such as the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron, and teal. Local birds such as the water fowl, cuckoo, owl, and water hen, as well as common species such as the woodpecker, sky lark, crane, and parrots, can be seen here. There are 91 species of native birds and 50 species of migratory birds found here. The months of June-August are ideal for bird watching, and the months of November-February are ideal for migratory species. The best way to explore the sanctuary is to take a sail on the Vembanad Lake. For bird watching tours in the Lake, house boats and motorboats can be rented.
KUMARAKOM
Kumarakom rose to national and international prominence following the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee in December 2000. Kumarakom is a small village located 14 kilometres west of Kottayam. It is a part of Kuttanad, a ‘wonder land’ that lies below sea level and is made up of a variety of islands in the back seas. Kumarakom Village has a total land area of 5166 ha, of which 2413 ha is lake, 1500 ha is paddy fields, and the rest 1253 ha is dry ground. Kumarakom is a stunning wonderland of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields, and coconut plantations interlaced with picturesque rivers and canals covered with white lilies.
This modest aquatic world on the Vembanad Lake features a plethora of traditional country boats, crafts, and canoes that will transport you into the heart of picturesque Kerala. The resorts nearby provide luxurious lodging as well as exclusive leisure alternatives such as Ayurvedic treatments, Yoga, and meditation, in addition to boating, fishing, angling, and swimming.
In the past century, Henry Baker, an Englishman who was drawn to the beauty of the area, chose Kumarakom as his home and erected a bungalow on 104 acres of property purchased from the then Maharaja of Travancore. He also created a lovely garden. The charming bungalow of Baker has now been converted into the Taj Garden Retreat, a hotel with modern living facilities, while retaining its original elegance. This location is being developed into a tourist complex by the Kerala State Tourism Development Corporation. K.T.D.C. has built A.C. Cottages here and operates a floating restaurant. In addition, the Corporation provides boating facilities.
KUMARAKOM
Kumarakom rose to national and international prominence following the visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee in December 2000. Kumarakom is a small village located 14 kilometres west of Kottayam. It is a part of Kuttanad, a ‘wonder land’ that lies below sea level and is made up of a variety of islands in the back seas. Kumarakom Village has a total land area of 5166 ha, of which 2413 ha is lake, 1500 ha is paddy fields, and the rest 1253 ha is dry ground. Kumarakom is a stunning wonderland of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields, and coconut plantations interlaced with picturesque rivers and canals covered with white lilies. This modest aquatic world on the Vembanad Lake features a plethora of traditional country boats, crafts, and canoes that will transport you into the heart of picturesque Kerala.
The resorts near by offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like Ayurvedic massages, Yoga and meditation besides boating, fishing, angling and swimming.
In the last Century, Henry Baker, an English man, attracted by the beauty of the place, selected Kumarakom as his residence and built a bungalow, obtaining 104 acres of land from the then Maharaja of Travancore. He also made a beautiful garden. Preserving the old style, the beautiful bungalow of Baker has now been modified into the Taj Garden Retreat, a hotel with modern living facilities. The Kerala State Tourism Development Corporation is converting this place into a Tourist Complex. K.T.D.C. has constructed A.C. Cottages here and it runs a floating restaurant. The Corporation also provides boating facilities.
Best Time to Visit Kottayam
The climate of Kottayam is tropical, with hot and humid summers. Heavy rain falls during the monsoon season, which lasts from June through September. The winter season, which lasts from September to February, delivers a cold breeze to the region, making it the finest time to explore the town.
How to Reach Kottayam
By Flight
Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, Ernakulam District (90 Km)
By Train
Trains to Kottayam run frequently from all of the country’s main cities.
By Bus
K S R T C BUS STATIONS
Bus Station(s): Kollam