Kottayam

Kottayam Tour Guide – Best Places to Visit in Kerala

Serene stretches of backwaters (brackish water lagoons) and pristine emerald paddy fields welcome tourists to Kottayam, an oasis of calm nestled within the heart of Kerala. Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east and therefore the tranquil Vembanad Lake on the west, the landscape of Kottayam is punctuated by quaint rivulets, giving the town an almost island-like setting. From cruising gently along the waters during a houseboat to sailing in canoes, there are variety of the way to explore the sweetness of Kottayam, which is additionally a birdwatcher’s paradise. Traversing across the Vembanad Lake, one can encounter some rare avian species like egrets, darters, herons, teals and Siberian storks. The word ‘Kottayam’ means the inside of a fort. it’s called so because it was formerly a neighborhood of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.. it’s popularly referred to as Akshara Nagari, which suggests the town of letters, considering its contribution to medium and literature.

It was the primary Indian town to realize 100 per cent literacy in 1989. Kottayam also occupies a crucial position on the cultural map of Kerala. the primary autobiography in Malayalam by Vaikom Pachu Moothathu, a scholar, was published from Kottayam in 1870. it’s also called the town of latex, as most of the country’s rubber comes from the plantations here.

Why Choose Namaskar India Tour for Kottayam Tours?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Kottayam famous for?

Kottayam is famous for its scenic backwaters, rubber plantations, historic churches, temples, Vembanad Lake, and the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

2. What are the best places to visit in Kottayam?

Popular attractions include Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Illikkal Kallu, Marmala Waterfalls, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, and Bay Island Driftwood Museum.

3. What is the best time to visit Kottayam?

The best time to visit Kottayam is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and backwater cruises.

4. How many days are enough for Kottayam?

A 2 to 3-day trip is ideal to explore Kottayam's main attractions and nearby destinations like Kumarakom.

5. How can I reach Kottayam?

Kottayam is well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 90 km away.

6. Is Kottayam suitable for a family vacation?

Yes, Kottayam is an excellent destination for families, offering nature, backwaters, cultural attractions, and peaceful surroundings.

7. Are houseboat cruises available in Kottayam?

Yes, visitors can enjoy houseboat cruises on Vembanad Lake and the nearby backwaters around Kumarakom.

8. Is Kottayam a good honeymoon destination?

Yes, Kottayam is a popular honeymoon destination because of its tranquil backwaters, luxury resorts, and romantic natural scenery.

9. What local food should I try in Kottayam?

Don't miss Kerala specialties like Appam with Stew, Kerala Sadya, Karimeen Pollichathu, Puttu and Kadala Curry, and fresh seafood.

10. Can I customize my Kottayam tour package?

Yes, Namaskar India Tour offers customized Kottayam tour packages based on your travel dates, interests, budget, and group size.

How To Get There

By Air

The nearest airport is Kochi Airport, 53 km away from Kottayam.

By Road

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Kottayam.

By Rail

Attractions

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

It’s only you visit the unique Bay Island Driftwood Museum that it dawns on you that creativity can transform a discarded item into a piece of art. The museum houses unique artworks made with driftwoods (pieces of wood washed ashore by waves), and is one among its kind within the country. The sculptures are recognised as a sort of modern art. Root sculptures of varied shapes and styles ar...

Ilaveezhapoonchira

Located between three hillocks — Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Ilaveezhapoonchira may be a beautiful hill station, about 60 km from Kottayam. the gorgeous valleys of Poonchira are spread across thousands of acres, with the luxurious landscape surrounded by gigantic hills reaching up to an altitude of about 3,200 ft. The name ‘Ilaveezhapoonchira’ means valley where...

Poonjar Palace

With mesmerising architecture that has walls featuring sculptures with warfare stories from the Puranas, the Poonjar Palace, located in Meenachil taluk, is one among the foremost interesting heritage sites within the area. It houses a unprecedented collection of antiques and furniture that has a palanquin, a droni (wooden table) carved out of one piece of wood and used for Ayurvedic massages, h...

Vembanand Lake

One of the most important freshwater lakes in Kerala, the Vembanad Lake may be a stunning tourist stopover. Surrounded by mangrove forests and coconut trees, the lake features a mirror-like sheen, and taking a cruise on a houseboat here fills one with contentment and peace. These cruises let tourists explore the interiors of the region, taking them to tiny hamlets and lagoon islands. The tranqu...

Kannadipara

Being the very best point within the Ilaveezhapoonchira range, Kannadipara, meaning rock mirror, may be a valley of Rockies that reflects sun rays sort of a mirror. one among the best attractions in Kottayam, it’s covered with bamboo forests, wild blossoms and glades, and is punctuated by the Kazhukankulimali Waterfall, falling furiously down the mountains. To the east of Kannadipara, lie...