Most 12 beautiful places to visit in Kottayam, Kerala

You’ll surely fall in love with these beautiful places to visit in Kottayam. Kottayam is a beautiful district in Kerala and it is known for its lovely natural beauty and temples. According to me, you should start your journey at Bembanad lake, where you can enjoy peaceful boat rides and lovely views of surrounding area. Kumarakom is another must to visit destination which is known for its calm backwaters and bird sanctuary. Aruvikkara dam is known for its beautiful surroundings. Vegamon is a beautiful hill station which offers fresh and cool air. It is a must to visit Elaveezha Poonchira for a peaceful escape in a green valley.

Thangal hill is famous for its lovely panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is a must to visit Sree Kumaramangalam Temple and Kottayam Cheriyapalli to seek blessings from God and admire their beautiful architecture. You’ll surely love visiting Nedukani because of its lovely viewpoints and Pallikunny Church to admire its interesting and old architecture. Finally explore the Kottathavalam for its ancient cave and beautiful rock formations. All these beautiful tourist places to visit in Kottayam attracts travelers from all around the world.

Kottayam Exploration Guide

• State: Kerala
• Time requires for exploration: 2-3 days
• Major attractions and specialties: Natural beauty and old temples
• Best time to visit: From November to March because of pleasant weather with moderate temperatures and less humidity.
• Worth Visiting: Absolutely yes
• Facts:
  • It is a key center for the production of rubber and spices.
  • Kottayam is known for its green landscapes and backwaters.

Here are the top 12 most beautiful places to visit in Kottayam.

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is a beautiful and peaceful lake located in Kottayam. It is the longest lake in India and one of the most visited tourist attraction in the backwaters of Kerala. The best thing is that you can take boat rides on traditional houseboats that floats smoothly on the water. These rides offers a peaceful escape from the busy everyday life. Vembanad lake is also famous for its interesting boat races that held during festivals. It is a perfect place to experience the immense natural beauty of and peaceful atmosphere of Kerala. No doubts in stating, the lake is amongst the top places to visit in Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: From November to March because of cool and pleasant weather.
• Major attractions: boat rides, houseboat cruises, views of lush greenery and traditional Kerala village life
• Things to do:
  • Take a houseboat cruise on the lake
  • Enjoy a serene boat ride
  • Explore the local villages along the lake
  • Attend a boat race if visiting during the festival season

Aruvikkara Dam

Aruvikkara dam is another one of the best places to visit in Kottayam. It is located between beautiful green hills and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It has a peaceful environment and offers lovely views which make it a perfect place to take your family out for a lovely day trip.

There are many interesting things you can do here like taking relaxing walks and enjoy in the natural beauty of the area. I must say, it is a perfect place to have picnic with your loved ones. The dam is surrounded by a lot of greenery and has a calm environment which make it a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day.

• Best time to visit: From November to February because of cool and pleasant weather which is perfect for enjoying the natural beauty and interesting activities around the dam.
• Major attractions: lovely views of the dam and surrounding hills, Calm waters ideal for relaxation, greenery and peaceful environment
• Things to do:
  • Take a peaceful walk around the dam
  • Enjoy a picnic with family or friends
  • Soak in the natural beauty and relax in the calm atmosphere
  • Capture photos of the scenic surroundings

Punnamada Lake

Punnamada Lake is a very famous and beautiful lake in Kerala and it is especially known for the annual Nehru Trophy boat race. The interesting thing is that the lake is also a part of the Kerala’s beautiful backwaters. You can enjoy boat rides on the lake along with enjoying the lovely green scenery and can also see how people live in the nearby villages.

The lake is a perfect place to relax and create some good memories with your love ones along with experiencing the immense natural beauty of Kerala. One of the primary attraction of the lake is its boat race which held here every year and attracts a lot of crowd that are excited to watch the exciting event. Punnamada lake is a perfect place for a relaxing day trip which make it amongst the best places to visit in Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather.
• Major attractions: Nehru trophy boat race (held annually), beautiful backwaters, traditional houseboats
• Things to do:
  • Take a relaxing houseboat cruise
  • Enjoy the beautiful views of the backwaters
  • Watch the exciting Nehru Trophy Boat Race (if visiting during the event)
  • Explore the local villages along the lake

Suggested read : 10 amazing and rarely known facts about Kerala

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a beautiful village in Kerala and it is famous for its backwaters and bird sanctuary. It is a perfect spot where you can enjoy boat rides on the Vembanad lake. The best thing about visiting here is that the village is surrounded by a lot of greenery which creates a beautiful scenery there.

It is a must to visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary especially if you love to see beautiful bird species as you can spot a variety of bird species at their natural habitat. Whether you want to experience boat rides, explore the wildlife of the region, or simply want to enjoy the the Kerala’s beauty, Kumarakom is a perfect destination for a refreshing experience. No doubts in stating, it is amongst the best places to visit in Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: From November to February because of cool and pleasant weather which is perfect for exploring the backwaters and bird watching.
• Major attractions: Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, traditional houseboats, beautiful green landscapes
• Things to do:
  • Take a peaceful houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake
  • Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for bird watching
  • Explore the local villages and experience the rural lifestyle
  • Enjoy the serene and scenic beauty of the backwaters

Sree Kumaramangalam Temple

Sree Kumaramangalam temple is a peaceful place located to Lord Murugan. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and calm atmosphere. The temple holds an interesting history into it and it is one of the major spot for devotees who want to seek blessings from god. People come here to worship Lord Murugan. The peaceful environment inside the temple is perfect for meditation and letting all negative thoughts away from your mind.

If you’re planning to visit Kerala, this temple is a perfect place to know about the local religious practices and enjoy the peaceful environment. The temple is not only a place where you can worship but also learn a lot about the interesting culture of Kerala. No doubts in stating, Sree Kumaramangalam temple is amongst the best places to visit in Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: From October to March because of pleasant and comfortable weather.
• Major attractions: Lord Murugan Shrine, traditional Kerala architecturePeaceful surroundings
• Things to do:
  • Participate in temple rituals
  • Explore the temple’s architecture
  • Experience local religious customs

Vagamon

Vegamon has pretty grass fields and tea gardens which adds more charm to its natural beauty. It is a must to experience adventurous and peaceful activities like trekking, paragliding, and boating. The hill station has a peaceful environment and it is a perfect place to take your family out for a trip.

It is a must to explore the pine forests, visit the Kurisumala Ashram, and enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the hills. I must say because of its nice weather and beautiful nature make it a great place for people who love nature and adventure. Vegamon is all in one packages which make it one of the best places to visit in places to visit in Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: From September to March because of cool and pleasant weather.
• Major attractions: Green valleys, tea gardens, pine Forest, Kurisumala Ashram
• Things to do:
  • Trekking
  • Paragliding
  • Boating
  • Enjoying scenic views

Suggested read : Top 12 most beautiful Kanyakumari tourist places

Thangal Hill

Thangal hill is another one of the popular places to visit in Kottayam. The hill is famous for its beautiful views and peaceful environment. Both locals and travelers from all around the country likes to visit here to worship and to create some good memories with their family or friends. From the hill, you can see breathtaking views of the landscapes and green areas. It is a perfect place to relax and forget all problems of your life. You can enjoy in the quite atmosphere and see the beautiful views. I must say, Thangal hill is amongst the best places to visit in Kottayam if you want a peaceful place to relax.

• Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather.
• Major attractions: Thangal Hill Mosque, scenic viewpoints, natural surroundings
• Things to do:
  • Enjoy the views
  • Visit the mosque
  • Relax in the peaceful environment

Elaveezha Poonchira

Elaveezha Poonchira is a beautiful tourist spot located in Kerala. It has green valleys and offers amazing views which are enough to attract any traveler. It is surrounded by a lot of greenery and has a peaceful atmosphere which make it a perfect place for nature lovers. By visiting here you’ll surely create some good and never forgettable memories with your loved ones.

You can enjoy the lovely views of the landscapes and breath in fresh air. It is a wonderful place to capture some great photographs and each angle shots a great picture because of the beautiful surroundings. If you’re searching for a calm and beautiful place, Elaveezha Poonchira is a wonderful choice. Definitely, it is amongst the best places to visit in Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather.
• Major attractions: Green valleys, lovely hill views, peaceful atmosphere
• Things to do:
  • Take nature walks
  • Enjoy panoramic views
  • Relax and picnic in the meadows

Kottayam Cheriyapalli

Kottayam Cheruyapalli is a historic church and amongst the best places to visit in Kottayam. It attracts people from its old and beautiful architecture. The church holds a great importance for local Christians and has a peaceful atmosphere. By visiting the church you can see its unique design and relax in its calm environment. If you hold a keen interest in history and architecture then it is a must to visit here. The church is a good place for prayer and remove all negative thoughts from your body.

• Best time to visit: From October to March because of comfortable and pleasant weather.
• Major attractions: Historic church architecture, local cultural heritage, peaceful surroundings
• Things to do:
  • Explore the church’s design
  • Reflect and pray
  • Learn about local history

Nadukani

Nadukani is a beautiful tourist spot located in Kerala and it is known for its beautiful views and peaceful environment. Visiting here is great to enjoy beautiful landscapes and views of surrounding hills and valleys. It is a perfect place for nature lovers where they can enjoy activities like walking and relaxing. You can breath in the fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty. Just don’t forget to capture some great photographs of the place and pictures of yours too. I must say it is a perfect place to escape from the busy city life. No doubts in stating, Nadukani is amongst the best places to visit in Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather.
• Major attractions: lovely viewpoints, green landscapes, hills and valleys
• Things to do:
  • Enjoy nature walks
  • Take in the views
  • Relax in the peaceful surroundings

Pallikunnu Church

Pallikunnu Church is a beautiful and historic church located in Kerala. Its lovely architecture and peaceful atmosphere are its primary attractions. Both locals as well as tourists from all around the country likes to visit here. You can admire its beautiful architecture and relax in its calm environment. It is a perfect place where you can learn a lot about the local culture and history of the region.

Whether you’re visiting here to offer prayers or want to see its architecture, Pallikunnu church offers a welcoming experience to each and every visitor. It is a must to visit spot if you love to explore religious sites and peaceful environment. No doubts in stating, it is amongst the best places to visit in Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather.
• Major attractions: Historic church architecture, peaceful environment, local cultural importance
• Things to do:
  • Admire the church’s design
  • Attend religious services
  • Explore the surrounding area

Kottathavalam

Kottathavalam is a interesting rock cave located in Kerala. It has large ancient rock formations which attracts travelers from all around the country. It is surrounded by a lot of greenery and known for its unique natural beauty. The cave is popular amongst those travelers who love to explore nature and unique places. It is also a great place to experience hiking and enjoy lovely views of the countryside. Kottathavalam also offers a glimpse into the region’s geological history. If you’re looking for a quiet and interesting spot to visit, Kottathavalam is a perfect choice. No doubts in stating, it is amongst the best places to visit in Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and comfortable weather.
• Major attractions: Ancient rock formations, beautiful countryside views
• Things to do:
  • Explore the rock cave
  • Hike around the area
  • Enjoy the natural scenery

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Know more important things about the city.

How to reach Kottayam

By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 88 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kottayam.

By Train: Kottayam has its own railway station, well-connected to major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Chennai, and Bangalore.

By Road: Kottayam is connected by road to major cities in Kerala. You can take state buses or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Kochi (63 km) or Trivandrum (152 km).

By Boat: Kottayam is also accessible by boat via the backwaters from places like Alappuzha and Kumarakom.

Kottayam visual appearance and unique things

Kottayam is one of the major tourist attractions of Kerala. The town is surrounded by lovely hills, lakes and backwaters which are also the main reason behind its popularity. It is widely known for its rubber plantations, rice fields, and coconut tress which make the area look even more beautiful and attractive. The most interesting thing is that you’ll see many old style houses that has sloping roofs and ancient temples which give the town a unique and interesting look and feel.

Kottayam is also known for its strong connection with books and writing. It is often called the “Land of Letters” because many important writers and books in the Malayalam language come from here. Moreover, it is also the starting point for visiting the beautiful backwaters of Kumarakom. I must say it is a perfect place to experience natural beauty and interesting temples at one place.

Recommended hotels in Kottayam

1. Aveda Kumarakom

• Location: Near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom
• Distance: About 14 km from Kottayam
• Tariff: Starting around ₹10,000 per night
• Facilities: Lake view rooms, spa, infinity pool, restaurant

2. The Windsor Castle

• Location: Kodimatha, Kottayam
• Distance: 3 km from Kottayam Railway Station
• Tariff: Starting around ₹4,500 per night
• Facilities: Pool, multi-cuisine restaurant, bar, conference facilities

3. Nisha Continental

• Location: Baker Junction, Kottayam
• Distance: 2 km from Kottayam Railway Station
• Tariff: Starting around ₹2,000 per night
• Facilities: Budget-friendly, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, parking

4. Backwater Ripples

• Location: Kumarakom, Kottayam
• Distance: About 12 km from Kottayam
• Tariff: Starting around ₹7,500 per night
• Facilities: Lakefront property, spa, pool, boating facilities

5. Hotel Arcadia

• Location: TB Road, Kottayam
• Distance: 1 km from Kottayam Railway Station
• Tariff: Starting around ₹3,000 per night
• Facilities: Rooftop restaurant, bar, conference rooms, free Wi-Fi

Is it worth to visit Kottayam?

Yes, Kottayam is worth visiting! It’s a peaceful town in Kerala, known for its beautiful backwaters, lush greenery, and scenic landscapes. You can explore the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, take a relaxing houseboat ride, or visit ancient churches and temples. The serene environment and rich cultural heritage make Kottayam a great spot for a relaxing getaway, offering a mix of nature, history, and local culture. It’s a perfect escape if you’re looking to unwind in a picturesque setting.

Travel tips for visiting Kottayam

• According to me, you should plan your trip from October to March because of the pleasant weather.
• Use local transport like taxis, auto-rickshaws, or rental cars for easy travel.
• Keep some cash handy as card facilities may not be available everywhere.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for exploring.
• It is good to book accommodations in advance especially during peak tourist season.
• Stay hydrated especially during daytime activities.
• Pack light and only essentials for convenience.
• Consider carrying a first aid kit and carry any needed medications.
• Plan your visits to major attractions in advance.
• Follow safety guidelines and avoid traveling alone late at night.

Who should visit Kottayam?

• According to me, people who are busy in their hectic day-to-day lives and who want to spend a day in a peaceful and relaxing place can visit here.
• People who want a unique travel experience as it has many unique historic temples.
• Nature lovers must visit the town as it offer beautiful landscapes and peaceful surroundings.
• Travelers who love to visit religious places.
• Beach lovers should definitely visit here.
• Photographers who love to capture stunning landscapes.
• Couple can also visit here for a romantic gateway in a beautiful place.

Best time to visit Kottayam

The best time to visit Kottayam is from November to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and cool, making it perfect for exploring the scenic backwaters and lush landscapes. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September as it can be heavy and disruptive.

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