What is famous about Kottayam?

Incredibly picturesque. Calm. Beautiful. Mesmerising. The Western Ghats on one side and Vembanad lake on the other. Panoramic backwaters. Very kind and welcoming people.

Kottayam Tourism (2025) - Kerala > Top Places, Travel Guide

Kottayam Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: September to February Read More

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"Backwater town of lakes, churches, and rubber plantations"

Kottayam Tourism

An ancient town located on a hilltop bordered by the western ghats on the east and the thrilling Vembanad Lake on the west, Kottayam is a culturally rich and naturally enchanting destination. Apart from nature's bounty, the town has many laurels to its name. It is a proud town to achieve 100% literacy in India for the first time. Also being the land of several publishing houses and print media, Kottayam is also tagged as the 'Akshara Nagari' meaning 'City of letters'.

The city is also a significant commercial hub for spices and crops especially rubber. One will see acres of a well-kept plantation of rubber all across the town. Other than its commercial importance, Kottayam is also dotted with a plethora of ancient and fascinating shrines all narrating a story of their own. With mesmerizing landscape and verdant fields are sure to lure you back to this place.

Illikkal Kallu

Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple

Marmala Waterfalls

St. Alphonsa's Tomb

Thazhathangady Juma Masjid

Sri Kumaranalloor Devi Temple

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Kottayam Travel Packages

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6 Days / 5 Nights

Kerala Package Holiday: Vagamon, Munnar, Kottay...

Munnar(2N) → Vagamon(1N) → Kottayam(1N) → Alleppey(1N)

$ 336

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$287/person

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Backwaters of Kottayam

The backwaters of Kottayam are a popular tourist attraction. A tour of the backwaters provides a breathtaking view of the 1500 acres of richly fertile land interspersed with coconut and paddy trees, which is used for agriculture by the local population. A unique feature of the Kottayam backwaters is that agriculture is practised below sea level here. The beautiful lakes of Vembanad and Punnamada in this region are famous tourist hotspots.

Etymology

The name Kottayam has it roots from the Malayalam words Kotta which means fort and akam, meaning the inside - thus the interior of the fort, or Kottaykkakam. The ancient rulers of Kottayam, the Thekkumkurs, had a fort called Thaliyilkotta for their protection in the town, which is believed to have inspired the name.

History of Kottayam

The city of Kottayam was a part of the ancient kingdom of Thekkumkur since the 9th century, who established trade relations with the Europeans in spices and other condiments. King Marthanda Varma of Travancore defeated the Thekkumkur rulers, and the state was then annexed as a part of the princely state of Travancore in 1750 and remained a part of it throughout the British rule period. Kottayam also played an instrumental role in several political agitations such as the Malayali Memorial agitation for better representation of Malayalis in their civil service and the Abstention Movement for representation of the Hindu lower castes in the legislature. In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched a satyagraha against untouchability in Vaikom, near Kottayam.

Restaurants and Local Food in Kottayam

People of Kottayam are extremely fond of their food and thus you will find restaurants and cafes almost everywhere in the town. However, make sure you stick to the traditional Kerala food which is quite delicious. South Indian vegetarian food is also available almost everywhere is obviously lip smacking. However, try and avoid North Indian, Chinese or Continental food as it may not favor your taste buds.
Also if you religion oriented make sure you specify the non-vegetarian dish you order as beef is quite commonly prevalent in Kottayam.
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Suggested Itinerary for Kottayam

Kottayam can be explored in one day, but you'll have to rush, or you will miss out on some places. It is better if you stay for two full days.

Day 1: You can start your 1st day by visiting the Kumarakom bird sanctuary early in the morning. It is 13 km from the city, and you can opt for an early morning safari. From there you can come back to the city and watch the numerous temples that the town is dotted with, like the Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple and Vaikom Mahadev Temple. You can visit Elaveezhalpoonchira in the evening to experience a sunset that will remain with you forever. You can shop in the local markets for some beautiful sarees in the evening and also don't forget to try to local Kerala cuisine.

Day 2: On the next day, you can go for a backwater cruise in the morning and follow it up with a visit to the Marmala Waterfalls and Vembanad Lake. In the evening you can visit the Parel Syro Church and the Thazhathangady Juma Masjid.

Best Time to Visit Kottayam

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Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

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How to Reach Kottayam

How to Reach Overview

Kottayam doesn't have an airport of its own, and the nearest airport is in Kochi which is only 90 km from Kottayam. Kottayam is well connected to the rest of Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka by frequent and reliable bus service. You can either opt for the bus service provided by the government or the private services. Kottayam has a railway station of its own, and it receives trains from a lot of major cities in India.

How to reach Kottayam by flight

Kochi International Airport serves as the nearest airbase to Kottayam District. It lies about at a distance of 93 km from the required destination. The airport connects the town directly with many major cities of the country including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, Trivandrum, Kolkata, Coimbatore, Kozhikode, Mangalore, and Agatti, etc. It also connects to several the Middle East and South Asian countries via regular flights. From here you can either hire a taxi or take a bus or train till Kottayam.

How to reach Kottayam by road

Kottayam is approachable via well-maintained roads to several major cities of Kerala as well as states. Regular bus services ply to and fro between Kottayam and towns like Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Bangalore, Chennai, and Trivandrum. One can take a ride at private as well as buses operated by KSRTC.

How to reach Kottayam by train

The town houses a station of its own which connects it to several major cities of the country. In fact, there are many long distance trains that stop at the town. One can avail taxi, bus or auto rickshaws from the station till the required destination.

How to reach Kottayam by waterways

One can also reach Kottayam by ferry operated by the Kerala State Water Transport Corporation. It plies from Alappuzha and runs throughout the day. It takes approximately two hours to reach the town from backwaters. Ferry is the cheapest mode of transportation but definitely not the fastest.

Local transport in Kottayam

Kottayam operates all kinds of transportation services starting with the local bus service. It is the cheapest way of commuting, however remember that buses are quite crowded during the rush hours. Auto rickshaws in the town are also quite inexpensive but make sure you bargain a good deal out of them. Local taxis are however the best option if you want to explore in and around the town. Car rental companies are also available in the area if you are in mood to self drive. But walking is the best and healthy way to explore this small town. Make sure you plan your trip during winters to enjoy the town to its best.

Most frequently searched routes to Kottayam

Route Name	Distance	Time	More Information
Bangalore to Kottayam	597 km	10 hours 43 mins	View Details
Hyderabad to Kottayam	1,164 km	18 hours 38 mins	View Details
Ernakulam to Kottayam	64.3 km	1 hour 51 mins	View Details
Chennai to Kottayam	676 km	11 hours 56 mins	View Details
Delhi to Kottayam	2,762 km	1 day 18 hours	View Details
Pune to Kottayam	1,440 km	22 hours 15 mins	View Details

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FAQs on Kottayam

Who should visit Kottayam?

Kottayam is an ideal destination for everybody, and everyone will be mesmerized by its beauty equally. It is a perfect place to sit back and relax and to avoid the daily chaos of life. Its greenery and beauty will live you spellbound.

What are the places near Kottayam?

The top places near to Kottayam are Alleppey which is 18 km from Kottayam, Kumarakom which is located 5 km from Kottayam, Munnar which is located 80 km from Kottayam, Kochi which is located 49 km from Kottayam, Thekkady which is located 70 km from Kottayam

What are the things to do in Kottayam?

The top things to do in Kottayam are Kottathavalam, Nadukani, Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Island of Pathiramanal, Illikkal Kallu. You can see all the places to visit in Kottayam here

What is the best way to reach Kottayam?

What is the local food in Kottayam?

What is the best time to visit Kottayam?

Kottayam experiences tropical climatic conditions with hot and humid summers. The monsoon season extending from June to September receives heavy rainfall. The period from September to February i.e. winters brings with it a cool breeze to the region thus making it the best time to explore the town.
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What is not so good about Kottayam?

Can be crowded during peak seasons. Hotel price surge during peak seasons.

Kottayam

Kottayam Travel Essentials

"Backwater town of lakes, churches, and rubber plantations"

Kottayam Tourism

Places To Visit In Kottayam

Kottayam Travel Packages

Kerala Package Holiday: Vagamon, Munnar, Kottay...

Top Hotels In Kottayam