Places To Visit In Kottayam

Show on map
  • Filter (31)
  • Temple (10)
  • Hills & Valleys (3)
  • Landmark (2)
  • Art Gallery (2)

1. Kottathavalam

Kottathavalam
3.1 /5

40 km
from city center
1 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

A fascinating cave carved out of rock surface is Kottathavalam lying on the top of a Murugan Hills at Kurisumala. The cave is considered to be the resting place for Madura Royal family.

2. Nadukani

Nadukani
3.1 /5

44 km
from city center
2 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

After all the blessings from temples, it is time for some adventure. Nadukani is one such place nestled amid the wilderness of nature and densely wooded hills offering its visitors a beautiful trail for trekking.

3. Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple

Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple
Top Attraction 3.4 /5

0 km
from city center
3 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

A popular Hindu shrine and great epitome of Kerala style of architecture, Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was established in 16th century by the king of Thekkumkur.

4. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
3.1 /5

12 km
from city center
4 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

A paradise for bird watchers, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or Vembanad Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of Lake Vembanad in kavanar River basin. The place is spread across a huge area of 14 acres providing a natural habitat to about 91 species of local birds and 50 species of migratory birds.

5. Island of Pathiramanal

Island of Pathiramanal
3.1 /5

15 km
from city center
5 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

A beautiful natural abode to various species of birds, Island of Pathiramanal is situated in Alappuzha District offering a paradise for ornithologists.

6. Illikkal Kallu

Illikkal Kallu

37 km
from city center
6 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Located at a height of 6000 ft above the sea level in the Western Ghats of Kottayam, Kerala, Illikkal Kallu is a major tourist attraction and one of the most pristine spots in all of India. Situated in Moonnilavu Village, Meenachil taluk, the nearest city to the summit is Teekoy.

7. Shopping in Kottayam

Shopping in Kottayam
3.0 /5

1 km
from city center
7 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Kottayam offers its visitors a splendid experience of shopping. The town is famous for its handmade products. The design and exquisite carvings are an example of great craftsmanship of the locals.

8. Marmala Waterfalls

Marmala Waterfalls

38 km
from city center
8 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Located at a distance of few kms from Erattupetta in Kottayam inside a private rubber estate, Marmala Waterfalls are popularly known as the ‘enchantress of the jungle’. Plummeting from a height of 200 feet, the unblemished clear waters create and aura of mist around them.

9. Poonjar Palace

Poonjar Palace
3.1 /5

31 km
from city center
9 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

A huge majestic palace bounded by a boundary of massive walls is Poonjar Palace situated in Meenachil Taluka. The palace is adorned with a fascinating collection of various type of furniture and antiques which includes grand chandeliers, jewelry boxes, statues, grain measurer, weapons and palm leaf engravings.

10. Vaikom

Vaikom
3.7 /5

22 km
from city center
10 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Highlights: Vaikom Shri Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam

Alappuzha, Venice of the East. The district Kottayam, has a network of rivers,canals and backwaters. Manimala, Pampa and Achancovil are the major rivers.

11. Nattakom and Panachikad

Nattakom and Panachikad
3.1 /5

6 km
from city center
11 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Located in the Kottayam District, Nattakom and Panachikad are two villages flanked by dense evergreen forests and several beautiful streams. The villages serves as a whole some package for vacations itself offering its visitors an experience of famous Kerala's Ayurvedic massages and recreational activities including fishing and swimming.

12. Subramania Swami Temple

Subramania Swami Temple
3.1 /5

43 km
from city center
12 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

A beautiful temple depicting the Kerala style of architecture, Subramania Swami Temple is located in a village namely Kidangoor. Dedicated to Lord Subramaya Swami, the temple is mainly known for its annual festival that is held during the months of February and March for 10 days.

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Kottayam

Places Near

Places Near

Places to Visit Near Kottayam

13. Bay Island Driftwood Museum

Bay Island Driftwood Museum
3.1 /5

11 km
from city center
13 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Bay Island Driftwood Museum situated 14 km from Kottayam is home to some of the most amusing collection of driftwood sculptures. Showcasing the variety of modern artifacts and root carvings crafted in various shapes and sizes, the museum is established by the proprietor and curator Raji Punnoose and an award receiver of Limca Book of Rerecords 2001.

14. St. Mary's Orthodox Church

St. Mary's Orthodox Church
3.1 /5

6 km
from city center
14 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

A significant center of Syrian Christians of Kerala, St. Mary's Orthodox Church was originally a Malankara Orthodox Church. Located about 4 km from the Kottayam in Cheriyapalli, the structure was established by king of Tekkemur in 1579.

15. Boat Races

Boat Races
3.1 /5

48 km
from city center
15 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

The months of July, August and September marks the beginning of the festival of Onam. It is during this time you will witness the boat race which includes nearly 50 types of traditional boats of different sizes participating.

16. Thazhathangady Juma Masjid

Thazhathangady Juma Masjid
3.1 /5

2 km
from city center
16 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Thazhathangady Juma Masjid or Taj Juma Masjid as it is popularly known as is a beautiful structure situated on the banks of River Meenachil. The shrine is said to have been established by the members of Jama-Athe 1959 and was completed in year 1964.

17. Annual Food festival

Annual Food festival
3.1 /5

0 km
from city center
17 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

During the month of February, the town of Kottayam is yet again ready for its food and flower show which is worth attending.

18. Pallippurathu Kavu

Pallippurathu Kavu
3.1 /5

1 km
from city center
18 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Pallippurathu Kavu is an ancient shrine. Devotees come here to worship especially during the Kumbhaka mahotsav celebrated annually on the 10th day of Pathamudayya.

19. Malliyoor Sri Maha Ganapathi Temple

Malliyoor Sri Maha Ganapathi Temple
3.1 /5

16 km
from city center
19 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

The temple is known for a 8-day long celebration called the Thiruvutsavam. The festivities are marked by several offerings and processions.

20. Subrahmonia Temple

Subrahmonia Temple
3.1 /5

7 km
from city center
20 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

An ancient temple considered to be created by Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma of Travancore Kingdom; Subrahmonia Temple is located in Perunna Village about 21 km from our destination.

21. Saraswathy temple

Saraswathy temple
3.1 /5

7 km
from city center
21 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

A temple dedicated to the Goddess of learning and art i.e. Goddess Saraswathy, this temple is located Panachikad Village. The temple houses various paintings and sculptures that depict the Indian mythology very profoundly.

22. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

10 km
from city center
22 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Located at a distance of about 10 kms from Kottayam in Kumarakom, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is a revered holy place of the Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the shrine is popular for its spectacular murals, beautiful frescos and excellent wood carvings made in the 16th century, which are borrowed from the classic epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.

23. Thiruvarpu Temple

Thiruvarpu Temple
3.1 /5

5 km
from city center
23 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Located in the town, Thiruvarpu Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple attracts devotees in large number during an annual festival called Vilakkeduppu held in the month of April for 10 days.

24. Thangal Hill

Thangal Hill

0 km
from city center
24 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Colloquially known as Thangal Para, Thangal Hills are an important pilgrimage spot of the Muslims, located barely 5 kms from Vagamon. The whopping boulder at the top of the hill houses the mausoleum of Sheikh Fariduddin (mazaar/ dargaah of Sheikh Fariduddin) and is visited by thousands of Muslim pilgrims annually during the festival of Urs

25. Tomb Of Saint Alphonsa

Tomb Of Saint Alphonsa

26 km
from city center
25 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Located at a distance of 5 kms east of Pala in Bharananganam, Kottayam, St. Mary’s Church holds the mortal remains of St. Alphonsa (1910- 1946). Born as Anna Muttathupadathu, St. Alphonsa was an Indian religious sister and educator.

26. Discs & Machines - Sunny's Gramophone Museum

Discs & Machines - Sunny's Gramophone Museum

29 km
from city center
26 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Located at an hour’s drive from Kottayam, Sunny’s Gramophone Museum also known as Discs & Machines, is a unique private venture which is one of its kind in the country. Opened to public on the 25th of January, 2015, the two floored depository is a storehouse of over 1 lac rare records and about 260 gramophones, phonographs and record players.

27. Kumaranalloor Bhagavathy Temple

Kumaranalloor Bhagavathy Temple

4 km
from city center
27 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Located at a distance of 4 kms from Kottayam in Kumaranalloor, Kumaranalloor Devi Temple enshrines Bhagwathi- the mother Goddess. Considered as one of the most important Hindu temples among 108 Durgalayas (Devi temples) spread across Kerala

28. Elaveezha Poonchira

Elaveezha Poonchira

37 km
from city center
28 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Located at a distance of 15 kms from Thodupuzha and 60 kms from Kottayam, Elaveezha Poonchira is one of the most scenic places in the face of the earth. Perched at a height of 3200 feet above the sea level, the quaint valley has grassy carpeted mountains, meandering blue rivers and grey floating clouds.

29. Mozart Art Gallery

Mozart Art Gallery

4 km
from city center
29 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Located in the residential apartments of a Mr. M. Somu, in the Ayemenem village of Kottayam, Mozart Art Gallery is a haven for art enthusiasts and lovers. With an objective to popularize fine arts, this private venture provides a platform to artists across countries to view the methodology and technique behind painting, sketching and other fine arts.

30. Clay Art Cafe

Clay Art Cafe

24 km
from city center
30 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Clay Art Cafe is a quaint art gallery cum cafetaria situated on the K. K. Road in Kottayam. The building has been made of mud and old style bamboo thatch roofing. On demand you can also witness live clay modelling. Popular for its delicious milkshakes and coffees, the cafe also sells local art works and paintings.

31. Vaikom Shri Mahadeva Temple

Vaikom Shri Mahadeva Temple

17 km
from city center
31 out of 31
Places To Visit in Kottayam

Highlights: Annual Vaikom Ashtami Festival, Three Forms o (Read More)f Lord Shiva, Sacred Pond

The Vaikom Shri Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Vaikom in Kerala that is dedicated to the God Shiva. Located in the Kottayam district of the south Indian state of Kerala, this temple is one of the main pilgrim centers of the south. The shiva lingam in this temple is believed to be from the Treta Yuga (the third age of Hinduism). Also, the temple is renowned for its Vaikom Ashtami festival celebrated in November-December. Remarkably, it is one of the few temples which are a worshipping place for both Shaivites and the Vaishnavaites.

FAQs on Kottayam

What are the top sightseeing places in Kottayam?

The top sightseeing places in Kottayam are Kottathavalam, Nadukani, Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Island of Pathiramanal, Illikkal Kallu.

How can I commute within 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.
Read More

Can you suggest an 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.
See 219 Hotels