A heaven indeed. This is just the place for you if you are in for a picturesque backdrop with palm fringed backwaters and the majestic Western Ghats.Kottayam is the first fully literate district in India and is famous for its excellence in the field of education and literature . It is also the gateway to a number of famous pilgrimage centers in Kerala. The place keeps well organized rubber plantations which are considered to be the major cash crop in Kottayam. Scattered with a network of canals and lakes, Kottayam is also known for its toddy tapers.

By Air
Nearest airport, Cochin International Airport Limited, is at a distance of 76 km and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is at a distance of 150 km.

By Road
Kottayam is well connected with all the major places in Kerala with M.C road and state highways like S.H 9, S H 13,S H 32 ,S H 14 ,SH 11 and SH 15. Busses connecting nearly all the major centers in Kerala can be accessed from the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus station on T.B. Road and a private bus stand near the Railhead.

By Rail
The main railway station in Kottayam is situated just 2 km away from the Central Bus Station. Regular trains to Thiruvananthapuram (165 km), Ernakulam (65 km) and almost all express and super fast trains have a stop at Kottayam. Changanassery, Chingavanam, Kottayam, Ettumanoor, Kuruppanthara, Vaikom Road and Piravom Road are the major railway stations in the district.

Kumarakom:- Breathtakingly gorgeous paradise packed with divine mangroves and lush green paddy fields, Kumarakom is one of the fast developing backwater tourism destinations in Kottayam. Located near the Vembanad Lake, the place promises exciting sightseeing vistas with its numerous lakes dotted with houseboats and canoes. The numerous traditional country crafts found here reflect the fine craftsmanship of the artisans. The serenity of Kumarakom has made it the ideal destination to spend a vacation rich with Ayurvedic massages and treatments. Centers for yoga, meditation can also be found in plenty. Planning a vacation during the time of Onam come with a dual advantage of watching the adrenalin packed water regattas. What adds to the beauty of the race is that you get to see 50 different types of boats during the event.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:- Ornithologist’s delight - Kumarakom Bird sanctuary spreading around 14 acres is anchored on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary serves as a favorite haven for the migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, Egret, Darter, Heron and Teal. To add more fun-factor to the trip, one can also go cruising along the lake. This could fetch you a spectacular view of Pathiramanal – a small island anchored on the Kumarakom – Muhamma water route.

Vembanad Lake:- Kottayam packs in a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the enormous stretch of water called the Vembanad Lake. This is an enchanting picnic spot where traditional Cargo boats (also known as Kettuvallams) are modified into cruise boats and house boats, with all the facilities of a luxury hotel including kitchenette, bathrooms and sit-outs. “The midnight sands” or Pathiramanal, the only island in the Vembanad Lake, can also be visited by boat.

Vayaskara and Chirattamon:- Vayaskara and Chirattamon are famous for the full-fledged Ayurvedic treatment and therapy centers.

Pala and Kanjirapally:- Sprinkled with well organized rubber plantations, these places have their name written with golden letters in the economic chronicles of the state. Nature nourishes this land of exceptional features with two rivers - Meenachil and Manimala, which in turn are a boon to farmers.

Elaveezhapoonchira:- This is yet another slice of nature for tourists where the subtle charm of nature is reflected in every detail. Elaveezhapoonchira, a valley where leaves don’t fall, got its name with its lack of trees. The place is accessible from Pala and is located amidst fine-looking hillocks. This hill station (3000 m above sea level) near Melukkavu Mattom, 60 km from Kottayam, is punctuated by gigantic hills. A haven for mountaineering and trekking, this place is also a hotspot to witness sunset and sunrise. Set amidst the beautiful hillocks of Mankunnu, Kudayatoormala, Thonippara and Poonchira, this valley fills up to form a scenic lake during monsoons.

Kurisumala:- Boasting of a European model house and an artificial lake (both constructed by the famous architect Laurie Baker); Kurisumala is located on the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts. The place is renowned for the Christian pilgrims who flock to here during the Holy week. Devotees climb this rocky hill carrying a small wooden cross on their hands which they believe will reduce their burden of sins and cure diseases. The place is just 3 km from Vazhikkakadavu. There is a rock cut temple at Murugan Mala, to the eastern side of Kurisumala, dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Siva).

Vaikom:- Vaikom has its name inscribed in the chronicles of Indian freedom struggle as the place where Mahatma Gandhi took part in the sathyagraha. Located on the western side of Kottayam and sharing borders with Vembanad Lake, the place is also renowned as “Thekkan Kashi” (southern Varanassi) for the Mahadeva Temple here. The temple is famous for Ashtami (Vaikkathashtami) Celebrations. With vast emerald backwaters and lush green nature, the place has a high potential for tourism. Spending a vacation cruising along the Vembanad Lake, listening to the chirping of birds is sure to linger in the memories forever. The numerous fishing villages and the tribal hamlets here add to the beauty of Vaikom.

Wagamon:- Dotted with tea gardens, meadows and majestic waterfalls, this fantastic strip of land is on Idukki - Kottayam border. Located 64 km from Kottayam and 65 km from Idukki, Wagamon is set at an altitude of 1100 meter above sea level, making it the trekker’s paradise. The 3 hills - Murugan Mala, Kurisumala, And Thangal Hill, further accentuate the beauty of Wagamon. Though making a visit during the monsoons could surprise you with heavy downpours, it is the right time for ayurvedic therapies and treatments. Don’t you worry, ayurvedic rejuvenation centers can be found in plenty here. Thriving with exotic and gorgeous waterfalls hanging from the steep and sloppy hills, Wagamon has surprises galore to offer the eager tourist.

Poonjar palace:- On Pala-Erattupetta route stands this glorious palace rich with antiques, rock cut lamps and sculptures – everything exuding a royal charm. One can also get rare glimpses of chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, royal furniture, jewel boxes, sculptures of Nataraja (the dancing Siva), grain measures, and more. Palanquin, a canoe carved out of single piece of wood, stands out from the rest with its unique beauty and artistic finesse. There is also an amazing replica of the fabled Madurai Meenakshi Temple next to the palace. The walls of this temple are engraved with stories from the Puranas (ancient literatures).

Kottathavalam :- This is a magnificent cave set in the Murugan hills at Kurishumala, welcoming the visitors with a series of steps cut in rocks. Once inside the cave, one gets the rare glimpses of the rocks carved like chairs and couches. There are also figures of Ayyappa, Murugan, Kannaki and Madurai Meenakshi inside the cave. The legend attached to the history of the cave says that the royal family from Madurai took rest here in this cave during their journey to Poonjar.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls:- Set amidst rough rocks and rubber plantations, this waterfall falls down from an astonishing height of 100 feet. This sparkling waterfall is just 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom and 18 km away from Kottayam.

Kumarakom:– Never miss the series of boat races held during the Onam Season in Vembanad Lake. What adds more zing to the event is that viewers get to see diverse varieties of boats including Veppu, Chundan and more.

Trekking:– For those with a penchant for action-packed adventure, Kottayam has surprises galore to offer. Go trekking and explore the many wonders hidden in the dense greenery of the Western Ghats and Wagamon.