The land of latex, legends and lakes, Kottayam is a vast sea of culture and festival, shrouded with an emerald green and boasting a treasure trove of silk.
East flanked by the mighty and majestic Western Ghats and the west edged with paddy fields and Vembanad Lake, Kottayam is an alluring city situated in the “Spice Coast of India”, Kerala. A bounteous visual treat with prolific rivers, undulating mountains, pristine backwaters, vast rubber plantations, waterfalls, ancient pilgrimage centres and scrumptious delicacies will delight your senses. The first town in India to acquire a 100% literacy rate, this “Akshara Nagari” or “The city of letters”, possesses many regal titles such as the land of latex, legends and lakes.
Must VisitVisit the Vembanad Lake, Vaikom, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Poonjar Palace, and Illikal Kallu for their mesmerising charm. Trek in Nadukani, go kayaking & canoeing at Kuttickattil Home Stay. Experience a houseboat ride, the local cuisine and authentic Ayurvedic treatments. Buy Kerala handicrafts, organic fresh spices, and Kerala silk.
Best time to visitIf you want to explore the beauty of this town at its best weather then pack your bags and head off to Kottayam between September and February when the mild warmth of the day mingles with pleasant cold breezes with the setting sun. You can experience the charming winter months and the festivals of Onam and Food Festival during this time.
TriviaKottayam had the first printing press of Kerala, the first college of the state, first and sole Cooperative society of writers, first tobacco-free district and first to be adapted as an ‘Eco-City'.
InterestAyurveda finds its origins in the heart of Kerala with traditional therapies, massages, and holistic healing, which makes Kottayam its esemplar in essence. Wellness centres like Somatheeram and Kumarakom Lake Resort provide it all. Nothing works better to rejuvenate your body and mind than the lush greenery and tranquil backwaters of this city.
An expansive lake with a spectacular view
A historic town with vibrant cultural heritage
A Birdwatcher’s paradise
A regal residence of splendour and history
A mystical rock formation with adventurous trails
A hilltop with a brilliant view
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Kerala
Vembanad Lake forms the heart of the water channels supporting not just Alleppey but also the neighbouring cities of Kottayam, Kuttanad, and Kochi. The glittering expanse of the lake is dotted with many tiny islands which can be accessed easily from Kochi. Surrounded by swaying palm trees, this serene lagoon forms a major part of the Kerala backwaters and ornate houseboats light up the lake at night, twinkling like stars.
Kottayam, Kerela 686141
A temple town, Vaikom is famous for its backwaters and its ancient Mahadeva temple which is believed to be a work of Parasurama, the creator of Kerala. Backwater trip in Vaikom is a popular activity among tourists who enjoy the rides on conventional non-motorized kettuvallam across the beautiful narrow canals of Vikom. Backwater trips are accessible from KTDC Jetty and Vaikom Boat Jetty.
Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom, Kerala 686563
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a forested area sprawling over fourteen acres of land in the small village of Kumarakom in the district of Kottayam. A haven for exotic migratory birds, the sanctuary also appeals to a lot of hikers as it offers beautiful secluded trails that wind through the forests. This is a paradise for both nature lovers and those seeking peace in the silence of the trees.
PHC Rd, Panachippara, Poonjar, Kerala 686581
A regal palace with heritage values and royal elegance, Poonjar Palace is furnished with royal statues, palm leaf engravings, antiques, giant chandeliers, weapons, a sculpture of Nataraj, a treatment bed for Ayurvedic massages made from a single piece of wood, and many more which highlight the royalty of Kottayam of the bygone era.
Illikkal Kallu Rd, Moonnilavu, Poonjar Vadakkekara, Kerala 686586
Situated at the utmost peak of Illickal Malaa, it is a major tourist attraction of Moonilavu village in the Meenachil Taluk. Winding paths lead to the majestic monolith only half of which is present now. From the top, the Arabian Sea can be seen at a distant horizon as a subtle blue stroke and the view of the full moon is awe-inspiring. It is said that the legendary blue flower, Neela Koduveli, believed to have mystical powers to yield riches and rich harvest, grows here.
Kerala 686001
3000 feet high, Ernakulam district accommodates the hill station of Nadukani, home of diverse avifauna. It is bliss for all the mountaineering, trekking as well as picnic lovers because of its inimitable serene ambience. It is settled amidst the wilderness and thickly lush slopes, offering to you a wonderful path for trekking and a fascinating view of the River Muvattupuzha and towering mountains on the north.
Spring is a blend of the cool and the warm and therefore presents a pleasant weather to enjoy the beaches and all its shenanigans. There’s greenery all around to complement the blue waters and the flowers are in bloom.
Summers in Kottayam lasts from March to June. Temperatures can range between 22°C and 39°C with April being the hottest month among all. The heat along with high humidity might make it an uncomfortable time to visit Kottayam.
The monsoons begin in June and end in September, receiving rain from two monsoon season. One is the south-west rain that tactfully calms down the extreme hot wrath of nature with its cooling downpour and the other one is the north-east monsoon.
Autumn feels the impact of the heavy monsoons and the oncoming chilly winds of winter positing the perfect weather to revel in the beachfront and relish the water sports while also going around discovering all the nearby attractions.
The winter season begins from October and lasts until February. Although the winter days might start warm, the temperature gets pleasant by the evening thus making the overall winter in Kottayam is quite soothing.
Although Kottayam has no airport of its own, the closest airport is the Cochin International Airport which serves as a link with the cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore. The airport connects to foreign cities such as Colombo, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur and also to several cities in the Middle East. Jet Airways, Indigo, Air India, Emirates, Air Asia, and many others serve as eminent modes of influx for tourists all across the globe. Once you alight at the Kochi International Airport, you can board a train or travel by other local services to reach Kottayam.
The Kottayam railway station which is 49 km away is linked to other cities like New Delhi, Ahmadabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai. It lies at the closest proximity of only 2 km from the KSRTC bus stand. The nearby places like Changanassery and Vaikom are linked by railways. The express train runs regularly from Kottayam station to the cities of Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram. The seven railway stations in Kottayam are – Piravom, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Changanassery, Kottayam, Chingavanam, and Kuruppanthara.
Kottayam is well connected via numerous bus services as well, both private and state-owned ones like KSRTC. For intercity connectivity from Kottayam to Kochi, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore, Mangalore, and Coimbatore, road transport has mostly been opted for. Fares vary depending on the type of bus chosen and the duration of the journey. Bus operators providing services in Kottayam include A1 Travels, Atlas Travels, Golden Pearl Travels, Kerala Lines, Modern Travels, and Sona Travels.
Kottayam has several state-owned buses that run across the city making it a convenient and economical option. However, they can get extremely congested during peak hours or on roads like M.C. Road. Taxis can be boarded at the taxi stands near the District Collectorate and the District Hospital. Although taxis are a convenient and comfortable option, they are also expensive compared to auto-rickshaws. Even though, rates are usually fixed; the rickshaw drivers generally charge higher fares at night.
Considering the tropical sultry climate, winter seasons- September to February is a pleasant time to visit Kottayam.
Well, although there was a test run, there isn’t a direct bus route yet. Theekoy is the nearest town from where the bus can be boarded.
Kottayam is well-known for its natural rubber, lakes and panoramic scenic beauty.
A properly planned itinerary of 3 days is enough to travel in and around Kottayam.
Camping here isn’t recommended considering the terrain that might prove dangerous.
The fastest travel means is a direct cab but buses are also available. By road, the distance between Ernakulam to Kottayam is approximately 68 km.
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