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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
Get lost in the beauty of Kottayam and enjoy a holiday full of backwater rides, rubber plantations, and rich cultural roots. You can have a leisurely cruise on the Vembanad Lake, explore the vast greenery, and uncover the publishing and architectural legacy of Kottayam. From the misty mountains and narrow canals to the rustic villages and hill ranges, Kottayam is perfect for a rejuvenating weekend away in God's Own Country.
Region
Kerala
Min temp
24
Max temp
35
Kottayam offers you the perfect blend of nature and heritage where you can have a chance to witness the traditional publishing houses and ancient rock-cut temples. Though Kottayam is well-known for the Kumarakom backwaters, you can also explore much more than that. You can go on a rubber plantation walk, visit ancient temples, and trace back the history of Kerala's oldest Syrian Christian community.
Also, you can head out to the nearby misty ranges of Ilaveezhapoonchira and Illikkal Kallu for panoramic views of valleys and trek through the lush green mountains. As the "City of Letters" or Akshara Nagari, Kottayam is also known for its rich literary culture, and you can explore the legacy of the publishing houses and authors who put Kerala on the map of Indian literature. So, if you are looking forward to a holiday with boating through narrow canals, trekking through misty mountains, and indulging in local delicacies, then Kottayam with EasoTrip is the best choice for a memorable Kerala holiday experience.
Kottayam is a scenic destination in Kerala known for its backwaters, rubber plantations, churches, temples, waterfalls, and green countryside.
If you are planning for a hassle-free weekend getaway exploring the pristine backwaters, tranquil hills, royal palaces, and rich food culture, then you must choose Kottayam with EasoTrip for your holiday experience.
Here are the reasons why a Kottayam holiday with EasoTrip is memorable for you:
Pristine Backwaters And Nature
You can take a break from the busy city life and enjoy leisure cruises on the palm-lined canals and wide Vembanad Lake while spotting rare waterfowl and discovering local villages.
Tranquil Escapes In The Mountains
You can leave the plains behind and embark on an adventure in the highlands of Kottayam to find panoramic views of valleys, cool climate, and fascinating trekking trails.
Choose Kottayam for a Kerala trip that combines peaceful backwaters, plantation landscapes, cultural sites, and nature spots.
October to February is generally suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities in Kottayam.
Choose the cooler months for comfortable sightseeing, or visit during the monsoon if you enjoy rain, lush greenery, and the backwater landscape.
| Months | Weather | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to February | Pleasant | Peak Season | For backwater cruises, temple tours, and hill treks |
| June to September | Heavy rain | Moderate Season | For relaxing Ayurvedic treatments and watching roaring waterfalls |
| March to May | Warmer days | Off Season | For peaceful stays |
Kottayam is a land of misty mountains, royal palaces, ancient temples, and rich bird sanctuaries. Explore the beauty of Kerala through these exciting tourist attractions in Kottayam:
Attractions
Illikkal Kallu
Climb up the rocky escarpment of this 3,000-foot peak in the Western Ghats to enjoy panoramic views of the rolling green valleys. A rare sight of the sun setting in the horizon while the moon rises is something you could experience here.
Kumarakom Backwaters & Vembanad Lake
You can embark on a houseboat cruise through Kerala's largest inland water sports complex and visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to spot kingfishers, egrets, and many other bird species.
Ilaveezhapoonchira
Trek through this tree-less valley surrounded by three conical hillocks to enjoy spectacular views of the landscape dotted with wild flowers and enjoy a cool mountain breeze.
Poonjar Palace
Visit the 600-year-old royal palace of Poonjar Kovilatty and explore the ancient artifacts, royal palanquins, teak furniture, and decorative chandeliers in the museum.
Marmala Waterfalls
Have a thrilling off-road ride in a private jeep through the rubber estates to reach this hidden waterfall that cascades down to a deep forest pool.
Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid
This 1,000-year-old heritage mosque, built on the banks of the Meenachil River, is a must-visit for its wooden carvings and traditional Kerala architecture.
Kottayam is well connected by road and rail. Kottayam Railway Station is a major railhead, while Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport provide air access.
Travellers can reach Kottayam by train, bus, or car from major Kerala cities, with the railway station offering convenient connections to several destinations.
By Air
You can fly into Cochin International Airport (approx. 90 km away) or Trivandrum International Airport (approx. 160 km away) and take an EasoTrip private cab transfer directly to your hotel or resort.
By Train
You can book your tickets directly to the Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM), a major railhead that connects smoothly with top cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
By Road
You can easily travel via Main Central Road (MC Road / SH 1) and National Highway 183, which connect Kottayam with Kochi, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Thekkady, and Sabarimala via state buses and private cabs.
Take a backwater cruise, visit Kumarakom, explore rubber plantations, enjoy the views from Illikkal Kallu, and experience the local food and village life.
Check out these top activities you can enjoy while exploring Kottayam:
A Kottayam trip is a chance to enjoy Kerala’s waterways, green landscapes, hill scenery, and traditional village surroundings.
Sunset Houseboat Cruise on Vembanad
Relax on an open viewing deck with fresh coconut water while the evening sky turns golden over the lake.
Trekking to Nadukani Viewpoint
You can hike through wooded hills to reach an elevated observation point offering panoramic views of the Muvattupuzha River and distant hill ranges.
Exploring Rubber Plantations & Tapping
You can walk through fragrant rubber groves in Pala and watch local tappers harvest fresh latex sap at dawn.
Visiting Aymanam Heritage Village
You can explore the idyllic setting of Arundhati Roy's famous novel The God of Small Things, touring local craft homes, country canals, and art galleries.
Trekking to Marmala Falls Pool
You can hike along shaded jungle paths and dip your feet in the cool mountain water of the waterfall basin.
Popular temples in and around Kottayam include Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, and Panachikkadu Saraswathi Temple.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Located right in the town center, you can offer prayers at this 500-year-old Shiva temple built by Thekkumkoor Rajas, famous for its grand Koothambalam dance hall and murals.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
You can visit this revered Shiva shrine to admire world-renowned woodwork, ancient brass lamps, and the historic Pradosha Nritham wall mural.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Tour one of Kerala's oldest Shiva shrines, featuring a sprawling courtyard, a golden flagstaff, and deep connections to the legend of Sage Parashurama.
Visit Kottayam’s temples to experience Kerala’s traditional architecture, rituals, festivals, and spiritual heritage.
Try Kottayam-style dishes such as Kerala fish curry, appam with stew, tapioca with fish curry, karimeen, duck roast, and traditional Kerala meals.
Kottayam Duck Roast
You must taste succulent duck slow-cooked in thick, aromatic coconut-milk gravy with crushed black pepper, fennel, and curry leaves.
Kappa and Meen Mulakittathu
Enjoy soft, garlic-tempered boiled tapioca paired with fiery, tangy red fish curry cooked in earthen pots with Gambooge (Kudampuli).
Appam with Chicken Stew
You can start your day with lacy fermented rice pancakes paired with a mild, creamy coconut-milk chicken and potato stew.
Kottayam is known for its rich Syrian Christian and Kerala food traditions, with seafood, meat dishes, and local flavours found across the region.
Kottayam is known for rubber products, spices, traditional handicrafts, coir items, local snacks, and Kerala handloom products.
Kasavu Handloom Sarees & Mundu
You can purchase traditional handwoven Kerala cotton sarees and dhotis featuring classic gold borders for special occasions.
Brass Nilavilakku Lamps
You can take home handcrafted brass oil lamps, pooja bells, and bronze kitchenware made by skilled traditional artisans.
Authentic Kottayam Churuttu & Halwa
ou can pack boxes of sweet coconut-filled Churuttu and tender black and banana halwa to share with family back home.
Look for locally made products, spices, snacks, and traditional Kerala items when shopping in Kottayam.
Kottayam town’s market areas are useful for shopping for spices, fresh produce, local snacks, textiles, handicrafts, and everyday Kerala products.
Thirunakkara & Municipal Shopping Complex
You can browse bustling stores selling traditional gold jewelry, Kerala handlooms, textiles, and pooja items right near the main temple.
Market Landing (Chantha) Road
Explore this lively wholesale market along the old canal to shop for farm-fresh spices, local produce, and everyday items at great prices.
Kanjikuzhy Commercial Street
You can stroll through this upscale shopping area to enjoy trendy cafes, organic food markets, and boutique craft shops.
Visit the local markets to see everyday life in Kottayam and pick up regional food products, spices, and souvenirs.
Pack light, breathable cotton clothes for daytime sightseeing, and carry a light jacket.
Wear comfortable footwear with good grip if you plan to trek to Marmala Falls or explore rubber plantations.
Carry cash for local shopping at village spice stalls, tea outlets, and wayside fruit markets.
Dress respectfully in modest traditional clothing when visiting ancient temples, churches, and mosques across the district.
EasoTrip can help plan your Kottayam trip with accommodation, sightseeing, local travel, and Kerala tour arrangements based on your itinerary.
When you want an effortless, comfortable, and memorable Kerala holiday, EasoTrip takes care of every travel arrangement for you:
Customized Kerala Tour Packages
We design personalized itineraries for couples, families, and groups, combining Kottayam's hills and heritage with Kumarakom houseboats, Thekkady safaris, and Alleppey beaches.
Verified Stays & Houseboats
We reserve verified backwater resorts, heritage plantation bungalows, and premium houseboats with complete comfort and safety.
Add Kottayam to your EasoTrip Kerala holiday plan to include its backwaters, cultural sites, hill destinations, and local experiences in one itinerary.
Is Kottayam worth visiting for tourists?
Yes, Kottayam is a fantastic destination that combines serene backwaters, scenic hilltops, historic churches, ancient temples, and vast rubber plantations away from heavy crowds.
How far is Kumarakom from Kottayam town?
Kumarakom is located just 15 km west of Kottayam, making it an easy 25-minute drive to reach the backwater resorts and bird sanctuary.
What is the best way to reach Illikkal Kallu from Kottayam?
Illikkal Kallu lies about 55 to 60 km from Kottayam town. You can book an EasoTrip private cab via Erattupetta to enjoy a comfortable, scenic drive through the hills.
Why is Kottayam known as the "City of Letters"?
Kottayam earned this title because it became the pioneer of printing and publishing in Kerala and achieved a 100% literacy rate, serving as the cultural and publishing hub of Malayalam literature.
How many days are ideal to explore Kottayam?
A 2 to 3-day itinerary allows you to enjoy an overnight houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake, visit top heritage temples, tour rubber estates, and hike up to Illikkal Kallu or Marmala Falls.
What are the best food dishes to try in Kottayam?
You must taste Kottayam Duck Roast, Karimeen Pollichathu, Kappa with Meen Mulakittathu, Beef Ularthiyathu, and fresh crispy Churuttu sweets.
Is Kottayam safe for solo and family travelers?
Yes, Kottayam is very peaceful, safe, and welcoming for families, solo travelers, and couples. Booking organized packages with EasoTrip ensures secure transfers and verified accommodations.