Lifestyle

Best Places to Visit in Kottayam


03, December 2025

Kottayam is one of the most famous places to visit in Kerala. The district of Kottayam in Kerala is known in the state as the land of letters, latex, and lakes.

Kottayam is flanked by the Western Ghats and Vembanad Lake and borders Allappey, Idukki, Pathanamthitta & Ernakulam. Surrounded by the natural beauty of lakes, beaches, hills, mountains, and forests, Kottayam is truly a spectacular place to explore in Kerala.

The idyllic rural life of rubber farmers and the different kinds of tourist spots in Kottayam all can enhance your Kerala trip to the next level. The fascinating features do not end there, with numerous churches, temples, rock formations, and rivulets all adding up to the experience.

GRC Shreekrish - Homes247.in

Similar Blogs

Top Places to Visit in Kottayam

  1. Vagamon

  2. Vembanad Lake

  3. Illikal Kallu

  4. Kumarakom

  5. Nadukaani

  6. Kottathavalam

  7. Pathiramanal

  8. Poonjar Palace

  9. St Mary's Orthodox Church

  10. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

  11. Thazathangadi Juma Masjid

  12. Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple

Vagamon

The mist & the golden sunrays shining in yellow hue on the little light green hills is truly a spectacular sight to behold. A simple visit to Vagamon will refresh your soul beyond compare and make your trip worth every moment.

The "Motta kunnu," or the egg-shaped hills, is a pleasant sight to behold. However Vagamon region is not exclusive to Kottayam alone; the region spreads across the districts that share the western ghats, which includes Idukki as well. Vagamon is one of the top places to visit in Kottayam and was largely untampered for many years. Its elevated region and the special shola forests are actually home to a lot of biodiversities, especially in plants. It is also home to a wide variety of Insects, including butterflies, aphids, beetles, etc. - A Bug Collector's tranquil heaven

Vagamon is internationally acclaimed, too, as it was listed in National Geographic Traveller's most attractive places to visit in India.

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is not just a natural beauty but also historically significant. Vembanad Lake connects to the famed backwaters of Kerala, Kuttnad & Alappuzha. Vembanadu Lake also hosts famous boat races along with Kuttanadu Vallamkally.

I mean, it's no surprise that Prem Nazir (one of Malayalam's first film stars) sang " Vembanattu Kayalilu Therottam," which literally translates to the Chariot Race in the waters of Vembanad Lake.

Even if you are visiting Vembanad Lake, which is one of Kottayam's most famous tourist spots, don't worry. Rent a House Boat and enjoy the waves and ripples of one of the iconic lakes of Kerala.

Illikal Kallu

Illikal Kallu is yet another popular place to visit in Kottayam. The tourists visiting the iconic rock formation are always left in awe by the wonderful power of nature to create such enthralling beauty.

The Illikal Kallu is a large rock formation that acts as a peak or a fantastic viewpoint that helps us to see a wide range of land, especially the western ghats, the distant Vembanad Lake, and even parts of Tamil Nadu. The viewpoint is accessible by climbing the rock formation, which in turn can be quite dangerous if you are not used to the same. It can be quite challenging, especially since the physical toil is rather strenuous.

However, the view is worth it; Illikal Kallu unveils a sight that defies the limits of imagination.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom, the place, and the backwaters are famous places to visit in Kottayam. The region is famed as it is home to a wide variety of birds. In fact, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the best in Kerala for bird watchers.

Apart from the bird sanctuary, there are also many resorts that provide a brilliant view of the Vembanadu Lakes and the small islands that inhabit them. The place is a paradise for wildlife photographers, as you can see the majestic birds, especially kingfishers, unfree and wild in Kumarakon. It is as if the birds are posing for a click! What more can a birdwatcher want?

Nadukaani

Naadukani is yet another major viewpoint in Kottayam. The very word Naadukani literally translates to View the Countryside. The view is amazing, and so are the dense quiet fogs of Naadukani.

Hardly 78 km from the city center of Kottayam, the viewpoint provides us with a stellar view of the Muvatupuzha River and some parts of Ernakulam. Seeing the metro city and the forests of western ghats blend together in a sea of dense green forests is truly a spectacular sight. It is also a haven for trekking enthusiasts as well. Thus Nadukani or Naadu kani, if we follow the local dialect, is indeed one of the top places to visit in Kottayam.

Kottathavalam

Kottathavalam actually became famous only in the last decade, and before, just like Wagamon, this also was largely unexplored up until recently. Now it has changed into one of the most loved picnic destinations in Kerala loved by families. Kottathavalam is also popular among archeological circles as it is connected with the royal family of Madurai. Apart from the rock-cut mountain, the region also has an amazing waterfall.

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal is yet another natural landmark and one of the most visited places in Kottayam. Though actually part of the Alappuzha district, due to its proximity to Vembanad Kayal (Lake), this one of the top places to visit in Alappuzha is part of the list. Pathiramanal is an island near Muhamma and is one of the major bird sanctuaries of Kerala, a haven for over 50+ breeds of migratory birds. The uninhabited island is also nestled amongst the scenic beauty of the lakes.

Poonjar Palace

Poonjar Palace at Poonjar is one of the top historical places to visit in Kottayam. The palace helps us visit the regal past of Kerala, especially the Poonjar Dynasty, which includes the traditional architecture and antiques of the Chera, Pandya, Kulashekara, and Madurai dynasties. There is also a replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple which absolutely leaves us spellbound. And the special mention is the rare Chuttuvilakku on the stone walls.

St Mary's Orthodox Church

St Mary's Orthodox Church or popularly known as Kottayam Cheriyapally, is yet another major tourist attraction at Kottayam. One of the major features of the church is that it is built according to the same architectural lines as the temples in Kerala. The church has multiple murals and art and is also home to one of the relics of St Mary. The mural arts depict the life of Jesus. History has it. King Kothavarma was happy that Christians were living in his kingdom and also helping it grow by providing security and bustling commerce; he provided the land for the church tax-free.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala, and legends have it both Pandavas and Ved Vyasa have worshipped here. The temple is also a treasure trove of murals, especially the Pradosha Nritham, which is Shiva's dance. It is also home to the famed Ezhara Ponnana, or seven large golden and one small golden idols of elephants which are central to the spirituality of Kerala. This devotee can have a darshan of this once every year.

Thazathangadi Juma Masjid

Thazathangadi Juma Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in India and is adorned with brilliant architecture, especially wooden carvings. Many among the Muslim community of the region were renowned Freedom Fighters of the Indian Independence Movement. The Masjid is also called as Taj Juma Masjid.

Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple

Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple is located right at the heart of Kottayam Town and was built by the famous Thekumkoor Raja. One of the legends of the temple is that the Shiva idol here was installed by the Sage Parashurama himself. Another legend is that Lord Shiva appeared to the aged King, who was a devotee of Shiva and always used to visit Thrissur's famous Vadakumnathan Temple every year. But as time passed by, the aged King found it very hard to make the journey, and Lord Shiva said he would appear as a swayambhu lingam at the ideal place near him.

So to conclude, these are the best tourist and spiritual places to visit in Kottayam. So guys, what do you think?

Trending Blogs

GRC Shreekrish - Homes247.in

Categories

 
Festivals  Technology  Indian Realestate  Health & Fitness  Loan & Taxes  News  Home Buying  Construction  Videos  Vastu  Trending  Real Estate News  Lifestyle  DIY 

Latest Blogs

 
Affordable Luxury Homes

The Rise of Affordable Luxury Homes in India

By Nalina k. l

04, December 2025

Vastu Tips for Buying a Home Near a Temple - Homes247

Vastu Tips for Buying a Home Near a Temple

By Dan E Kuriakose

03, December 2025

Other Lifestyle Blogs

21/1, Cunningham Rd, Shivaji Nagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

+91 9164247247 (9:30 AM - 7:30 PM)
e-mail : enquiry@homes247.in

Stay Connected

Copyright © 2018 VSNAP Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd | All Rights Reserved.