Kottayam, a picturesque city nestled in the Indian state of Kerala, is a true gem. Surrounded by the majestic Western Ghats on the east and the serene Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. As the district headquarters of Kottayam district, this city boasts a plethora of tourist attractions that attract visitors from all around the world. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the mesmerizing tourist places in Kottayam.
1. Kumarakom – A Backwater Paradise
Location: 14 km west of Kottayam
Kumarakom gained national and international importance with the visit of the Hon’ble Prime minister A.B. Vajpayee in December 2000. It is a part of Kuttanad, a wonderland below sea level, comprising a number of islands in the backwaters. Kumarakom is an unbelievably beautiful paradise with mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields, and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. You can experience the heart of scenic Kerala with traditional country boats, crafts, and canoes. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like Ayurvedic massages, Yoga, and meditation besides boating, fishing, angling, and swimming.
2. Vagamon – A Trekker’s Paradise
Location: 64 km from Kottayam
Situated at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level, Vagamon is an enchanting hill station on the Idukki-Kottayam border. Dotted with tea gardens and meadows, Vagamon is set to become one of India’s foremost eco-tourism projects. The breeding center of the Kerala Livestock Board is also located here, adding to its unique charm.
3. Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom – A Birder’s Delight
Location: Banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom
Covering 14 acres of land, the Bird Sanctuary in Kumarakom is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron, and teal. You can also spot local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, and water hen, along with other common varieties like the woodpecker, sky lark, crane, and parrots. The best time for bird watching is from June to August, while migratory birds can be seen from November to February. The sanctuary offers bird-watching cruises on the Vembanad Lake through houseboats and motorboats.
4. Illickal Kallu – Nature’s Marvel
Location: 4,000 ft above sea level
Illickal Kallu is a unique formation of three hills, each rising to 4,000 ft and above. The hills have peculiar shapes, with one resembling a mushroom (Kuda Kallu) and the other having a hunchback (Koonu Kallu). The hillsides are adorned with the medicinal herb Neela Koduveli, which bathes them in blue. It is believed that this flower possesses supernatural powers that bring prosperity and a bountiful harvest. Witnessing the sunset on a full moon day is a sensational experience, with the moon rising like another sun as the orange sun sets.
5. Aruvikuzhy Waterfalls – A Natural Delight
Aruvikuzhi is a beautiful picnic spot and an ideal shooting location for movies. The waterfalls cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft in five steps, creating a feast for the eyes. The surrounding landscape, with streams making their way through the dense rubber plantations, adds to the allure. The famous St. Mary’s Church is also situated at the top of the waterfalls.
6. Malarikkal Village Tourism – A Magical Experience
Location: Thiruvarppu, near Kumarakom
Shaded in pink, Malarikkal Village near Kumarakom offers a magical experience for visitors. The nearest airports are Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport. The Kottayam Railway Station and KSRTC, Kottayam, are convenient transportation options.
7. Vembanad Lake – Backwater Bliss
Location: Vast network of rivers and canals in Kottayam
The Vembanad Lake, with a length of 83.72 km and a width of 14.48 km, offers backwater bliss to tourists. Kettuvallams, traditional cargo boats modified into cruise boats and houseboats, gracefully traverse the backwaters, providing a unique experience to visitors. The Kumarakom tourist village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages, and the island of Pathiramanal, accessible only by boat, adds to the allure.
8. Ilaveezhapoonchira – A Valley of Wonders
Location: Near Melukavu Mattom, 60 km from Kottayam
Ilaveezhapoonchira is a place of picturesque charm, located among three beautiful hillocks – Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala, and Thonippara. Legends suggest that the pool here was a bathing place for Panchali, the legendary heroine of Mahabharata. The D.T.P.C. is developing this place into a trekking spot, and during the monsoons, the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, revealing yet another beautiful slice of nature.
9. Poonjar Palace – A Glimpse of Royalty
Location: Meenachil taluk
Poonjar Palace stands as a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. The palace walls house an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture, including a palanquin, a thoni carved out of a single piece of wood for Ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, lamps, sculptures of Nataraja, grain measures, statues, and weapons. A unique couch is preserved here and taken out once a year for ritualistic purposes. Near the palace is a captivating replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, while the walls of a nearby temple showcase rocks cut into lamps – a rarity in India.
10. Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid – A Historical Landmark
Location: Banks of Meenachil River
The Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in India, dating back about 1,000 years. It is believed to have been constructed by Habib Dinar, the son of Malik Dinar, who introduced Islam to Kerala. The mosque showcases traditional Kerala style of architecture and is renowned for its richness in wood carvings and beauty. Its location on the bank of the Meenachil river adds to its serene ambiance.
11. Vaikom – A Secluded Haven
Location: Near Kumarakom
Vaikom is a popular destination around Kottayam, known for its variety of tourist attractions. It offers some of the most scenic backwaters of Kerala, like Kumarakom, and houses rich historical places and heritage temples that add an old-world charm to the place. If you seek some peaceful “me” or “us” time, Kottayam offers several secluded and calming haunts where you can sit back and enjoy the serene beauty.
12. Nadukani – A Picturesque Picnic Spot
Location: Near Kottayam
Nadukani is one of the popular hill stations near Kottayam and is a major picnic spot. It offers breathtaking views of landscapes covered in dense forests, Nilgiri mountains, Muvattupuzha river, mystical valleys, and colorful flora. A trip to Nadukani is worth it for adventure enthusiasts and those looking for refuge away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
13. Island of Pathiramanal – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Location: Vembanad Lake, near Kottayam
The Island of Pathiramanal is one of the most fascinating islands in Kerala, located in the popular Vembanad Lake. The journey to this striking island is mesmerizing, with rare bird sightings, swaying coconut palms, and soothing waters. The island’s unspoiled beauty and hidden paths take you through a mystical world, making it an ideal getaway from the daily routine. You can opt for a luxurious staycation in some of the best resorts near Kottayam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tourist Places in Kottayam
How far is Kumarakom from Kottayam?
What can I expect at the Bird Sanctuary in Kumarakom?
Are there any trekking spots near Kottayam?
What is the best way to experience the Vembanad Lake?
Is there any place near Kottayam that offers a panoramic view of the surroundings?
What are some offbeat places to visit near Kottayam?
Are there any historical landmarks near Kottayam?
Which is the oldest mosque in India, and where is it located?
What is the best way to reach Vaikom from Kottayam?
Is the Island of Pathiramanal accessible by land?
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