Tourist Attractions in Kottayam

The main tourist attractions in Kottayam are the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom, Pathiramanal, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Anchuvilakku, Erumeli, Kayyoor, Nattakom and Panachikad. Vembanad Lake The vast network of rivers and canals of Kottayam empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The Vembanad Lake is situated about 16 kms. from Kottayam town in Kumarakom. This enchanting lake has emerged as a prime picnic spot and a famous backwater tourist destination. This place provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with the spectacular snake boat races. It is very amazing to watch hundred of oarsmen in one boat, slicing their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing. The Kumarakom Tourist Village provides houseboats cruises. Kumarakom Kumarakom is situated about 10 kms. from Kottayam. This idyllic rich green, sleepy little sub-tropical paradise is located on the banks of the Vembanad lake and interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. The mangrove forests, lush paddy fields and coconut groves add to the beauty of this small water world. Traditional country crafts, boats and canoes floating leisurely on the backwaters are a sight to behold. Kumarakom is an enchanting picnic spot and a famous backwater tourist destination. This place provides boating, fishing and sightseeing opportunities. There are a number of resorts nearby which offers complete accommodation and activities like Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming, etc. The main attraction of Kumarakom is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. This place is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite place for migratory birds like water fowl, cuckoo, owl, duck, egret, darter, heron, teal and Siberian stork. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to view the bird life. More.... Pathiramanal  According to mythology, a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight) was created. This little island on the backwaters is a favourite place for hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.

Pathiramanal

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is situated about 18 kms. from Kottayam. This beautiful picnic spot is located about 2 kms. down a mud lane from Kumarakom. In this place, the streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and water roars as they cascade down the mountains from the height of 100 feet. The tourists can also enjoy the shade of the rubber plantations here.  Anchuvilakku Anchuvilakku, about 22 km from Kottayam is a stone lamp post, built near the Changancherry boat jetty. This lamp post is a typical example of Kerala architecture, and was built by the renowned freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalawa. The Changancherry market, one of the largest in Kerala, was also established by him. The five lamps on this post are lit by kerosene.

Erumeli Erumeli is the nature rich village, located about 60 kms northeast from Kottayam. It is nestled in the lush green Western Ghats. This village is also the entrance point to South India's most prominent pilgrim centre - the Sabrimala temple. Erumeli is an important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus and Muslims. Sree

Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. At Kanakapalam nearby, teak plantations dot the landscape.

Kayyoor Kayyoor is an enchanting landscape formed by the chain of green hills at the Bharananganam panchayat. A shrine dedicated to the Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharata is found here. Only ghee is used to light the lamps here. Women are not permitted inside the temple. Nattakom and Panachikad These are the two quiet villages and the scenic reservoirs together with vivid green adds charm to it. The migratory birds came to this verdant landscape in every summer and frolic in the natural splendours till the end of the season. A boat ride from Kodoorar in Panachikad to Kumarakom is a great way to relax and enjoy nature's bounties. Some of the facilities like an Ayurvedic massage, boating, fishing and swimming fulfills the recreational need of the tourists. Hill Stations in Kottayam The various hill stations in Kottayam are Ilaveezhapoonchira, Mankallu Mudikal, Illickal Mala, Illickal Kallu, Kannadipara, Vazhikkadavu and Vagamon. Ilaveezhapoonchira Skirting the Kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira, spread over thousands of acres. Ilaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This beautiful picnic spot is located in the midst of beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. The verdant landscape is surrounded by three gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 feet, and is an ideal place for trekking. During monsoons, when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy both sunrise and sunset.

Vagamon The enchanting hill station of Vagamon is situated on the Idukki-Kottayam border. This hill station is dotted with tea garden and meadows and soon will be one of the India's first ecotourism project. The breeding centre of the Kerala livestock Board is located here. Mankallu Mudikal

The three hills in Mankallu Mudikal lies close to each other. Their flat hilltops are covered with lush grasslands. An aerial view of these resemble a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltops give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds.

Illickal Mala The numerous mountain streams in Illickal Mala peak, 600 feet above sea level, flow down to form the serene Meenachil river. The solitude, tranquility, gentle breeze and the star spangled sky here are all enchanting beyond words. The tourists have to trek up 3 km to reach the top of the hill.  Illickal Kallu Three hills, each rising to 4000 feet and above, together form the huge hill of Illickal Kallu. Each of the hills have a peculiar shape. Out of which, one of them resemble a mushroom owing to which gets its name Kuda Kallu (umbrella shaped rock). It is said that the medicinal herb Neela Kodduveli, which bathes the hillsides in blue, grows here. This flower is believed to possess supernatural powers which could increase wealth and ensure a rich harvest. The second hill, has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred as Koonu Kullu (hunch back rock). Across this rock is a half feet wide bride called Narakapalam (bridge to hell). From the hilltops, the Arabian Sea can be seen in the distant horizon as a thin blue line. The sunset on a full moon day is sensational, when the moon can be seen rising up like another sun, as the orange sun goes down.  Kannadipara The valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Ilaveezhapoonchira. The Pazhakakanam plateau is about 3 kms from here and nourished by the Kadapuzha river. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. The another attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash. On the eastern side of Kannadipara is a natural fort set amidst steep rocks. Vazhikkadavu Vazhikkadavu is a small hill station, situated on the outskirts of the district. This hill station of rocky terrain is known for its pristine nature. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall and steep rocks and on the other hand is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil river. During the month of December, the landscape comes alive in a riot of colours with orchids and wild flowers.