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Serene backwaters and landscapes of Kottayam blend with rich cultural heritage to appeal to visitors. In the heart of picture-perfect surroundings, the city of Kerala provides sequestered retreats. The best places to visit in Kottayam attract a lot of tourists who come to experience warm hospitality and ancient history. The rich culture manifests itself in handicrafts, ancient temples, and lip-smacking Kerala cuisine. Get ready as we explore the twelve lesser-known places for Kottayam trip, in the state of Kerala, India.
Best 17 Places To Visit In And Around Kottayam
From historical landmarks to delicious food and cultural experiences, here are some of the places to visit in Kottayam that interest different kinds of tourists.
1. Ilaveezhapoonchira
Ilaveezhapoonchira means “valley where leaves don’t fall.” It is an unblemished hill station, green all over with rocky hills. The place is ideal for trekking and allows views of sunrise and sunset across the horizon. According to the Kottayam travel guide, this is a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers who like to shoot counselled beauty in the Western Ghats.
Location: Melukavu Village (55 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: N/A
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kottayam For Picturesque Hues Of Mountains
2. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Photo: Mckurup / Wikimedia Commons
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, a priority among tourist places in Kottayam, is a 100-foot fall, which makes it into a breathtakingly beautiful, serene environment. The entire route leading to the falls has rubber cultivation making the journey to the falls scenic and peaceful. Cool waters invite for refreshing dips picnics beside the falls are breathtaking.
Location: Pallickathodu(18 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
3. Illikkal Kallu
Illikkal Kallu is one of the best Kottayam tourist places from which one can get an excellent view of the surrounding areas. The mist during monsoon covers the place in mystery. The climb to the head is somewhat laborious but is rewarded with a view that is out of this world.
Location: Illikkal (57 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Jeep rides cost ₹40 per person
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Kerala
4. Poonjar Palace
Photo: Shijan Kaakkara / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
According to the Kottayam travel guide, Poonjar Palace is a brilliant example of traditional architecture in Kerala, with minutely carved wooden structures and antiques. This palace houses many antique royal memorabilia going back to ancient weapons, sculptures, furniture, and so on. Inscriptions on the history and heritage of the Poonjar dynasty are vividly included as exhibits in many of them.
Location: Poonjar (35 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50
5. Nattakom & Panachikkad Backwaters
Photo: Lenish / Wikipedia / Image For Representation Only
The Nattakom and Panachikkad Backwaters are well known for their tranquillity and serenity, offering a peaceful boat ride amidst lush greenery and scenery. Tourists can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kerala’s backwaters, with its calm lake and beautiful landscape. Due to these salient features, it comes among the places to travel in Kottayam.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: N/A
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kottayam For Your Next South India Trip
6. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, being on the list of places to go in Kottayam, offers a majestic view with vast greenery and picturesque backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Visitors can see the maximum number of birds in the quiet mornings and evenings. This is an extremely good birding spot. The sanctuary’s location in Kottayam makes it perfect for nature fans seeking a relaxing trip to experience natural splendour.
Location: Kumarakom (15 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100 – ₹250
7. Pathiramanal Island
Photo: Navaneeth Krishnan S / Wikipedia
Pathiramanal is a small island located in the Vembanad Lake famous for It is rich biodiversity with the different birds and plants seen by the inhabitants of the island. This place is perfect for a quiet picnic day with facilities such as bird-watching, picnicking or nature walks.
Location: Vembanad Lake (14 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: N/A (boat prices may vary)
Suggested Read: Beautiful Islands In Kerala To Visit On Your Next Trip
8. Marmala Waterfalls
Photo: athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
A peaceful, secluded place, away from the mad gate, deep inside the Teekoy Rubber Estate, the Marmalade Waterfalls are worth a visit. The waterfall falls into a deep natural pool, well worth a refreshing swim in the greenery. Though the trap is interesting, the trails cut through dense forests and rubber trees.
Location: Teekoy (60 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
9. Thazhathangady Juma Masjid
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
Thazhathangady Juma Masjid, popular for its excellent wooden architecture, and ambient calmness, ages over 1000 years, holds a dominant position in the list of destinations to visit in Kottayam. It is of immense historical and cultural value, depicting the vibrant inheritance of the region.
Location: Thazhathangady (2 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: N/A
Suggested Read: Top Serene Mosques In Kerala For A Spiritual & Divine Experience
10. Vaikom Village
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikipedia Commons
This is an immersive element of the traditional village life in Kerala. Guests can actively get involved in village life. Pottery making, coir processing, and traditional fishing, coupled with cooking classes, provide hands-on experiences. It’s a great way to understand village life daily. It makes one appreciate the simplicity and beauty of rural Kerala.
Location: Vaikom(33 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹9000 – ₹10000 (varies as per activities)
11. Kallara Vayal
Photo: Hans A. Rosbach / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kallara Vayal is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Kottayam, famous for its lush rice fields and rich landscape. The area is an important agricultural district, supporting the local economy through rice cultivation. Its natural beauty attracts visitors seeking a peaceful and rural experience.
Location: Kallara (20 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: N/A
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kerala
12. Bharananganam
Photo: Prince Paul 0484 / Wikipedia
Kottayam’s Bharananganam is famous for its peaceful and green fields. Traditional Kerala structure inside the town’s houses and homes showcases its culture. Bharananganam hosts eye-catching celebrations, conventional music, and dance throughout the year to show off Kerala’s rich tradition. Its deep-rooted traditions and welcoming locals make this historical town a face with cultural fans and tranquility explorers.
Location: Bharananganam (23 km from Kottayam)
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Entry Fee: N/A
13. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Hari vaikom(harish) / Wikimedia Commons
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in Kerala, often called the “Kashi of the South.” Located in Vaikom town, the temple is known for its rich history, traditional Kerala style architecture. It is a prominent site during the Vaikom Ashtami festival, which attracts thousands of devotees every year. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful surroundings, the temple provides a serene atmosphere ideal for those seeking spiritual reflection and cultural insight.
Location: Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
Suggested Read: Temples In Kottayam
14. St. Alphonsa’s Tomb
Photo: കാക്കര / Wikimedia Commons
St. Alphonsa’s Tomb is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Alphonsa, the first Indian woman to be canonised by the Catholic Church. The site is housed within a beautifully maintained church and attracts pilgrims from all over the country. Visitors often come here to offer prayers and reflect on the peaceful surroundings. The area also includes a museum that showcases her life and personal belongings, offering insights into her journey of faith and her contributions to Christian spirituality.
Location: Bharananganam, Kottayam, Kerala
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
15. Kattikkayam Waterfalls
Photo: Jeffrey Workman / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kattikkayam Waterfalls is a scenic natural attraction located in the outskirts of Kottayam. Nestled within dense greenery and rocky terrain, the waterfall cascades down into a rocky pool, offering a refreshing escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The area is relatively less commercialised, making it a peaceful spot for picnics and short treks. It is recommended for visitors to take special care and be safe while getting close to the waterfall.
Location: Melukavu, near Erattupetta, Kottayam, Kerala
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
Suggested Read: Kottayam Waterfalls
16. Kottayam Cheriapally
Photo: 6000jmc / Wikimedia Commons
Kottayam Cheriapally, also known as St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Kerala. Built in the 16th century, the church showcases a blend of traditional Kerala and Persian architectural styles. Its well-preserved mural paintings and stone carvings reflect the artistic excellence of the era. Cheriapally is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Kottayam’s religious and historical legacy. The church continues to hold regular services and attracts devotees and history enthusiasts.
Location: Near Gandhi Square, Kottayam, Kerala
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
17. Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the heart of Kottayam town, Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its vibrant murals and annual temple festival held in March, which features cultural performances and elephant processions. The peaceful environment and spiritual aura of the temple attract both devotees and tourists alike. It serves as a cultural landmark and is an integral part of the town’s religious life.
Location: Thirunakkara, Kottayam, Kerala
Timings: 4 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
Suggested Read: Top Kerala Religious Festivals That You Shouldn’t Miss
Based on the list of top places to visit in Kottayam, plan a trip to Kottayam today and experience the blend of history, culture and natural beauty for yourself. Be it a subtle, festive backwater vibrant variety, food for every taste bud — Kottayam guarantees you will never be before experienced. Plan a trip with TripXL and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Cover Photo: Kaippally / Wikimedia Commons
