Kottayam

An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forest, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodations and exclusive leisure options like an ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming.

The Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom (16 km from Kottayam town)

Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experience that are truly exhilarating. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta- the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the water to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (16 km from Kottayam town)

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, Egret, Darter, Heron and Teal. Other common varieties like the Woodpecker, Skylark, Crane, Water hen and Parrots can also be spotted here. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here.

Pathiramanal

This 10 acer island on the backwaters is home to many rare varities of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young brahmin divided into the Vembanad lake to preform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island.

Resevoirs at Nattakom and Panchikad

Adding to the charms of these quiet villages are their scenic reservoirs escorted by vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendour 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. Facilities here carter to the recreation needs of tourists; from soothing Ayurvedic massage to boating, fishing and swimming.

Mannanam Tourist Home

An intricate network of shimmering waterways embroider the richly green landscape, making the land charming in every detail. 

Anchuvilakku (22 km from Kottayam)

This stone lamp post, a typical example of Kerala architecture, was built near the Changanacherry boat jetty by the renowned freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalwa. The Changancherry market, one of the largest in Kerala, was also established by him. The five lamps on this post are lit using kerosene.

Nadukani

A picturesque location at the top of a hill with endless stretches of meadows grided by huge rocks. A bird's eye view of the low lying place can be enjoyed from here.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls (18km from Kottayam town) 

2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.

Karimbukayam - Meloram 

This quaint spot on the Manimala river that flows between the Kanjirapally and Erumeli panchayats is much sought-after for its natural splendour. How ever what makes the place really popular are the occasional exotic water fiestas on the reservoir organized by the enthusiastic people.

Erumeli

Nestled in the lush green Western Ghats is this nature-rich village. This is also the entrance points to South India's most prominent pilgrim centers - the Sabarimala Temple. At Kanakapalam near by teak plantations dot the landscape.

Kayyoor, Bharananganam

An enchanting landscape formed by a chain of green hills at the Bharananganam panchayat. A shrine dedicated to the Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharatha is found here. As in the famous temple at Sabarimala, only ghee is used to light the lamps here.

St Mary's Church, Bharananganam 

The mortal remains of the Blessed Alphonsa are entombed at this church which is now a famous pilgrim center. Thousands gather at this holy shrine during the annual festival. Feast of the Blessed Alphbonsa (July).

Ilaveezhapoonchira

Skirting the Kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira, spread over thousands of acre. The verdant landscape punctuates by four gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft., is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. Ilaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset. 

Kannadipara 

As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Ilaveezhapoonchira. 3km from here is the Pazhakakanam Plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha river. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic 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.

Mankallu Mudikal

The three hills in this region lie close to each other, their flat hilltops covered with lush grassland. An aerial view of these resemble a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltop give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds.

Illickal Mala

Numerous mountain stream in this peak, 600 ft above sea level, flow down to form the serene Meenachil river. The solitude, the tranquility, the gentle breeze and the star spangled sky here are all enchanting beyond words. Tourist have to trek up 3 km to reach the top of the hill. And if you so wish, you could even spend the night on the heights.

Illickal Kallu

Three hills, each rising to 4000 ft, and above, together from this huge hill. Each of the hills have a peculiar shape. One of them resemble a mushroom owing to which it gets its name Kuda Kallu (umbrella shaped rock). It is said that the medical herb Neel Koduveli, which bathes the hillside in blue, grows here. This flower is also believed to possess supernatural powers which could increase wealth and ensure a rich harvest. The second hill, has a small hunch on the side and is therefore referred to as Kuunu Kallu. Across this rock is a 1/2 ft. wide bridge called Narakapalam. 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.

Ayyappara

According to legends, the five Pandava brothers- epic heroes of the Mahabharatha - stayed near this rock, 200 ft. above sea level and spread over 20 acres, during their exile. The name of the rock is said to be a modified version of the original term. On one side of the rock is a cave that can accommodate over 15 people. The sunset is beautiful from here.

Kurisumala

3km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim center where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Jewish Monastry at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a rockcut temple dedicated to Murugan. The road to Kurisumala offers some real sightseeing opportunities in a European model house and the beautiful artificial lake, both designed by the renowned architect, Laurie Baker.

Thangalppara

The mausolem of Sheikh Fariduddin found here makes this place a famous Muslim pilgrim center. Nearby is the scenic hill station of Kurathikallu and the beautiful Kottathavalam.

Kottathavalam

Near Murugan hills at Kurushumala, a fight of steps cut in the rock takes one to this magnificent cave. Legends say that the royal family from Madurai rested here on their way to Poonjar. The rock within the cave, carved like chairs and couches and the figures of Madurai Meenakshi, Ayyappa, Murugan, Kannaki and weapon sculpted on them, are all worth exploring.

Poonjar Palace

The place is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. Within the place walls is an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture which include a palanquin, a thoni - carved out of a single piece of wood- for Ayurvedic massage, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, different varieties of lamps sculptures of Nataraja, grain measure, statues and weapons. A unique conch preserved here is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The walls of this temple bear sculptures which narrate stories from the Puranas.

Thirunakara temple The Koothambalam (temple theater) is one of the most celeberated in the state. There are some good paintings on its walls. The Phalgunna Ustav (festival) is held in March/ April

St.Mary's Church (Valliyapalli) This church at Thazathangadi is 3 km from the town bus stand. Built in 1550 AD this Orthodox Christian Church is famous for its 8th century Persian cross with Phalve inscription on it.

St.Mary's Church (Cheriyapalli) This church is adjacent to the Valiyapalli. There are some excellent murals and paintings depicting Bibical scenes

Ettumannur Shiva Temple Ettumannur 17 km from Kottayam on the way to Cochin is a few centuries old. The sculptures and carvings inside the temple are very interesting. The festival is during February/ March.

Vaikom This old town on the banks of the Vembanad lake, has an important Shiva temple. The temple festival is in November/December. The view of the backwaters from the Vaikom boat jetty is beautiful. Cherthala is on the opposite banks. Cochin is 36 km from here

Sabarimala (134 km from Kottayam) This is a very important Hindu Pilgrim center. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. People from all over India make a pilgrimage to Sabarimala during the Mandala Pooja, Makara Villaku (December/January) and Vishu Villaku.

Aranmula (32 km from Kottayam) This town on the banks of the river Pamba is famous for 'Aranmula Kannadi', a mirror made from certain combination of metals and polished to achieve the properties of a mirror. This is a traditional industry and the manufacturing technique is closely guarded. The Aranmula temple is a pilgrim center. The Aranmula snake boat race during Onam is the other major attraction. Aranmula is only 10 km from Chenganur

Niranam (40 km from Kottayam) This is an important Christian pilgrim center. The church here is believed one of the seven churches built by St. Thomas, the apostle

Kaviyoor (29 km from Kottayam) this small village is on the banks of the river Manimala. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. There is an 8th century rock cut temple 1 1/2 km from the Hanuman temple. There are stone figures engraved in the rock structure. The temple is under the control of the Archeological Departmant. Kaviyoor is 5km from Thiruvalla, the nearest railway station.