Waterlilies, three Ls, churches... Kottayam has it all: Discover its calm escapes

Kottayam holds a prime position in the tourism map of Kerala with its scintillating landscapes, beautiful backwaters, serene rivers, misty mountains and verdant paddy fields. From Kumarakam, which is often featured among the must–visit spots in the world, to the hilly areas that offer spectacular views, Kottayam district in Kerala can impress anyone. There are countless temples, churches and ancient mosques where devotees throng throughout the year. The lush green hills, tranquil backwaters, charming countryside and cascading waterfalls beckon visitors from Kerala and outside alike. Kottayam is a perfect place where mesmerising nature and culture are intricately woven into a beautiful symphony.

Land of three Ls
Often touted as the land of three Ls – Letters, Latex and Lakes, Kottayam was declared the first fully literate district in the country in 1989. The district that has sprawling rubber estates is also known for high-quality latex production. Kottayam is also famous for its beautiful lakes and rivers that nourish the farmlands and the landscapes. Vembanad Lake in Kottayam is the longest lake in India.

The glorious hill tops
Wagamon, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illickal Kallu, Marmala Lake, Aruvichal Waterfall, Ayyambara, and Aruvithara Valyachan mountain are some of the popular tourist destinations in the eastern hilly areas of Kottayam. Viewing the mind-blowing sunrise from atop these hills while enjoying the cool breeze offers a unique experience. Although hiking may be a bit exhausting, the spectacular sights at the summit will make you forget all the aches and pains.

Illickal Kallu
Tourists should head straight to the mighty Illickal Kallu to enjoy sprawling meadows, beautiful views that never end, smoky mist and enchanting breeze. The giant rock shrouded in a thick blanket of mist looks straight out of a dreamland. Illickal Kallu is situated around 3000 feet above sea level. Parking facilities are available in the valley, while visitors could also hire jeeps from here. You could reach Illickal Kallu from Erattupetta via Teecoy and Meladukku. Illickal Kallu is 24 kilometres from Erattupetta and 56.1 kilometres from Kottayam.

Malarikkal waterlily tourism
The sea of pink waterlilies in Malarikkal farmlands has been bringing tourists to the region ever since Instagram became a household name for netizens. The flowers, which were considered 'weeds' by local people, became an attraction to those from outside the region. Now, tourists come here to see 2800 acres of paddy fields in pink hues from July to September. A few months ago, the Kanjirampalam-Malarikkal road of 1.4 km was modernised as per BMBC (Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete) standards. Many tourists have faced inconveniences in the past years due to the narrow roads in this stretch. 

The waterlilies bloom in the JJ Block and Thiruvaikkari fields in the region, and a waterlily tourism fest is also held here every year. 
If you are travelling from the Kottayam side, Malarikkal is just 7.5 km away. First, head towards Illikkal Junction. From here, turn left onto Thiruvarppu Road. Once you cross the Knjiram bridge near the Kanjiram Boat Jetty Road, you will reach Malarikkal. Those travelling towards Malarikkal from the Kumarakom side must travel around 9 km. They should turn right onto Thiruvarppu Road at Illikkal. 

Muthukoramala
Situated at Thekkekara panchayat in Poonjar, Muthukoramala lures visitors with its incredible natural beauty. The steep ascent from Kaippilly leads to the enchanting summit of Muthukoramala. However, the Muthukoramala is quite precarious with deadly gorges that are more than 1000 feet deep on both sides. Meanwhile, the three kilometre long off–road ride from Kaippilly offers a thrilling experience. Muthukoramala is 50.8 kilometres from Kottayam.

Ottupara hills
This place is hidden in the midst of a beautiful forest, from where you could witness enchanting sunrises. You need to trek for almost two kilometres to reach the hilltop. The giant trees in the woods offer cooling shade. The season after monsoon is the best time to visit the Ottupara hills, which are 44 kilometres from Kottayam.

Kottathavalam
Kottathavalam is close to Muruganmala in the Vagamon hills. Believed to be a resting place in the olden times, Kottathavalam has caves in which you can see structures carved out of rocks in the shape of chairs and cots. The beautifully carved idols of various Gods, too, could be seen inside the cave.

Vagamon
One of the famous tourist spots located in the Kottayam - Idukki border, Vagamon, is known for its lush hillocks, verdant tea estates and sprawling meadows. Vagamon receives tourists at all seasons as the place enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. Adventure lovers could try their hands at paragliding, rock climbing and adventure walking. The hillocks covered in mist, quaint tea estates, beautiful springs and the pine forests make Vagamon a haven for nature lovers. Vagamon is around 60 kilometres from Kottayam town.

Ilaveezha Poonchira
The misty hills of Ilaveezha Poonchira, nestled amid Mankunnath, Kadayannurmala and Thannipara hills, don a mysterious vibe. Situated around 3200 feet above sea level, Ilaveezha Poonchira is accessible only through jeeps or bikes. You could reach here by travelling 30 kilometres from Erattupetta via Melukavu. This is also an amazing trekking spot as it offers scintillating panoramic views of the district. The summit is just 11 kilometres away from the Melukavu bus stop.
Meanwhile, the lakes and rivers of Kottayam are breathtakingly beautiful.

Vembanad Lake
A boat ride through the mighty Vembanad Lake shouldn't be missed if you are visiting Kottayam. Vembanad Lake holds a major position in Kerala's tourism prospects. Houseboat rides and mouthwatering local cuisines are part of the world-famous backwater tourism. Kumarakam, paddy fields, Pathiramanal Island and the Thannermukkam bund are some of the iconic spots associated with the Vembanad Lake.

The waterfalls of Kottayam that cascade as foamy streams through the rocky hills are quite famous. These are some of the well-known waterfalls in the district that draw visitors from all over the globe.

Aruvikkachal waterfalls
Like many other waterfalls in Kerala, Aruvikkachal waterfall too comes alive during the rainy season. The waterfalls flourish into a splendid beauty when the rains get heavier. The season from June to October is the best time to visit this waterfall. Besides, this is one of the few waterfalls where visitors can safely swim and enjoy the calm waters. Although Aruvikkachal is one of the safest waterfalls in Kottayam, visitors should be cautious while getting into the water. You could reach Aruvikkachal waterfall by travelling just 13 kilometres on the Poonjar – Mundakkayam road from Erattupetta. The visitors have to walk for over a kilometre from the parking area to reach the waterfall, which is 46 kilometres away from Kottayam railway station.

Aruvikuzhi waterfall
The water that falls from over 30 feet high cascades through the grey rocky structures before meandering through the sprawling rubber estates. The best time to visit Aruvikuzhi waterfall is from June to September. The waterfall almost disappears during the summer before remerging in the rains. Adventure lovers can enjoy trekking trips in the vicinity of the waterfall. Aruvikuzhi, which is an amazing picnic spot, is just a kilometre away from Pallikathode. Meanwhile, Aruvikuzhi waterfall is 19 kilometres from Kottayam.

Kattikayam waterfall
Those who love adventure should surely embark on a trek along Kattikayam waterfall, as the area has been blessed abundantly by Mother Nature. The sparkling water falls in three layers from 50 feet high before it flows through the landscape. Kattikayam waterfalls, situated at Mechalil in Melukavu, Kottayam, are 17.1 kilometres away from Erattupetta and 54 kilometres from Kottayam railway station.

Marmala waterfall
Marmala waterfall is often hailed as a hidden gem of Kottayam, as nature offers itself in all its glory. The waterfall is on the way to Vagamon, making it one of the most visited tourist spots in the district. The stroll through the narrow pathways leading to the waterfall is truly delightful. Marmala waterfall falls into a beautiful lake filled with rocks. Although this lake is extremely beautiful, it isn't quite safe to get into the water, which is at least 30 feet deep. However, you could still enjoy the water by following the safety instructions. Marmala waterfall is around nine kilometres from the Teecoy bus stop, while it is more than 45 kilometres away from Kottayam railway station.

Pambanal waterfall
Pambanal waterfall is at Manathoor, a quaint countryside known for its incredible greenery. The waterfall, 45 kilometres from Kottayam, is spectacular during the monsoons; however, it becomes difficult to reach due to the dilapidated roads.

Spiritual hub
Kottayam could rightly be called the spiritual hub of Kerala as it is home to many iconic temples, famous churches and Juma Masjids.

St. George Orthodox Church
Famously known as the Puthupally church, this is one of the major pilgrimage spots in the district. His Holiness the Catholicos Baselius Marthoma Didymos had declared St. George Orthodox church as a pilgrim centre of the Eastern Georgian church. This has been constructed as a church complex comprising three smaller churches. The beautiful architecture of the church is worth admiring. The church thronged by devotees from all over Kerala is just six kilometres away from Kottayam railway station. Furthermore, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's tomb is also located at the St. George Orthodox Church.

St. Mary's Forane Church, Bharananganam
This church is another popular pilgrimage centre in Kottayam, visited by hundreds of devotees every day. The mortal remains of St. Alphonsa are entombed in the shrine close to the church. Millions of devotees visit the church during the annual festival to offer their prayers. St. Mary's Forane Church is around 32 kilometres from Kottayam railway station.

Sree Mahadevar Temple, Thirunakkara
Sree Mahadevar Temple is an ancient temple situated in the heart of Kottayam town. The history of this temple is intricately woven into the cultural heritage of the mesmerising town. Meanwhile, the annual festival held during the Malayalam month of Meenam is a grand celebration of the spirit of Kottayam. The Pakalpooram ritual, which is similar to the iconic Thrissur Pooram, draws crowds from all over the state.

Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid
Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid, which is more than 1000 years old, is one of the oldest mosques in India. The mosque that sprawls in 6000 square feet has an elaborate roof and façade (mukhappu) that boasts of fascinating ornamental carvings. The architectural brilliance and the intricately carved designer elements put this masjid on par with the iconic palace of the Travancore royal family. The ancient mosque is just four kilometres away from Kottayam town.

Vavar Juma Masjid
It is an age-old custom for the Sabarimala pilgrims to visit the Vavar Juma Masjid before they climb the sacred Sabarimala hill. Vavar Juma Masjid is 45 kilometres from Thiruvalla railway station.

Mahadeva temple, Ettumanoor
The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, which is only 11 kilometres away from Kottayam, is one of the famous temples in the district. The Ezharaponnana festival, conducted annually at the temple, draws millions of devotees from all over the country. The idols of seven full elephants and a half elephant crafted in gold are exhibited during the festival. This unique custom, believed to have started at least 1000 years ago, offers an immersive spiritual experience.

Besides these pilgrimage spots that are also cultural icons, St. George Forane Church, Aruvithara, Panachikad Saraswati Temple, St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral, Manarkad and Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple are some of the other famous churches and temples in Kottayam.    

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
You can check out both migratory and native birds at this 14-hectre sanctuary. Its timing is 6 am to 7 pm. Tourists can also enjoy boating here. Trying a hand at the canoe rides through the narrow waters here can give a different perspective on the life and terrain of Kottayam and the sanctuary. From Kumarakom, you can also take a boat to the Pathiramanal Island, which offers stunning sunrise and sunset views. Kumarakom is just 14 km from Kottayam town and offers various 'puravanchi,' 'kettuvellam' boating packages too to tourists.