Nestled in the heart of Kerala, Kottayam is a charming town known for its scenic backwaters, lush rubber plantations, and rich cultural heritage Often referred to as the “Land of Letters, Lakes, and Latex,” Kottayam Tour is famous for being Kerala’s first 100% literate district, its serene Vembanad Lake, and its vast rubber plantations.
With its stunning landscapes, historic churches, scenic hill stations, and vibrant cultural traditions, Kottayam is a perfect offbeat destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and those looking for a peaceful getaway. Whether you want to cruise along the backwaters, explore age-old temples and churches, or unwind in the cool hills of Ilaveezha Poonchira, Kottayam has something for everyone.
This Kottayam Tour covers everything you need to plan your trip, including how to reach, the best time to visit, accommodations, must-visit places, travel routes from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, distances from major cities, and local cuisines.
How To Reach Kottayam? 🚗🚆✈️
Kottayam is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it an easily accessible destination from Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and other major cities in Kerala.
By Road 🛣️
Kottayam is connected to NH 66 and NH 183, making it easy to reach by road.
- From Kochi (60 km) – A 2-hour drive via NH 66.
- From Thiruvananthapuram (150 km) – A 4-hour drive via NH 66.
- From Alappuzha (50 km) – A 1.5-hour drive via SH 11.
Regular KSRTC buses and private taxis are available from Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Alappuzha.
By Train 🚆
The Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM) is a major railway hub in Kerala, well-connected to Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore, and Chennai. Major trains include:
- Venad Express (Thiruvananthapuram–Shoranur)
- Ernakulam–Kottayam Passenger
- Chennai–Alleppey Express
By Air ✈️
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (85 km). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kottayam.
Best Time To Visit Kottayam ☀️🌧️
Kottayam Tour enjoys a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination, but some seasons offer a better experience than others.
| Season | Months | Weather | Best Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | November – February | Pleasant (18°C–28°C) | Sightseeing, Backwater Cruises, Hill Stations |
| Summer | March – May | Hot & Humid (25°C–35°C) | Visit Rubber Plantations, Explore Museums |
| Monsoon | June – September | Heavy Rainfall (22°C–30°C) | Lush Greenery, Photography, Temple Visits |
Best Time to Visit: November to February is ideal for comfortable weather, sightseeing, and backwater cruises.
Kottayam Hotels & Resorts 🏨🌿
Kottayam Tour offers a variety of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, budget stays, and heritage homestays, ensuring a comfortable stay for every traveler.
Luxury Resorts & Boutique Stays 🌳
- Kumarakom Lake Resort – A luxury backwater resort with houseboat experiences and Ayurveda spa.
- The Windsor Castle – A boutique lakeside retreat with modern amenities and nature views.
- Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom – A traditional eco-resort on the backwaters, accessible only by boat.
Budget & Mid-Range Hotels 🏡
- Isola Di Cocco Resort – A budget-friendly resort with heritage-style rooms and scenic gardens.
- Hotel Arcadia – A comfortable stay near the city center, ideal for business and leisure travelers.
- Backwater Heritage Homestay – A peaceful stay offering authentic Kerala hospitality.
For an authentic experience, opt for a houseboat stay in Kumarakom or a plantation homestay.
Best Places To Visit In Kottayam 🌊🏞️
1. Kumarakom Backwaters
A must-visit, offering houseboat cruises, birdwatching, and stunning lake views.
2. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Home to over 180 species of birds, including Siberian Cranes, Kingfishers, and Herons.
3. Ilaveezha Poonchira
A scenic hill station with panoramic views, ideal for trekking and photography.
4. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
A 500-year-old temple, known for its traditional Kerala architecture and cultural festivals.
5. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
One of Kerala’s oldest Shiva temples, famous for its rich history and spiritual ambiance.
6. St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Cheriapally
A 16th-century Syrian Christian church, known for its stunning murals and historic significance.
7. Poonjar Palace
A historic royal palace showcasing antique artifacts, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts.
8. Marmala Waterfalls
A hidden waterfall surrounded by dense forests, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Kottayam from Kochi 🚗
Kottayam is just 2 hours from Kochi, making it a great weekend getaway.
- Distance: 60 km
- Travel Time: 2 hours
- Route: Kochi → Vaikom → Kottayam
1-Day Itinerary from Kochi
- Morning: Drive to Kumarakom and enjoy a backwater cruise.
- Afternoon: Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
- Evening: Explore Vaikom Mahadeva Temple & return to Kochi.
Kottayam from Thiruvananthapuram 🚗
Kottayam is 4 hours from Thiruvananthapuram, making it an excellent long-weekend retreat.
- Distance: 150 km
- Travel Time: 4 hours
- Route: Thiruvananthapuram → Kollam → Kottayam
2-Day Itinerary from Thiruvananthapuram
- Day 1: Drive to Kottayam, visit Ilaveezha Poonchira & explore Poonjar Palace.
- Day 2: Enjoy a houseboat cruise in Kumarakom before returning.
Kottayam Distances from Major Cities
| City | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kochi | 60 km | 2 hrs |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 150 km | 4 hrs |
| Alappuzha | 50 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Munnar | 120 km | 4 hrs |
| Bangalore | 550 km | 10 hrs |
Kottayam Local Cuisines 🍛🐟
Kottayam is famous for its spicy and coconut-rich Kerala cuisine, especially its Syrian Christian and backwater delicacies.
Must-Try Dishes 🍽️
- Karimeen Pollichathu – Grilled pearl spot fish in banana leaf.
- Meen Curry (Fish Curry) – Served with tapioca or rice.
- Duck Roast – A special dish of Syrian Christian cuisine.
- Appam & Stew – Soft rice pancakes with coconut-based curry.
Try these dishes at local toddy shops, backwater resorts, or heritage homestays.
Final Thoughts 🌊🌿
Kottayam is a perfect mix of backwaters, hills, history, and spirituality. Whether you want to cruise along Vembanad Lake, explore temples and churches, or relax in a plantation stay, this underrated gem guarantees a memorable experience.
So pack your bags and explore the beauty of Kottayam! 🚤🌴✨
