Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Bordered by the Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, this picturesque district with its long stretches of backwaters, green paddy fields, highlands, exotic birds and rubber plantations, provides tourists with some of the best and unique experiences in Kerala.

Kumarakom & Vembanad Lake is one of the favorite destinations among the tourists for its picturesque, serene backwaters, house boats, or boat rides enjoying the enchanting beauty of the calm bluish and greenish waterways. There is also a bird sanctuary here where you see migratory birds from Siberia and other places. Several exotic species of birds are also seen coming to this place year after year making this area an ornithologists’ paradise.

Wagamon is an enchanting hill station near here, about 1100mtrs above sea level, which is ideal for trekking and which will soon be one of India's foremost Eco tourism projects.

Located among three beautiful hills Elaveezha poonchira is another exotic hill station near here, now fast becoming a hot tourist spot. Legend says that the pool here was a bathing place for Panchali the legendary heroine of Mahabharata. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. Elaveezha poonchira means valley where leaves don't fall is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sun rise and sunset.

The Poonjar Palace has an extra ordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture. A unique couch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purposes. There is also an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple near here. The walls of this temple have sculptures. However the Chuttuvilakku (row of lamps) carved out of rocks on the stone walls of the Sastha Temple nearby is the most fascinating of all. Such rocks cut lamps are rare in India.

Getting here
The nearest airport is at Cochin (Kochi) located 76 km from Kottayam and at Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) 160 km away. Kottayam is well connected with all the major towns in and around Kerala by an extensive rail network. There are regular trains from Kottayam to Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. There is also a well connected and networked excellent road system here which connects Kottayam with all the major cities in Kerala. There are two bus stands, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus stand on T.B. Road and a private bus stand near the railway station. Buses to major centers operate from the KSRTC bus station.