A Traveler's Guide to Kottayam, Kerala

Kottayam is known as the ‘AksharNagari’ or the ‘Land of Letters’ in Kerela and is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and historical significance. Situated at the Vembanad Lake, it also forms one of the backwater tourist attractions in Kerala. This has made it suitable for those people who have an interest in nature, history, and food. Here is your fuller travel guide to fully enjoy your time in this vibrant city.

How to Reach Kottayam?

Kottayam is well connected by road, rail, and air. So, it’s an easy destination to reach. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get there:

1. By Road:

NH 183 as well as other state highways connect Kottayam. The roads are in excellent condition, making scenic touring with lush greenery and rubber plantations. KSRTC runs regular buses from most cities of Kerala and other neighbouring states to Kottayam. Private buses and tourist coaches are also available for a more comfortable journey.

2. By Train:

Kottayam is one of the prominent stations for Kerala and lies on the railway map of the Ernakulam–Thiruvananthapuram sector. Most of the intercity trains to various locations are available to travel to Kottayam with destinations like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. The popular ones are Venad Express, Rajdhani Express, and Kerala Express.

3. By Air:

The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Kottayam and has frequent flights daily to many national destinations like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, as well as to other regions such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. There are pre-paid taxis that include ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Ola in the airport. KSTRC offers service from the airport to Kottayam to facilitate the passengers and tourists.

Best Time to Visit Kottayam

Kottayam with all its greenish beauty and the backwater remains beautiful in all four seasons. However, the experience will be different each time you visit. For your convenience, the seasons are broken down as follows:

1. Winter (October to February)

The weather remains pleasant and comfortable, with average temperatures of 18°C – 32°C during the winter season. Perfect for treks, boating through backwaters, and exploring a plantation. This is a suitable time for bird watching at the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary as many migratory birds come at this period. It is a perfect time for fairs like Vaikathu Ashtami and temple festivals as well.

2. Monsoon (June to September)

The landscape of Kottayam blooms with lush green meadows, overflowing rivers, and waterfalls during the monsoon. Many Ayurveda treatments can be easily recommended during this particular season as the moisture can add great benefits to the process. There’s nothing more peaceful than experiencing a houseboat stay while being drenched in the rain amidst the backwaters.

3. Summer (March to May)

The climate remains relatively warm and humid with increased temperatures of between 25 to 37 degrees centigrade.  But you can find some off-season benefits including empty seats and the best offers on accommodations and houseboats. This is the right season to visit the rubber plantations and also to taste mangoes and jackfruits that are available in plenty.

Top Things to Do in Kottayam

Kottayam with its nickname “The Land of Letters, Lakes and Latex” is a marvel of scenic beauty and is quite rich in tourist destinations. Here’s a curated list of things to do in Kottayam:

1. Cruise the Backwaters

Visit house boats or shikkara cruise on Kottayam’s unhurried backwaters even more specifically at Kumarakom. Breathtaking sceneries include rice fields, swaying coconut trees, and beautiful villages. Beauty seekers should not miss highly charged sunsets over the Vembanad Lake.

2. Explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary has created warmth for bird lovers and hosts both the local birds of the area and ‘‘pass-through’’ migratory birds. Sightseeing birds such as Herons, Egrets, Kingfishers, and Siberian crane during its specified season of passage. The recommended ways of accessing the sanctuary are early morning canoe rides.

3. Visit Thazhathangady Juma Masjid

Discover the beauty of this mosque built 1,000 years ago, a unique piece of craftsmanship of Kerala’s native wood carving art. The rather quiet atmosphere and beautiful work done with the wood, allow one to highly recommend this place for history and architecture enthusiasts.

4. Hike to Illikkal Kallu

This is a giant formation of rock that is very famous among fun seekers and gives beautiful views of scenes. Hike the forests’ thick tracks, have a breath of fresh air in the mountain area, and also stand close to the cliff.

5. Visit and appreciate the Vast Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Plunge into an experience of spirituality within the premises of one of the oldest temples, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. See the exotic religious trappings, typical architectural designs of the temple that belongs to Kerala, and the fantastic temple festival, especially when the Vaikathu Ashtami is on.

6. Learn at the Bay Island Driftwood Museum

It is a unique museum, exhibiting sculptures from driftwood collected from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Appreciate the artwork and get to know some interesting facts about the creation of the items.

7. Drive through a Rubber Plantation

The land of latex, a visit to a rubber plantation gives an idea about the backbone of Kottayam. Observe how latex is extracted, read about the production of rubber, and enjoy the relaxed feel of these plantations.

8. Experience Local Festivals

Festivals are vibrant and deeply rooted in Kottayam tradition. Plan your visit during the Aranmula Boat Race during Onam, or temple festivals with processions and traditional art forms like Kathakali.

Where to Stay in Kottayam?

There is a wide choice of accommodation, ranging from luxury resorts to cozy homestays, so everyone will find something that matches their budget and preference. To spend the most luxurious time in Kerala, visit Kumarakom Lake Resort or Coconut Lagoon, both offering stunning backwater views and premium amenities. For the budget-conscious visitor, options include Aveda Kumarakom or Backwater Heritage Homestay, offering real Kerala hospitality at very reasonable prices. Eco-stay options near rubber plantations or waterfront properties are best suited for those requiring a peaceful and experiential stay.