- Kottayam was the first town in India to achieve 100% literacy, a milestone reached in 1989.
- The city is often called the 'Land of Letters, Lakes, and Latex' due to its status as a publishing hub, proximity to Vembanad Lake, and role in the rubber industry.
- It houses the Malayala Manorama and Deepika, two of the oldest and most influential newspapers in India.
- The city serves as the gateway to the high-range tourist destinations of Idukki and the backwater regions of Kumarakom.
About Kottayam
Kottayam is a prominent commercial center in Kerala, strategically located between the Western Ghats and the Vembanad Lake. It serves as a major hub for the rubber trade and is globally recognized as the center of India's print media and publishing industry. Visitors often explore its deep-rooted heritage through significant sites like the Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple and the historic St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral. The city's landscape is defined by its network of backwaters, providing scenic spots such as the Malarikkal Sunset View Point. It remains a key destination for pilgrims and culture seekers visiting the ancient Panachikkadu Dakshina Mookambika Temple.
Highlights of Kottayam
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Visit this 16th-century temple to witness classic Kerala-style architecture and traditional Koothambalam performances.
Temples
Known as the Dakshina Mookambika, this temple is famous for its unique Saraswati shrine set within a natural forest grove.
Places of interest
This spot offers expansive views of the water lily-filled backwaters during the late monsoon and harvest seasons.
Temples
This historic church is a key pilgrimage site known for its ancient murals and long-standing liturgical traditions.
Temples
This monastery church is a significant cultural landmark established by Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a key figure in Kerala's educational reform.
Temples
The cathedral is noted for its prominent hilltop location and distinct neo-Gothic architectural features.
Temples
This site is a major center for pilgrimage, particularly during its annual festival which draws thousands of devotees.
Temples
This temple is well-regarded for its historic connection to the royal family and unique offerings presented during religious ceremonies.
Top things to do in Kottayam
The 4,940 highest-rated places in Kottayam, ranked by travellers.
1
Places of interest
Alleppey Beach is characterized by a 150-year-old wooden pier that extends into the Laccadive Sea, serving as a remnant...
2
Temples
The Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Kerala, renowned for its architectural heritage and si...
3
Temples
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is the largest serpent temple in Kerala, situated within a dense forest grove containin...
4
Temples
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala, renowned for its classic Kerala-style architecture...
5
Temples
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple renowned for its traditional Kerala architectural...
6
Temples
St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Basilica in Arthunkal is a historic coastal church originally built by Portuguese missionari...
7
Beaches and ponds
Alappuzha Beach is a coastal stretch on the Laccadive Sea, serving as the primary gateway to the Kerala backwaters. The...
8
Beaches and ponds
Marari Beach is a long, undeveloped stretch of coastline situated in the Mararikkulam village of Kerala's Alappuzha dist...
9
Temples
Parumala Church, formally known as St. Peter's and St. Paul's Orthodox Syrian Church, is the final resting place of Sain...
10
Temples
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is a major Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna, situated on the banks of the Pamba Rive...
11
Temples
St. Alphonsa's Tomb is the final resting place of Saint Alphonsa, the first woman of Indian origin to be canonized as a...
12
Places of interest
Vagamon Meadows is a sprawling, high-altitude grassland located in the Idukki district of Kerala, characterized by undul...
13
Temples
Malayalappuzha Bhagavathy Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine in Kerala dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali. The presidin...
14
Temples
The Chengannur Mahadevar Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine in Kerala dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati,...
15
Temples
St. George Forane Church in Edathua, established in 1810, is a major pilgrim center in Kerala known for its medieval Eur...
16
Places of interest
Alappuzha Lighthouse is a historic red-and-white striped beacon located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala. The structure, c...
17
Temples
Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathi Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine situated in Thalavady, Kerala, dedicated to Goddess D...
18
Temples
The Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Erumely is a vital pilgrimage site serving as a gateway to the Sabarimala forest shrine...
19
Temples
Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple is a 500-year-old Hindu shrine in the heart of Kottayam, constructed in the traditiona...
20
Temples
St. George Orthodox Church, commonly known as Puthuppally Pally, is a historic 16th-century Syrian Orthodox church locat...
21
Places of interest
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, formerly known as Baker's Estate, is a 14-acre protected bird habitat situated on the southern...
22
Temples
Panachikkadu Dakshina Mookambika Temple is widely recognized as the 'Dakshina Mookambika' or the Southern Mookambika due...
23
Temples
The Major Archiepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Church in Kuravilangad is one of the oldest Christian churches...
24
Places of interest
Aruvikuzhy Waterfalls is a five-step cascade located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, with water falling from a total...
25
Temples
Kreupasanam Marian Shrine is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site located in Kalavoor, Alappuzha, known for its focus on...
26
Temples
Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine located in the heart of Alappuzha, Kerala, dedicated to the G...
27
Places of interest
Marmala Waterfalls is a multi-tiered cascade located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, situated within a private estat...
28
Temples
The Sree Malliyoor Maha Ganapathy Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine in Kottayam, Kerala, known for its focus on Lord Ga...
29
Temples
Sree Vallabha Temple in Thiruvalla is one of the oldest and most significant Mahavishnu temples in Kerala, renowned for...
30
Temples
Kanichukulangara Devi Temple is a prominent shrine in Cherthala, Kerala, dedicated to the goddess Bhagawathi. The temple...
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Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Kottayam
October to March is ideal, as the weather is cool and dry, making it comfortable for exploring temples and outdoor backwater viewpoints.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to tour major religious landmarks and spend an evening at the backwater viewpoints.
The city is best navigated using local auto-rickshaws, private taxis, and state-run KSRTC buses that connect the main commercial areas to nearby villages.
Stay in the city center near Shastri Road or Baker Junction for easy access to transport, or choose lakeside resorts toward Kumarakom for a quieter, scenic experience.
Kottayam is a budget-to-mid-range destination, offering a variety of affordable local eateries and guesthouses alongside mid-tier hotel options.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 4,940 curated attractions in and around Kottayam, ranked by traveller ratings.
Alleppey Beach is the highest-rated place to visit in Kottayam right now.
The largest category is temples, with 4,378 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bangalore, Howrah, Ahmedabad.
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