The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). Kottayam is one of the exotic backwaters sites attracting tourists throughout the year. Being a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches make this a place of tourist attraction. Lying below the sea level, some of its nearby places are also a treat to the eyes.
Kottayam – Look of the City

Having all the three types of land composition like low, middle and high, this place is a rich panorama of natural beauty. The land is situated on the southern side of Kerala with beautiful landscape surrounding the city. It has Ernakulam on its north while the east is protected by Idukki district. The exotic Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts signify the southern part, whereas Vembanad Lake makes the western side of Kottayam even more striking. Kottayam is also connected with picturesque Vembanad Lake with a canal.

Fact File

Climate & The best Time to Visit : The best time to visit this place is during the months of August and March when the tropical climate is not so hot and humid. This makes traveling comfortable. Light winter sweaters and a shawl would be enough to meet the chill here.

History : The history of Kottayam is significant from the time of the second Chera Empire who used to have a great influence on the region. Maharaja Marthandaverma had a great influence on the state of Kerala as a ruler. He conquered the Vembolinadu established by his former rulers. Since ages, Kottayam has been regarded as one of the most important places of Kerala both politically and otherwise.

Tourist Attractions : Peermed, an inviting hill resort with an altitude of 1066 meters, is a place worth visiting while going to Kottayam.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is another place worth visiting from Kottayam. It is the place to go if one wants to have a look at the natural habitat of elephants, the tiger and the bison.

The Thirunakkara Shiva Temple is also a famous must-see spot in Kottayam. The temple is a storehouse of the typical Kerala temple culture. The walls of the temple are decorated with beautiful paintings. Phalguna Utsav is celebrated here every March. The Kootiattam or the Sanskrit dramas are also an event of attraction in Kottayam.

One of the places to visit near Kottayam is Kumarakom. It is in the west of the Vembanad Lake. This lake is also famous for the seasonal migratory birds that come to this bird sanctuary in their respective seasons. Backwater cruises are accessible from this spot. A number of visitors flock to this place during the tourist season while visiting Kottayam.

Forty km north of Kottayam is another important Shiva temple known as the Vaikom Temple. This temple is associated with the legendry Parasurama. This temple also depicts the typical Kerala temple culture and is worth visiting while holidaying in Kottayam.

Wagamon is another place to visit while going for excursion in and around Kottayam. The place is 60 km from Kottayam town. This place has good spots for trekking and so the place is called the trekkers' paradise.

A few other places worth visiting while at Kottayam are St Mary's Church (Valiapally), St Mary's Orthodox Church (Cheriyapally), and St Joseph's Monastery (Mannanam).

Shopping : Kottayam, along with most of the other parts of Kerala, is a big producer of spices and condiments. Eco-friendly rubber products are also worth buying from Kottayam.

Accommodation : Standard and budget accommodation options are available in Kottayam. One can also use the luxurious houseboats floating in the backwaters of Kottayam. Though the usual accommodation options like the hotels, and lodges are also available to the tourists visiting Kottayam.

How to Reach : Kottayam is well connected by train. However, Kottayam does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is at Kochi, which is about 80 km away from Kottayam. Kottayam is well linked with the cities of Thiruvananthapuram, Thekkady, Ernakulam, Madurai, and Munnar by road.

Kottayam is also famous for its water transport by boats and ferries. Kottayam runs number of boats and ferries to connect to the nearest small and big ghats. Now, these backwater cruise of Kottayam are popular with the tourists too.