Kottayam: Backwaters, Nature and Culture

Water shapes Kottayam district: Numerous rivers and canals drain into Vembanad Lake, which has developed as a destination for backwater tourism. There are also natural attractions, temple festivals and museums with very different focuses. If you are looking for a holiday rental for your stay, you can start by considering whether boating experiences, landscapes or culture will shape your trip.

Birdwatching and Backwaters

On the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary covers 14 acres. It is home to 91 native bird species and 50 migratory species. Houseboats and motorboats can be hired for birdwatching trips on the lake. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the sanctuary with a boat trip, while recognising that the two are not the same experience.

The boats themselves also tell the story of how the lake is used: traditional Kettuvallam cargo boats have been converted into cruise boats and houseboats. Their listed features include a kitchen, toilets, bathrooms and seating areas. About 50 types of boats take part in the Kumarakom Boat Race on the Kavanar and Kottathodu rivers. These include Veppu, Ody and Churulan boats, as well as some snake boats. Another boat trip follows the Pennar Canal to the backwaters of Alappuzha and Ernakulam; it is offered by the District Tourism Promotion Council of Kottayam.

Waterfalls and Hills

Aruvikuzhy Waterfalls cascade down in five tiers from a height of 100 feet. The waterfalls are suitable for trekking. St. Mary's Church stands at their summit. Those wishing to take in both nature and culture will find both in one place; the church should be considered a separate point of interest.

Ilaveezhapoonchira is a valley and a popular picnic spot in the district. The three green hills of Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara rise beside it to about 3,200 feet above sea level. This offers a different landscape from the shores and rivers of Vembanad Lake. When choosing holiday accommodation, this contrast can help you decide what kind of trip you want.

Palaces, Museums and Temple Festivals

Poonjar Palace in Kottayam district is 600 years old and served as the seat of the Kingdom of Poonjar. The Poonjar Rajas who built it belonged to an ancient dynasty connected to the royal family of Travancore. The structure, built mainly of wood, displays traditional Kerala architecture and royal influences. Its museum showcases antiques, lamps carved from rock and sculptures from the past. The palace can be explored by travelling along the Erattupetta–Pala route.

In the village of Kumarakom, the Bay Island Driftwood Museum displays a collection of driftwood objects of considerable artistic value. Root sculptures in many forms and designs are also on view. In Mannanam, Chavara Bhavan tells a different part of the area's story: the museum is housed in the former family home of a saint and displays artefacts, documents and personal items from his life. Deepika, Kerala's first daily newspaper, was also launched in Mannanam in 1887.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a Kerala-style temple known for elephant processions and traditional art performances. Its annual Vaikathashtami festival takes place in November or December. During the ten-day festival at Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Ezhara Ponnana proceeds in a procession: the name refers to the seven and a half golden elephants. Together with visits to palaces and museums, these festival traditions broaden the view of Kottayam beyond its landscapes.

Other Places in Kottayam

For your further search: Pala, Anthinad, Kottayam, Vaikom, Kumarakom, Manimala, Puthuppally, Ettumanoor, Anthiyalam, Kanjirappally, Arpookara, Thiruvarpu, Muppaikad and Vazhappally West.

Getting to Kottayam

A well-developed road network connects Kottayam district with India's major cities and towns. Kottayam is also accessible by rail: the railway station is served regularly by trains from other important Indian cities. These travel options may play a role in planning your stay, while the choice of holiday rental depends on your preferred focus among water, nature and culture.

For the overarching travel guide: Kerala.