Kottayam – City of Letters

Kottayam brings together literary history and temple traditions. The wider destination of Kottayam also offers nature and water experiences, such as birdwatching at Vembanad Lake and waterfalls. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider whether the town’s culture is your main priority or whether the wider destination’s landscapes also appeal to you. This can help you set a clearer focus for your trip.

Literary history and the City of Letters

Kottayam is known as the “City of Letters.” Kerala’s leading daily and weekly newspapers and magazines are published here, and prominent publishing houses also shape this reputation. The seminary in Kottayam was founded in 1830. Another notable milestone in literary history followed in 1870: the first autobiography in Malayalam, written by Vaikom Pachu Moothathu, was published in Kottayam. Together, these examples give the nickname a publishing and historical context.

Temples, architecture and festival traditions

Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple is one of Kerala’s 108 Shivalayas; its design follows traditional Kerala architecture. The annual Arattu Utsavam held there lasts ten days and takes place in mid-March. If you would like to take the festival into account when planning your trip, check the exact event dates in advance.

The CMS College Kottayam campus showcases another aspect of architectural heritage: its chapel and classrooms combine colonial and Kerala architecture. The campus preserves 560 plant species, 70 of which the college describes as endangered. Such species counts can change.

In nearby Thazhathangadi, two kilometres from Kottayam, trade developed during the 17th and 18th centuries; the area was once Kerala’s trading centre. Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid stands on the banks of the Meenachil River. It has a traditional washing area and latticed windows reminiscent of those in a temple or royal palace. Entry to this historic site is restricted to men.

Nature and water in the wider destination of Kottayam

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary covers 14 acres on the banks of Vembanad Lake. It is home to 91 native bird species and 50 migratory species. Houseboats and motorboats can be hired for birdwatching trips on the lake. Traditional Kettuvallam cargo boats have been converted into cruise boats and houseboats, equipped with kitchens, toilets, bathrooms and seating areas.

The Kumarakom Boat Race on the Kavanar and Kottathodu rivers is also part of the area’s waterside cultural life. Around 50 types of boats take part in the race, including Veppu, Ody and Churulan boats, as well as some snake boats. The approximate number of boats and the variety of types make the race a distinct attraction alongside birdwatching.

The wider destination also combines landscapes and activities: Aruvikuzhy Waterfalls cascade down in five stages from a height of 100 feet and are suitable for trekking. Ilaveezhapoonchira is a valley and a popular picnic spot. The three green hills of Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara near Ilaveezhapoonchira rise to about 3,200 feet above sea level. This places cultural experiences in the town alongside nature in the wider destination as distinct focuses for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Muppaikad, Anthiyalam, Vaikom, Vazhappally West, Thiruvarpu, Pala, Kanjirappally, Kumarakom

Back to the wider travel overview: Kottayam.