<a href="https://universaladventures.in/travel-guide/top-15-places-to-visit-in-kottayam" target="_blank">Kottayam</a> is the pride of God’s own country with its beautiful churches, majestic temples, and refreshing waterfalls. The Western Ghats and the backwaters add to the beauty of this undisturbed, rustic town of Kerala. It consists of luscious green trees and it has nature’s bounty in abundance The numerous plantations – rubber, coconut, palm, spices, and the flora make for lush green landscapes that are totally stunning. All these factors, aside from it being strikingly beautiful, make it one of the must-visit destinations in <a href="https://universaladventures.in/state/Kerala" target="_blank">Kerala</a>.

Thangal Para is a hill in Kerala which is an important pilgrimage spot for Muslims. There is a mausoleum of Sheikh Fariduddin. Surrounded by emerald green meadows and verdant tea- plantations, the hilltop also provides some awe-striking panoramic vistas of the valley below lined with trees of pepper, vanilla, rubber and coffee. Thangal Para makes for an ideal weekend getaway for couples and families alike, hushed in the serenity of nature’s bliss. Besides, the summit is also popular amidst the mountaineers, trekkers and adventure seekers.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Pilgrimage&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: Any time&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 3 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Adventure Activities: Trekking&nbsp;</li>
<li>Other Places to visit: Mausoleum</li>
</ul>

Poonjar Palace is a beautiful palace boasting of elegance &nbsp;of the royal kingdom that it was once upon a time. Though not very well-maintained, it impresses with its intricate wooden carvings.The palace is adorned with a fascinating collection of various type of furniture and antiques which includes grand chandeliers, jewellery boxes, statues, grain measurer, weapons and palm leaf engravings.Tourists will also see a beautiful sculpture of Nataraja, a palanquin and a thon for Ayurvedic massages crafted out of a single piece of wood.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Wood carvings</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: Any time</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 hour</li>
</ul>

Located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, this temple is dedicated to Lord Subramaniaswami who is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Muruga. the temple is mainly known for its annual festival that is held during the months of February and March for 10 days.During the festival one can see the performance of Chakiarkoothu by professional dancers and attracts devotees from all over the state.It is built in the Kerala style of architecture making it one of the best temples in Kottayam.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Worship</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: Any time</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 hour</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Other Places to visit: Statues</li>
</ul>

This place is a must see tourist place in Kottayam. It is known for its picturesque views and alluring nature, the place &nbsp;is dotted with magnificent waterfalls and secret caves. you can either embark on the tried and tested terrains or pave new trails for yourself. The mountain peak also offers an enthralling view of the Malankara Dam in addition to providing several captivating vistas of the surrounding paradiseIt is famous among trekkers for its terrain and is the perfect picnic spot.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Scenery</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: March to September</li>
 <li>Duration: 5 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Adventure Activities: Trekking, picnic</li>
</ul>

This tomb holds the mortal remains of an Indian religious educator, St. Alphonsa. She is said to be the first Indian woman to be canonised by the Catholic Church as a saint.. Next to it is her room where she spent several years of her life. Across the chapel is the two storeyed building which was originally the Papal podium, is now surrounded by a stadium and well-maintained terraced garden. The complex also houses a souvenir shop which sells books, rosaries and pictures to take home.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Religious worship</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: Any time</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 hour</li>
</ul>

Sunny’s Gramophone Museum is a unique museum in Kottayam, specifically for the music enthusiasts. It houses a large collection of gramophones, records, antique music equipment, and vinyls.The building was constructed with the objective to preserve the rich antique objects and make them available for the future generations to see and study from. The museum houses rare gramophone records from the period as old as 1900s and 1940s; the earliest in his collection dates to 1897.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Antiquites</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: All year round</li>
 <li>Duration: &nbsp;2 hours</li>
</ul>

Thirunakkara Mahadeva is Lord Shiva, and this temple is one of the oldest in Kottayam. The ambiance is great and the wall of the temple has beautiful paintings depicting stories from the Hindu epics.The establishment of this temple can be dated back to the 16th century when the King of Thekkumkoor ordered the building of this temple. You will find beautiful murals adorned in this temple which display different Hindu traditions.A festival of Aaraattu celebrated for 10 days witnesses several cultural performances. The festival attracts devotees and tourists in large numbers to the temple.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Worship</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: Anytime</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 hour</li>
</ul>

Kottayam is an excellent city nestled among the wilderness of the Western Ghats. There are numerous places to trek, hike and have a picnic. There are also religious temples at every nook and cranny of the town and each of them has its own rich heritage and own style of architecture. Kottayam is a must-visit town if you ever find yourself in the vicinity of Kerala.

This beautiful waterfall is located in Erattupetta near Kottayam. Marmala waterfall is one of the places to visit if you’re looking for some adventure. It’s hard to reach the waterfalls as only mountainous vehicles can climb the narrow trodden paths. However, all the hardship is worth the sweat for the adventure-seeking tourists. The difficult journey adds to the overall charm of these mystical falls. The beauty and the calm make up for the dangerous paths, it is also one of the best waterfalls near Kottayam to visit.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Adventures&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: 6am - 6 pm&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 3 hours</li>
</ul>

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the major highlights of Kottayam. Bird lovers and ornithologists frequent the destination to watch the aviator species in motion. It’s a perfect place to relax in the midst of nature. Apart from a number of colorful species of migratory birds, there are several small animals like deer spread across. The natural habitat is also delightful to the soul; its serenity and refreshing aura are an attraction to many.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Exotic birds&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: June to August&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 6 hours</li>
</ul>

Illikkal Kallu is a major tourist attraction and one of the most pristine spots in all of India. It is Nestled at a height of 6,000 feet above sea level in the Western Ghats. Surrounded by luscious green hills, this destination boasts enchanting panoramic views. The sunset view as seen from the peak is absolutely splendid; the moon rises adjacently as the orange sun goes down. Also, the winding roads leading to the majestic boulders can give an adrenaline rush to all adventure junkies.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Scenery&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: June to August&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 3 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Adventure Activities: Trekking</li>
</ul>

Nadukani is a trekker’s paradise. You can trek up three thousand feet of thick wooded hills and dense forests, and once you are atop, you will be treated to magnificent views of Rivers, Lakes, Dams. This place is in the outer region of Kottayam, but an effort you would truly relish. It has become one of the popular hill stations near Kottayam and is a major picnic spot. Nadukani also offers wonderful views of the landscapes covered in dense forests and the Nilgiri mountains.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Picturesque view</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: June to November</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 day</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Adventure Activities: Trekking</li>
 <li>Other Places to visit: Temples and Dam</li>
</ul>

Kottathavalam is a popular hill station and a favourite among those looking for a long drive through the mountainous roads. The road has off road paths, passing through which you may feel a sense of adrenaline and excitement. Many small and huge temples adorn the pathways.A fascinating cave carved out of rock surface is Kottathavalam lying on the top of a Murugan Hills at Kurisumala. The cave is considered to be the resting place for the Madura Royal family.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Caves, Temples</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: February to July</li>
 <li>Duration: 1 day</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Adventure Activities: Trekking, Hiking</li>
 <li>Other Places to visit: Temples and rock structures</li>
</ul>

This beautiful island is located in the popular Vembanad Lake and is one of the most fascinating islands in Kerala. The journey to reach the alluring island is one of the most breathtaking ones complete with sights of rare birds and coconut palms. The attraction is also famous as a bird watcher's paradise and a favorite amongst nature lovers. Sprawling over 10 acres of land, the islet is the ideal spot for bird watching expeditions as it is home to a large number of rare and endangered species.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Bird watching&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: June to August&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 3 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Adventure Activities: Bird watching</li>
</ul>

Two of the offset places to visit in Kottayam, Nattakom, and Panachikkad are the distant villages located a few km from the main city. They are flanked by thick luscious forests and numerous beautiful streams. These villages are known for their landscapes, exotic birds, and reservoirs. These villages serve as a whole package for vacations itself offering its visitors an experience of Kerala's Ayurvedic massages and recreational activities including fishing and swimming.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Recreational activities&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: Any time&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 6 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Adventure Activities: Bird Watching, fishing, swimming</li>
</ul>

It is one of the most popular places around the city mainly due to its sheer number of tourist attractions. It is the oldest city in Kottayam and lies very close to the famous tourist spot of Kumarakom. Vaikom Temple lies at the heart of the town and becomes very prominent during its Vaikom Ashtami celebrations during the month of November. If you are looking for some alone time, Vaikom is littered with several secluded, yet calming haunts where you can sit back and simply enjoy the view.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Temples&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: June to November&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 4 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Other Places to visit: Temples, Aqua tourism</li>
</ul>

Top 15 places to visit in Kottayam

India > Kerala > Kottayam

8 Apr 2026

Explore in Kottayam

Table of Content