Your Tour 
Kottayam
Location
Kottayam, located south of central Kerala, is a veritable treasure trove of beauty with the Vembanad Lake forming its western boundary. This district borders Ernakulam district in the north, Idukki district in the east and Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts in the south. The word Kottayam is a combination of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). Kottayam is an exotic backwaters site attracting tourists throughout the year. It is a mountainous region lying below the sea level and dotted with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches.
How to Reach
By air: The nearest airport at Kochi is about 80 km away.
By rail: Kottayam is well-connected by train.
By road: Kottayam is well-linked with the cities of Thiruvananthapuram, Thekkady, Ernakulam, Madurai, and Munnar by road.
Boat service: Kottayam is also famous for its water transport by boats and ferries. It runs a number of boats and ferries to the nearest small and big ghats.
Tourist Attractions
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: This bird sanctuary is located on the banks of the Vembanad lake16 km from Kottayam. It is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from the sanctuary.Peermade: It is on the way from Kottayam to Thekkadi (National park) route. Surrounded by tea, rubber and cardamom plantations, it can be a pleasant brief halt.
]Poonjar Palace: This palace is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. Within the palace walls lies an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture which include a palanquin, a thoni (carved out of a single piece of wood) for Ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, different varieties of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (dancing Lord Shiva), grain measures, statues and weapons. A unique conch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purposes.
Vazhikkadavu: This hill station with rocky terrain is on the outskirts Kottayam. On the one side of the main rock are tall and steep rocks and on the other side is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil river. During the months of December/January, the landscape comes alive in a riot of colours with orchids and wild flowers.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls: This beautiful picnic spot is 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom. Here streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 feet.
Elaveezhapoonchira: Elaveezhapoonchira means a valley where leaves don't fall, and this place is named so because it has no trees. This is a picnic spot located in the midst of beautiful hillocks and is easily accessible from Pala. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy the sunrise and sunset.
Vembanad Lake: Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of the Vembanad Lake located 16 km from Kottayam town. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot, is fast developing into a backwater tourism spot. It has boating, fishing and sight seeing facilities. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.
Mahadeva Temple Ettumanoor: This temple, located 10 km north of Kottayam, was constructed in 1542. Its murals depicting the scenes from the Ramayana and the Krishna legends are famous. The temple’s Arattu festival in March draws thousands of pilgrims.
Wagamon: Wagamon is another place for excursion in Kottayam. Located at 60 km from Kottayam town, this place is called the trekkers' paradise as it has good trekking spots.