Kumarakom
Ayurvedic Centre
Ilaveezhapoonchira
Kesari Waterfalls
12 km west of Kottayam town is the small village of Kumarakom, an ideal place for backwater cruises. The beautiful 14-acre bird sanctuary, on the banks of Vembanad Lake, is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like Siberian stork, Egret darter, Heron and Teal. Different varieties of local birds like waterfowl, wild duck, cuckoo, owl, water duck etc are also seen. The best time to bird watch is between June and August (timing- 10.00 am to 6.00 pm). Close to the sanctuary, near to the backwaters, is the Coconut lagoon heritage resort, one of India's most discrete holiday destinations. Guests can stay in genuine 'Tharavad' (traditionally wooden) cottages and enjoy their stay in the unique style.
Champakara, home to Ayurvedic Centre for 'Thirummu Chikilsa', is 18 kms from Kottayam. Sreerangom CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram also attracts people from all over India and abroad.
Parunthumpara, pristine for its natural beauty is situated 5 km from peermade. This place offers a bird’s eye view of endless green forests and landscapes.
Located at distance of 55 kms from Kottayam and 20 kms from Thodupuzha, this is another picnic spot located in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. It is one amongst the many prime picnicking spots in Kerala. This spot is ideal for trekking.
Pala and Kanjirappally are centers of rubber plantations and are nourished by the Meenachil and Aanimala rivers.
Kesari waterfalls, also known as Valanjanganam falls is very calm and is surrounded by mountains. This waterfall lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumily route. This place gives a feeling of closeness to nature.
Marmala waterfalls is a tourist spot near ilaveezhapoonchira and illikkal kallu. This spot is very attractive and pleasing to the tourists. This is a spot is famous for trekking and adventure tourism. One can experience the splendid beauty of an ideal waterfall here.
The cruises offer boat trips to the nearby islands and palm grove, with the boarding point being the Chandragiri Bridge. Other nearby places to visit include a mosque and the ancient Kizhur Sartha Temple.
Ayyampara hill is a beautiful tourist destination, 43 km from Kottayam. The flat rocks make a natural granite stadium and, one can enjoy the beautiful sunset here.
Elaveezhapoonchira, formed of imposing mountain ranges with rocky cliffs is on the eastern periphery of Kottayam district. It is a beautiful picnic spot, accessible from Pala, located in the middle of hillocks. About 3000 feet above sea lever, the pristine beauty of nature is preserved almost intact here. There is also a famous ancient mosque at Thazhathanangady near Thalikotta Palace, which attracts many devotees.
Well-connected by roads to the main cities, Koottickal is situated in Western Ghats, 5 kms north of Mundakayam in Kottayam district. The majestic mountain ranges add to the beauty of the forest and the artificial lake created by the check dam of the River Manimala, makes this tourist spot linger in the minds of people. Other attractions are Amruthameda, famous for medicinal plants and the waterfall at Vadakkemala.
At 2500 feet above sea level, Panchalimedu is situated 7 kms from Mundakayam - Kuttikanam stretch on the Kottayam - Kumily road. It is a mesmerising hill station with a number of hills, and a viewpoint near to Kuttikanam. This place is connected by bus service from Kottayam also.
Known as Trekker’s paradise, Vagamon is a beautiful tourist spot surrounded by greenery - tea plantations, meadows, valleys and is ideal for trekking. Located at about 60km from Kottayam, at an elevation of 1100 metres above the sea level, Vagamon stands as a beautiful picnic spot for people. Another attraction is Kurisumala and the Kurisumala Ashramam (monastery), a small church on the peak of a hill, that can be visited by people of all belief.
Situated in Kumarakom, Vembanad Lake is 16 km from Kottayam town. It comprises a vast network of rivers and canals. An enchanting picnic spot, Vembanad lake has become a backwater tourist destination. The tourists are offered houseboat cruises and holiday packages that include truly exhilarating experiences of fishing and sightseeing too.
12 kms west of Kottayam town is this small village Kumarakom, which has a beautiful bird sanctuary on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and is an ideal place for backwater cruises. The 14-acre sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like Siberian stork, Egret darter, Heron and Teal. There are also different varieties of local birds like waterfowl, wild duck, cuckoo, owl, water ducketc. The sanctuary is open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm and the best months to bird watch are between June and August. Close to the sanctuary, in the beautifully wooded ground near the backwaters, is coconut lagoon heritage resort, which is one of India's most discrete holiday destinations. Guests stay in genuine 'Tharawad' (traditional wooden) cottages and love this unique culture
18 kms from Kottayam is Champakara, which is an important Ayurvedic Centre for 'Thirummuchikilsa'. Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram attracts people from all over India and abroad.