Tucked between the towering Western Ghats and the shimmering Vembanad Lake, Kottayam remains a pristine, underrated destination in Kerala. With glimmering backwaters, temples, beaches, and so much more, it is ideal for tourists looking to explore the quieter yet culturally rich side of Kerala. Once you’ve figured out how to reach Kottayam and made your way to the town, it is time to gear up for a fun, rewarding Kottayam sightseeing experience. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, birdwatching on a houseboat, or wandering through a 500-year-old palace, here’s your guide to the top places to visit in Kottayam.
1. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary & Backwaters
No list of must-visit places in Kottayam, Kerala, is complete without Kumarakom. This cluster of small islands on Vembanad Lake is iconic and for good reason. The bird sanctuary itself is a modest patch of wetland, but it punches well above its size, hosting migratory species that fly in from as far as Siberia and the Himalayas. Along with these foreign birds, one can also spot local herons, darters, and cormorants.
Beyond birdwatching, Kumarakom is the ideal place to spend a night on a traditional houseboat/ Go early morning for the best birdwatching experience and stay for the lip-smacking seafood.
Address: Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom, Kerala 686563 (about 16 km from Kottayam town)
2. Vembanad Lake
Kerala’s longest lake deserves its own stop on the itinerary! The lake is one of the must-visit places if you’re in Kottayam. With Kerala houseboats, canoes, and traditional snake boats floating in this lake, it is the ideal stop for an overnight stay.
If you’re visiting between August and September, try to catch one of the boat races held during the Onam season, and trust us, you will love the experience! For a quieter experience, a sunset canoe ride through the narrower canals off the main lake shows you village life that the bigger tourist boats miss entirely.
3. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
This temple is located in the heart of Kottayam. It is a centuries-old Shiva temple, a masterclass in traditional Kerala temple architecture. With sloping tiled roofs, carved wooden pillars, and murals that narrate stories from Hindu mythology, it is a calming place to visit in this town.
The annual Phalguni Utsavam festival transforms the temple grounds into a stage for classical art forms, processions, and rituals that draw crowds from across the district.
Address: HGR9+5FC, Temple Rd, Thirunakara, Kottayam, Kerala 686001
4. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
If Thirunakkara is Kottayam town’s temple, Ettumanoor is the district’s grand statement! It is one of the most revered Shiva temples in Kerala, famous for its 16th-century murals. One oil lamp near the entrance is said to have burned continuously for over 450 years, kept alive by devotees who take turns replenishing it.
The temple receives huge crowds during February and March, when you can get a chance to see elephant displays and other fascinating rituals.
Address: Ettumanoor Temple Rd, Ettumanoor, Kerala 686631
5. St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Cheriapally
Built in 1579, this is one of the oldest Syrian Christian churches in India and a cornerstone of Kottayam’s centuries-old Christian heritage. The church stands out for its remarkable murals, blending biblical scenes with a distinct visual style from Kerala. This is a peaceful stop for tourists interested in knowing about the Christian heritage of Kottayam and the overall history of this place.
Address: Mooledam, Moolavattom, Kottayam, Kerala 686012
Also Read: Where To Stay In Kottayam: Area-Wise Guide For Every Budget
6. Poonjar Palace
If you’re keen on exploring more of Kottayam’s history, a visit to Poonjar Palace is a must. The palace is a witness to Kerala’s princely past, with its interiors packed with antique furniture, ceremonial weapons, palm-leaf inscriptions, and other decor. It’s a slower, more contemplative stop compared to the district’s nature spots, ideal for history buffs.
Address: Panachippara, Poonjar, Kerala 686581
7. Vagamon
Kottayam is not only about backwaters and temples, but it is also quite close to some of the most scenic places in Kerala. Vagamon is one such destination. Roughly sitting 1,100 meters above sea level, it is known for its green, lush landscapes and cool weather. Vagamon is also known for its religious harmony, with a mosque, church, and temple all standing within close range of each other. Paragliding has become popular here in recent years, but even without an adventure sport on your list, the meadows alone are worth the drive up.
Address: Vagamon, Kottayam district, Kerala 685503
8. Ilaveezha Poonchira
This lesser-known hill destination is where three hillocks – Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala, and Thonippara – come together around a scenic valley. Many Hindu legends connect it to the epic Mahabharata, stating that it was once a bathing spot for Draupadi. Ilaveezha Poonchira is best visited in the evening, when the sunset over the surrounding hills turns the whole valley gold. It’s quieter than Vagamon and less developed for tourism, which is precisely its appeal if you want scenery without the selfie queues.
Address: Melukavu Mattom, Kottayam district, Kerala 686633 (about 60 km from Kottayam town)
9. Marmala Waterfalls
Next on our list of the best places to visit in Kottayam is a spot perfect for nature lovers. It is hidden inside a private rubber estate near Erattupetta. Marmala Waterfalls has earned a reputation as one of the region’s prettiest hidden gems. The trek to reach it takes you through dense greenery before the falls open up in front of you, tumbling over rocks into a natural pool. It’s most spectacular during and just after the monsoon (June to September), when the water volume is at its peak. However, it is advisable to be cautious as the trek route can get slippery.
Address: Marmala Rd, Vellani, Erattupetta, Poonjar Vadakkekara, Kerala 686580
10. Thazhathangady Juma Masjid
Built along the banks of the Meenachil River, this mosque is considered among the oldest in India and is a striking example of how Islamic architecture in Kerala absorbed local building traditions. The mosque stands out for its intricate woodwork and palace-like layout, making it look more like a Kerala tharavad (ancestral home) than a typical mosque. It remains an active place of worship, so visitors should dress modestly and check on visiting hours before heading over.
Address: Thazhathangadi, Kottayam, Kerala 686005
Summing Up
From ancient temples and ghat-lined mosques to hill stations and hidden waterfalls, these Kottayam famous tourist spots make a strong case for slowing down in a district that often gets overshadowed by its flashier Kerala neighbors. Which one of these best places to visit in Kottayam are you visiting?
