Kerala ·
Kottayam
A hill-and-lake district town nicknamed the "Land of Letters and Lakes," anchoring Kerala’s rubber plantation belt and much of its publishing industry. Kottayam sits between the Western Ghats and Vembanad Lake, its economy long built on rubber cultivation and, since the 19th-century arrival of Kerala’s first printing presses, on newspaper and book publishing. The district’s waterfalls at Illikkal Kallu and Aruvikkuzhi make for easy day trips, and Vagamon’s hill meadows lie within reach to the east.
Kottayam at a Glance
Why Kottayam?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- St. Mary's Orthodox Church
- Talikotta Mahadeva Temple
- Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple
- Panachikkadu Temple
- Kadamuri Narasimhaswamy Temple
- Parippu Mahadeva Temple
Kottayam at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Kottayam before planning your visit.
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Explore Kottayam
Places to Visit
- St. Mary's Orthodox Church: St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Kottayam, commonly known as Kottayam Cheriapally, is a Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church located in Kottayam, Kerala, India.
- Talikotta Mahadeva Temple: Talikotta Mahadeva Temple or Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva is located on the banks of Meenachil River on Kottayam - Kumarakom Road in Kottayam District in Kerala state in India.
- Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple: Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple is an ancient lord Murugan temple located in the Neendoor, Kottayam district (Kerala, India). The Neendoor Subrahanya Swami Temple is a historic site which has brought glory and fame to the local area.
- Panachikkadu Temple: The Panachikkadu Temple or Panachikkad Saraswathi Temple, also known as the Dakshina Mookambika (Mookambika of the South) Saraswathy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Saraswati.
- Kadamuri Narasimhaswamy Temple: Kadamuri Narasimhaswamy Temple is a famous Narasimhaswamy temple in Kerala. It is located at Kadamuri of Kottayam district, in Kerala.
- Parippu Mahadeva Temple: Parippu Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Parippu in Aymanam panchayath of Kottayam district, in the Indian state of Kerala. This temple mentioned as Nalparappil in the renowned Shivalaya stotra is closely related to Thekkumkur raja.
Things to Do
- Annual Food Festival: Kottayam also has an annual food and flower show. These events are quite popular and are worth a visit, if you are in town when it happens.
- Boat Races: Lots of boat races with traditional boats of different sizes - around 50 types - in the months of July, August and September during Onam.
- Nalumanikkattu Paddy Fields: Local food, children's park and hiking options, very green surroundings.
- Panchalimedu Hills: Trekking facility in snowy mountains above sea level, organized by Peruvanthanam village council. You can see the Alappuzha sea on clear days.
- Elaveezha Poonchira: A hill station with large hills around high. Beautiful hillocks named Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala, Thonippara and Poonchira are here.
- Erumely: Important pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Muslims.
Sightseeing Places
- St. Mary's Orthodox Church: St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Kottayam, commonly known as Kottayam Cheriapally, is a Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church located in Kottayam, Kerala, India.
- Talikotta Mahadeva Temple: Talikotta Mahadeva Temple or Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva is located on the banks of Meenachil River on Kottayam - Kumarakom Road in Kottayam District in Kerala state in India.
- Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple: Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple is an ancient lord Murugan temple located in the Neendoor, Kottayam district (Kerala, India). The Neendoor Subrahanya Swami Temple is a historic site which has brought glory and fame to the local area.
- Panachikkadu Temple: The Panachikkadu Temple or Panachikkad Saraswathi Temple, also known as the Dakshina Mookambika (Mookambika of the South) Saraswathy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Saraswati.
- Kadamuri Narasimhaswamy Temple: Kadamuri Narasimhaswamy Temple is a famous Narasimhaswamy temple in Kerala. It is located at Kadamuri of Kottayam district, in Kerala.
- Parippu Mahadeva Temple: Parippu Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Parippu in Aymanam panchayath of Kottayam district, in the Indian state of Kerala. This temple mentioned as Nalparappil in the renowned Shivalaya stotra is closely related to Thekkumkur raja.
Places That Define Kottayam
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
St. Mary's Orthodox Church
St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Kottayam, commonly known as Kottayam Cheriapally, is a Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church located in Kottayam, Kerala, India.
Talikotta Mahadeva Temple
Talikotta Mahadeva Temple or Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva is located on the banks of Meenachil River on Kottayam - Kumarakom Road in Kottayam District in Kerala state in India.
Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple
Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple is an ancient lord Murugan temple located in the Neendoor, Kottayam district (Kerala, India). The Neendoor Subrahanya Swami Temple is a historic site which has brought glory and fame to the local area.
Panachikkadu Temple
The Panachikkadu Temple or Panachikkad Saraswathi Temple, also known as the Dakshina Mookambika (Mookambika of the South) Saraswathy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Saraswati.
Kadamuri Narasimhaswamy Temple
Kadamuri Narasimhaswamy Temple is a famous Narasimhaswamy temple in Kerala. It is located at Kadamuri of Kottayam district, in Kerala.
Parippu Mahadeva Temple
Parippu Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Parippu in Aymanam panchayath of Kottayam district, in the Indian state of Kerala. This temple mentioned as Nalparappil in the renowned Shivalaya stotra is closely related to Thekkumkur raja.
Thazhathangady Juma Mosque
The Thazhathangady Juma Masjid is a mosque situated in Thazhathangady, in the district of Kottayam, in one of the heritage zones of the state of Kerala, India, The mosque is located adjacent to the Meenachil River. 824 CE, the mosque is one of the oldest mosques in India.
St. Joseph's Monastery Shrine
St. Joseph's Church, Mannanam is a Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Mannanam, Kerala. The church was built on top of a hill by Kuriakose Elias Chavara whose body is buried in the church.
Vembanad Lake
83.72 km length and 14.48 km width. Cruise boats, house boats and traditional cargo boats.
Kumarakom
The place is famous for its bird sanctuary, house boats, backwaters, canals and the bungalow of Henry Baker (now run as part of a resort managed by the Taj group of hotels).
Thazhathangady Juma Masjid
One of the oldest mosques in India and is more than 1000 years old. The mosque is famous for its richness of architecture, wood carvings and the beauty.
Poonjar Palace
The Palace of Poonjar Royal family, one of major principalities of Travancore Kingdom, was home of one of Kerala's famous prince, Prince G.V.
Kanjikuzhy
Half Day
Aymanam
Half Day
Thirunakkara
Half Day
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Kottayam on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Kottayam: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Kottayam: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 64 km from Kottayam.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station, about 1 km from central Kottayam.
- By Road: Buses connect Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Chennai, Bangalore, Mangalore, Coimbatore to Kottayam. The quality of buses varies significantly.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Kottayam (Apr, May, Jun) averages 25–32°C with about 284 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Kottayam (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 24–31°C with about 336 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Kottayam (Oct, Nov) averages 23–31°C with about 278 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Kottayam (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 23–33°C with about 40 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 33°C and lows of 23°C.
Local Transport
- By bus: Kottayam has a comprehensive local bus system which is inexpensive. Be warned, however, buses can become extremely crowded during rush hour.
- By autorickshaw: This is another inexpensive way of getting between places in town, and is recommended if you're weary of travelling by a crowded bus. As is the case with most of the rest of India, drivers may try cheat the unsuspecting traveller.
- By taxi: Local taxis are also available, though they are considerably more expensive than autorickshaws. There are taxi stands at the District Collectorate, and at the District Hospital.
- By car: There are many car rental companies offering cars with drivers or self drive. Don't attempt to drive in Kerala unless you are comfortable with traffic conditions and have very good reflexes.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Kottayam trip.
Spiritual & Religious
Planning Guide
- Overview: Kottayam is a city in Kerala, south India. The city is India's first 100% literate city, also known as Letter Capital of Kerala, due to headquarters of more than a dozen publishing houses and newspaper companies as well as several famous colleges and university. The city is one of the strongest centers of Kerala's indigenous Church, the Malankara Orthodox Church, a major non-Catholic church.
- Accommodation: There are a number of hotels of varying quality in Kottayam. Since the town is not spread out, proximity to the down town area is not really a selling point. Listed options include Anand Hotel, Anjali Park Hotel and Aryaas Hotel.
The Sacred Heart of Kottayam
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Kottayam is a city in south-central Kerala, sandwiched between the Vembanad Lake and the Kerala hill-country. Best known as a hub of trade and commerce, Kottayam is also a centre for education and literature, and as a centre of Kerala's large Christian population.
Spiritual Significance
Kottayam is a city in south-central Kerala, sandwiched between the Vembanad Lake and the Kerala hill-country. Best known as a hub of trade and commerce, Kottayam is also a centre for education and literature, and as a centre of Kerala's large Christian population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kottayam is most comfortable in January and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is April (average high 35°C) and the wettest months are May, June, July, August, September, October and November.
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 64 km away. The nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station, about 1 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Talikotta Mahadeva Temple, Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple, Panachikkadu Temple, Kadamuri Narasimhaswamy Temple and Parippu Mahadeva Temple.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 30°C to 35°C over the year, with about 2593 mm of rain in total.
Your Kottayam Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.