Best Tourist Places in Kottayam – Explore Now!

Imagine standing amidst vast lush greenery. Feel a gentle breeze on your face and hear rare birds sing. This is Kottayam. It’s a hidden gem in Kerala. It blends nature’s beauty with rich culture. Kottayam has a lot for everyone. There are peaceful backwaters, green hill stations, old temples, and lively festivals. This place has a spirit everyone can feel.

For nature lovers, Kottayam’s spots offer amazing views and calm places. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is perfect for bird watchers. Elaveezhapoonchira has great views and trails for adventurers. If you love history, see the Poonjar Palace. Or visit Vaikom. It’s famous for its old Mahadeva temple and the historic Vaikom Sathyagraham.

Getting to Kottayam is easy. The Kottayam Railway Station links to major cities in India. For international visitors, Kochi is the closest airport. It’s an easy way to reach this beautiful spot. There, the sights of Kottayam await. You’ll find history, nature, and culture at every turn.

Key Takeaways

• Kottayam offers a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural history.
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is ideal for bird-watching enthusiasts.
• Elaveezhapoonchira provides exceptional trekking experiences.
• Poonjar Palace is a must-visit for history buffs.
• Kottayam Railway Station ensures easy connectivity with other cities.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A Haven for Bird Watchers

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is on Vembanad Lake’s banks. It’s perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers. The sanctuary is huge, covering 14 acres. It’s filled with lots of bird kinds. This makes it a top spot in Kottayam for visitors.

Location and Accessibility

Getting to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is easy. Cochin International Airport is about 85 km away. Kottayam Railway Station is closer, only 16 km away. This makes the sanctuary a great place to visit in Kottayam without trouble.

Bird Watching Experiences

The sanctuary has hundreds of bird species. Some live there all the time, and some visit. You might see Siberian cranes, egrets, and many more. It’s a key spot in Kottayam because of its diverse bird life.

Best Time to Visit

Winter, from November to February, is great for visiting. This is when many birds come. Another good time is June to August. The weather and birds make it a prime time for bird watchers. Visit during these months for the best experience in Kottayam.

Explore the Enchanting Vaikom

Vaikom is in Kottayam and mixes nature with history. It’s perfect for solo visitors, couples, and families wanting peace. The area is known for its calm vibe and lovely waters.

One of the highlights of Vaikom tourism is the old Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. It honors Lord Shiva and is over 1,500 years old. The temple is beautiful and hosts big festivals. People can visit from early morning to noon and in the evening.

Vaikom Lake Beach is great for nature lovers. It has clear waters and a peaceful setting. Close by, Palakkari Aqua Tourism Village offers fun eco-friendly things to do. People can boat and fish amongst greenery and calm water.

Explore more places in Vaikom to see its variety. Roads make Vaikom about 30 kilometers from Kottayam. This makes for an easy day trip or a short visit.

At Back 2 Village, visitors can dive into local life. It’s a chance to try local food, see crafts, and explore scenic paths. It offers a deep dive into village life.

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is close and offers bird watching. For more adventure, Elaveezhapoonchira and Poonjar Palace are near. They add more places to see in Kottayam.

Winter, from October to March, is the best time to visit. The nice weather makes outdoor activities and touring better. It’s the most comfortable time for visitors.

The Scenic Beauty of Elaveezhapoonchira

Elaveezhapoonchira is near Melukavu Mattom, 60 km from Kottayam. It’s surrounded by three big hills: Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala, and Thonippara. This pretty hill station has awesome views and clean picnic places. It’s getting popular in Kottayam.

Visitors find lots of outdoor fun here. It’s great for people who love adventures and nature.

Trekking Opportunities

Elaveezhapoonchira is perfect for trekking in Kottayam. The hills are about 3200 feet high. Trekkers see beautiful valleys and green places. The weather is nice, from 15°C to 25°C, after the monsoon and in winter.

The best time for trekking is from September to February. This is after the rainy season. The area is green, and the ponds are full.

Picnic Spots

Elaveezhapoonchira isn’t just for trekking. It has lovely picnic spots too. The meadows are bright, and the mountain air is fresh. It’s a calm place for a picnic.

Visitors can do many fun things or just relax. They enjoy the beautiful view at this top spot. Whether you want adventure or peace, Elaveezhapoonchira is one of the best places in Kottayam.

Historical Significance of Poonjar Palace

Poonjar Palace is in Kottayam, Kerala. It shows the rich history of the area. Made around 600 years ago, it was the home of the Poonjar Rajah. It marks an important time in Poonjar Palace history.

The palace is famous for its design. It has beautiful wooden carvings and Kerala style. People love the woodwork that shows the skill of that time. This place is key among historical places in Kottayam. It draws tourists and historians.

A visit shows many old objects. Like furniture, chandeliers, and weapons. These items tell us about the royal family’s life. The palace acts like a museum. Plus, St. Mary’s Church and Poonjar Kottaram nearby add more history to the spot.

The palace has the Sastha Temple too. It has unique rock-cut lamps on its walls. Getting to Poonjar Palace is easy. Cochin International Airport is 80 kilometers away. Kottayam Railway Station is close too. This makes the trip easy for visitors wanting to see Poonjar Palace history.

The palace has many historic items. Its feel brings the past to life. Poonjar Palace is key for history lovers in Kottayam. You can get there by air, road, or rail. The trip to this historic place is worth it.

Conclusion

Kottayam is a place full of natural beauty, history, and culture. It has everything from the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to the old Poonjar Palace. It’s perfect for all travelers wanting to see Kerala’s magic.

If you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy trekking at Elaveezhapoonchira and visiting Nadukani Hill Station. History lovers will like Sunny’s Gramophone Museum and Bay Island Driftwood Museum. Nature lovers must see the Pathiramanal Island backwaters and Marmala Waterfalls.

Kottayam is also famous for its spiritual sites like St. Mary’s Orthodox Church and the Thiruvarppu Sree Krishna Temple. There are also beautiful villages to see. With its hill stations, historic buildings, and festivals, Kottayam is unforgettable. It is truly a top place to visit in Kerala for its beauty and culture.