Kottayam: Backwaters, Birdlife and Cultural Heritage

Water landscapes, hills and a diverse cultural heritage shape the destinations in Kottayam district. At Vembanad Lake, the options range from birdwatching to boat trips through the backwaters; elsewhere, waterfalls, temples and historical collections beckon. You can also consider travel connections and places to visit when choosing a suitable hotel location.

Birdwatching and boat trips at Vembanad Lake

The district’s many rivers and canals drain into Vembanad Lake, which has developed into a destination for backwater tourism. On the lake’s shore, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary covers 14 acres. It is home to 91 native bird species and 50 migratory species. The variety of species gives the sanctuary a special appeal for anyone interested in birdwatching.

Houseboats and motorboats can be hired for trips to observe the Vembanad Lake. Traditional Kettuvallam cargo boats have been converted into cruise boats and houseboats. They are equipped with kitchens, toilets, bathrooms and seating areas. Another option on the water is offered by the Kottayam District Tourism Promotion Council: it runs a boat trip through the Pennar Canal to the backwaters of Alappuzha and Ernakulam.

The Kumarakom Boat Race also makes the river landscape a setting for a tradition: the race takes place on the Kavanar and Kottathodu rivers during the Onam season. About 50 types of boats take part, including Veppu, Ody and Churulan boats, as well as some snake boats. The variety of boats is as characteristic of the event as the occasion itself.

Waterfalls and highlands

The Aruvikuzhy Waterfalls offer a different landscape: water plunges down from a height of 100 feet in five stages. St. Mary’s Church stands at the top of the falls. The waterfalls are also suitable for trekking. At Ilaveezhapoonchira, by contrast, the focus is a valley used as a picnic spot. The three green hills of Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara rise there to about 3,200 feet above sea level.

The district thus offers a range of natural experiences: birdwatching and boat trips on the lake, a tiered waterfall and a valley with three named hills. When planning your hotel stay, you can first decide which of these landscapes and activities you want to shape your visit. To choose a specific location, it is then worth comparing the address with the places that matter to you and your travel plans.

Palaces, museums and temple festivals

Poonjar Palace is a 600-year-old building made mostly of wood, with traditional Kerala architecture and royal influences. It served as the seat of the Kingdom of Poonjar and was built by the Poonjar Rajas, an ancient dynasty connected to the royal family of Travancore. Its museum displays antiques, lamps carved from rock and sculptures from the past. The palace can be reached and explored by travelling along the Erattupetta–Pala route.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum is located in the village of Kumarakom. Its collection includes driftwood objects of high artistic value, as well as numerous root sculptures in a variety of forms and designs. Those interested in materials and design will find a clear contrast here with the historical objects in the museum at Poonjar Palace.

Temples are also an important part of the cultural scene. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is built in the Kerala style and is known for elephant processions and traditional art performances. Its annual Vaikathashtami festival takes place in November or December; the exact date varies. The ten-day festival at Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple includes the Ezhara Ponnana procession of seven and a half golden elephants.

Kerala’s first daily newspaper, Deepika, began in Mannanam in 1887. Chavara Bhavan is also located there, a museum in the former family home of a saint. On display are artefacts, documents and personal belongings from his life.

Planning your journey and hotel location

A well-developed road network connects Kottayam district with major cities and towns in India. Kottayam railway station is regularly served by trains from other major cities. When planning your trip, you can take these long-distance road and rail connections into account; for specific train connections, it is advisable to check the relevant timetable.

This lets you assess a hotel’s location based on your own plans for excursions, rather than assuming the same starting point for every destination.

Discover more destinations: Puthuppally, Ettumanoor, Pala, Anthinad, Kottayam, Vaikom, Kumarakom, Manimala, Anthiyalam, Kanjirappally, Arpookara, Thiruvarpu, Muppaikad, Vazhappally West.

To the main travel overview: Kerala.