Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the enviable title: The land of letters, latex and lakes. This land also boasts the first Malayalam printing press which was established by Benjamin Bailey, a Christian missionary, in 1820 AD.

Kumarakom:
An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional coutry crafts, boats and canoes which will take you in to the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling, and swimming.

The Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom (16 km from Kottayam town): Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The Lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakam Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctary (16 km from Kottayan town): Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Other common varieties like the woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots can also be spotted here. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Pathiramanal:
(Sands of midnight) this 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology A young Brahmin dived in to the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls (18 km from Kottayam Town): Aruvikkuzhi is a beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and water roars as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100ft. Tourists can also enjoy the shade of the rubber plantations here.

Tourist Land, Vaikom: This is a quaint picnic spot ideal for a languorous break. Tourists can avail of various recreation options. Boat cruises are avail of various recreation options. Boat cruises are available on the Vaikom Lake.

Nattakom and Panachikad:
Adding to the charm of these quite villages are their scenic reservoirs escorted by vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendors till the end of the season. A boat ride from Kodoorar in Panachikad to Kumarakom is a great way to relax and enjoy nature's bounties. Facilities here cater to the recreational needs of tourists, from soothing Ayurvedic massages to boating, fishing and swimming.

Mannanam Toutist Home:
This was set up by the DTPC to provide quality accommodation to the holidaying crowd. Intricate networks of shimmering waterways embroider the richly green landscape, making the land charming in every detail. Boat cruise packages are being thoughtfully designed to give tourists the most memorable experience. The enchanting journey will take you through the Pennar Canal to the picturesque backwater districts of Alappuzha and Ernakulam.
 

Anchuvilakku (22 km from Kottayam): This stone lamp post, a typical example of Kerala architecture, was built near the Changanacherry boat jetty by the renowne freedomfighter Veluthampi Dalawa. The Changanacherry market, one of the largest in Kerala, was also established by him. The five lamps on this post are lit using kerosene.

Erumeli (60 km north- east of Kottayam town): Nestled in the lush green Western Ghatsm in this nature-rich village. This is also the entrance point to South India's most prominent pilgrim centre - the Sabarimala Temple. At Kanakaplalam nearby, teak plantations dot the landscape.

Vavarambalam, Erumeli: This mosque is dedicated to Vavar, a companion of the deity- Sree ayyappa - of the Sabarimala Temple. The mosque is unique because Hindu Museums customarily worship here before trek to Sabarimala. Festival: Pettathullal (January)

Pala and Kanjirappally: Nourished by the Meenachil and Manimala rivers respectively, these two towns are centers of rubber plantations.

Ayyappara: According to the legends, the five Pandava brothers - epic heroes of the Mahabharatha - stayed near this rock, 2000 ft. above sea level and spread over 20 acres, during their exile. The name of the rock is said to be a modified version of the original term Anchupara(five rocks). However, some say that the name owes its origin to the Ayyappa Temple here. This temple has four pillars which support a flat piece of rock that forms the roof. On one side of the rock is a cave that can accommodate over 15 people. The sunset is beautiful from here. Above all, the cool mountain breeze does wonders to your mind and body.

Ilaveezhapoonchira:
Striking the kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Illaveezhapoonchira, spread over thousands of acres. The verdant landscape punctuated by four gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft., is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place is unveils yet beautiful slice of nature. Illaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset.

Kanadipara: As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Illaveezhapoonchira. 3 km from here is the Pazhakakanam plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha River. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash. On the eastern side of kannadipara is a natural fort set amidst steep rocks.

Mankallu Mudikal: The three hills in this region lie close to each other, their flat hilltops covered with lush grasslands. An aerial view of these resembles a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltops give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds.

Illickal Mala: Numerous mountain streams in this peak, 6000 ft. above sea level, flow down to form the serene Meenachil River. The solitude, the tranquility, the gentle breeze and the star spangled sky here are all enchanting beyond words. Tourists have to trek up 3 km to reach the top of the hill. And if you so wish, you could even spend the night on the heights.

llickal Kallu:
Three hills, each rising to 4000 ft. and above, together form this huge hill. Each of the hills has a peculiar shape. One of them resemble a mushroom owing to which it get its name Kuda kallu(Umbrella shaped rock). It is said that the medicinal herb Neela koduveli, which baths the hillsides in blue, grows here. This flower is also believed to process supernatural powers which could increase wealth and ensure a rich harvest. The second hill has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Koonu Kllu (hunch back rock). Across this rock is a 1 / 2 ft. wide bridge called Narakapalam (bridge to hell). From the hilltops, the Arabian Sea can be seen in the distinct horizon as a thin blue line. The sunset on a full moon day is sensational, when the moon can be seen rising up like another sun, as the orange sun goes down.

Poonjar Palace:
The palace is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. Within the palace walls is an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture which include a palanquin, a thoni- carved out of a single piece of wood - for Ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, different varieties of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (Dancing Lord Shiva), grain measures, statues and weapons. A unique conch preserved here is taken out once year for ritualistic purposes. Near the palace is an amazing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The wall sof this temple bear sculptures which narrate stories from the Puranas(the legends of ancient India). However the most fascinating thing here is the Chuttuvilakku(row of lamps) carved out on stone walls of the Sastha Temple nearby. Such rock cut lamps are rare in India.

Kolani Mudi: Yet another peak in the Illaveezhapoonchira Mountain range, which also has a cave. Marmala At ream: This scenic stream and its breathtaking waterfalls are together referred to as the enchantress of the jungle. Sliding down numerous hillocks from a height of 200 ft., the gushing water has etched out over the years a deep pond in the rocks. Right under the waterfalls is a natural bridge

Vazhikkadavu: On the outskirts of the district is this hill station of rocky terrains sought after for its pristine nature. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall and steep rocks and on the other is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil River. During the months of December/January the landscape comes alive in a riot of colors with orchids and wild flowers.

Vagamon: This enchanting hill station on the Idukki - Kottayam border, dotted with tea gardens and meadows will soon be one of the India's foremost ecotourism projects. The breeding centre of the Kerala Liverstock Board is located here.

Thangalppara: The mausoleum of Sheikh Fariduddin found here makes this place is famous Muslim pilgrim centre. Nearby is the scenic hill station of Kurathulkallu and the beautiful Kottathavalam.
 

Kurisumala: 3 km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastery at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul.
On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of the Lord Siva). The road to Kurisumala offers some realm sightseeing opportunities in a European model house and the beautiful artificial lake, both designed by the renowned architect, Laurie Baker.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum:
It is a museum to display a unique collection of superior quality driftwood articles of very high artistic value, prepared through a rate and innovative modern art form, is functioning at the scenic village of Kumarakom. A visitor would find there a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs.

Kayyoor, Bharananganam: An enchanting landscape formed by a chain of green hills at the Bharananganam panchayat. A shrine dedicated to the Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharatha is found here. As in the famous temple at Sabarimala , only ghee is used to light the lamps here. Woman are not permitted inside the temple.

Vayaskara and Chirattamon: These places are well known for their Ayurvedic rejuvenation centers.

Maniyamkunnu: the majestic mountains here that slope down to meet the beautiful valleys below are truly spellbinding.