Places to Visit in Kottayam: Hills, Backwaters and Hidden Gems

Kottayam calls itself the land of letters, latex and lakes. And honestly, it fits perfectly.

You drive and you see rubber estates on both sides, church bells somewhere across paddy fields, and on the western side Vembanad Lake just glittering. It is not loud like Munnar or Alleppey, it is quieter. But if you give it time, it has a lot.

If you are planning what to see in Kottayam, here are the places locals actually go to, not just what is on posters. Most of them are within 2 hours from Kottayam town, so planning is easy.

Kottayam Tourist Places

1. Illikkal Kallu

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

This is near Teekoy, about 50 km from Kottayam town. A big rocky outcrop standing alone in the forest. You have to climb a bit – around 30 to 45 minutes for most people. Not very difficult, but the last part is steep.

From the top, the view is wide open. Green valleys everywhere, and on a clear morning you can see Idukki hills far away. Best to go early morning, before the sun gets strong and the mist goes away.Wear shoes with good grip. When it rains, the rock gets very slippery. And carry water, as there may not be shops at the top.

2. Ilaveezhapoonchira

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

This one is around 3,200 feet high and is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Kottayam. The name means “place where leaves don’t fall” because it is open and windy, with no big trees in the valley.

Three hills surround the area – Kudayathoor, Mankunnu and Thonippara. You can reach by road and then take a short walk. The wind on top is very strong, so you will definitely feel it.

Try sunrise here if you can. Clouds sit in the valley below and the view looks amazing. Even in summer, take a light jacket because it can get cold and windy. Check locally before going, as access can sometimes change because of weather or local rules.

3. Vagamon

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

Technically, Vagamon is in Idukki district, but many people travel there from the Kottayam side via Erattupetta. It is about 60–65 km from Kottayam town.

Think pine forests, rolling green meadows, tea estates and small viewpoints like Pine Valley and Thangal Hills. Paragliding is available in season, and there are also adventure activities.

This is one of the more developed hill stations near Kottayam, so you will find cafés and homestays easily. If you are travelling through Pala, you can also plan a food stop at restaurants in Pala.

4. Lakes, Backwaters and Boat Trips

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

Now this is my favourite part of Kottayam.Kumarakom is the star here. Vembanad Lake spreads out wide, with houseboats, small fishing canoes and kingfishers along the waterways. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is best early in the morning, just after opening. In winter, migratory birds can also be seen here.

If you want something calmer and cheaper than a houseboat, try Aymanam. It is a village with narrow canals and coconut groves, about 10 km from town. Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things is closely associated with the area, and when you walk around, you can understand the landscape that inspired the setting.

There is no single big attraction here. Walk the lanes, take a small canoe and have tea at a roadside shop. That is the point.Another place is Malarikkal, near Kumarakom. In season, usually around the end of the monsoon and into early winter, the water can be covered with pink lotus flowers. You can take a village canoe through them around sunrise.

If you do want a houseboat, ask about the route and food before booking. Or take a short day cruise. There is also a public boat from Kottayam to Alappuzha – very cheap and scenic.Of all the Kottayam sightseeing places, the backwaters are the one I would never skip.

Kottayam Sightseeing Places

5. Marmala Waterfall

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

Near Teekoy and close to Illikkal Kallu, Marmala Waterfall is reached by a short walk through the forest. In the monsoon, it is full and loud, with beautiful green surroundings. In dry months, the water flow becomes much thinner.

You can combine Marmala Waterfall and Illikkal Kallu on the same day as they are nearby.

6. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

This one is closer to town, near Pallikkathodu. It is easy to reach and does not require a long trek. The surroundings are popular for short visits and picnics.

Both waterfalls are best during and just after the monsoon.

One safety note: don’t get into the water when it is raining heavily. Streams can rise quickly, and wet rocks can be very slippery.

Kottayam Tourist Attractions

7. Kumarakom and Bird Sanctuary – In Detail

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

Kumarakom is about 16 km from Kottayam. Vembanad Lake becomes really wide here.

The bird sanctuary is best during the first hour after opening, when birds are active and the light is soft. You may see egrets, herons, cormorants and darters along the shaded paths.

A small boat ride around the lake is a good addition after walking through the sanctuary.If you are looking for food after exploring Kumarakom, you can also check our guide to seafood restaurants in Kumarakom.

8. Malarikkal Lotus Point

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

Malarikkal is famous for its lotus flowers. When the season comes, the whole water can turn pink.Village canoes take you through the blooms around sunrise or late afternoon. Go early if you can. The crowd usually increases later, and the flowers can close as the sun gets stronger.

After exploring the hills, waterfalls and backwaters, you may want to try some local food in town. You can explore our guide to restaurants in Kottayam for more places to eat.

Whether you want a misty hill, a waterfall picnic or a slow backwater afternoon, the best places in Kottayam reward you if you don’t rush.

Don’t try to cover everything in one day. Pick one theme – hills one day, backwaters another day. Start early and keep time for a long lunch somewhere local.

Kottayam is not about big famous landmarks. It is about sitting by a lake, walking through a rubber estate and hearing a church bell across a field.

If you have a favourite spot we missed, tell us.