This district of Kerala is located on the southern mainland and on the western coast of India. It is very well known as the literary capital of Kerala and housed the first Malayalam Printing Press. Kottayam is bordered with the Ghats on the Eastern and Northern sides that are also some of the most scenic charms. Equally pleasing for the eye is the beautiful architecture that reflects in the grand monuments. Also, you will see here numerous refreshing beaches and blissful backwaters. This district has become a hub for foreign and indigenous tourists. In addition to the beauty of the place, the list of what all you can do here will never end. From fishing, boating, sightseeing, exploring the culture, backwaters etc. to sitting at the beach watching the sunrise or the sunset- all of what you ever dreamed of can be experienced here. Some of the places that you must pay a visit to when on a trip here have been given below:
This is located about twelve kilometres to the north of Kottayam. The temple has several murals works that make the temple even more interesting and attractive. Furthermore, the headstone of the temple, that is also referred to as the Gopuram has an exquisite painting of the Lord Shiva in his form as the Nataraja. In addition to this, another sight at the temple is the ‘ezhara ponnana’- this structure is a sculpture of seven and a half elephants that has been so diligently and skilfully been carved out of gold. In fact, if you visit Kottayam around February or March, it is noteworthy that you attend the Ezharaponnana Utsavam- a festival in the honour of this sculpture which is celebrated with full might.
This church holds great significance in the lives of Christians and is one of the most important pilgrim centres of the Southern India. This is where Sister Alphonsa’s death anniversary is venerated every year for this church was chosen as the special spot that would preserve the mortal remains of Sister. This has been, and continues to be one of the major tourist attractions in and around Kottayam. In addition to the above, various other churches located in the district include The Mannanam Church- this church is also a notable one for it houses and preserves the mortal remains of Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara; The Manarcaad St. Mary's Church and the Pala Valiyapally; The Kottayam Vimala Giri church, that is not only the cathedral of the Diocese of Vijayapuram but also has the highest church steeple (172 feet) in the whole state.
Munnar
Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Panachikkad Saraswathy Temple
Erumeli mosque
Kumarakam
Vembanad Lake
Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls
Vazhikkadavu