Places to Visit Near Kottayam

Known For : Varkala Cliff Sivagiri Mutt Water Sports in Varkala

Varkala is a coastal town in the southern part of Kerala known for the unique 15m high 'Northern Cliff' adjacent to the Arabian Sea. It is popular for its hippie culture, shacks on the cliff serving great seafood and playing global music and the samadhi of Kerala's saint Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala is also known for Jardana Swami Temple, also known as Dakshin Kashi.

Distance from Kottayam: 119 km

Best Time: October to February

31 Varkala Attractions

Known For : Palakkad Fort Silent Valley National Park Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

The quaint town of Palakkad in Kerala boasts of picturesque landscape, tranquil scenery and clear backwaters. Palakkad gets its name from pala trees which once dominated the area. Also known as Palghat, Pallakad is located near a wide low pass in the Western Ghats mountain ranges. Palakkad is the land of Palmyras and Paddy Fields and is famous as the chief granary of Kerala.

Distance from Kottayam: 191 km

Best Time: July to March

37 Palakkad Attractions

Known For : Kovalam Beach Vizhinjam Lighthouse Aazhimala Shiva Temple

Kovalam is an idyllic coastal town located around 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Famous for its three adjacent crescent-shaped shallow water and low tidal beaches, Kovalam is dotted with resorts and ayurvedic massage centres. Earlier a fishing village, Kovalam started attracting tourists in the 1930s and shot to fame in the hippie epoch of 1970s. It still sees the influx of tourists from Israel and Europe.

Distance from Kottayam: 164 km

Best Time: September to March

33 Kovalam Attractions

Known For : Periyar National Park Trekking Abraham's Spice Garden

Separating Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this quaint little town is best known for its plantation walks, diverse wildlife, boating and trekking and its Ayurvedic massages. Expansive spice gardens enthral tourists. One must also visit the Kalari Centre where performers perform the unique martial arts form of Kalaripayattu. The primary tourist attraction here are the plantations and a walk through them is sure to give you an enjoyable experience.

Distance from Kottayam: 107 km

Best Time: September to Apr

5 Kumily Attractions

Known For : Thevally Palace Amritapuri Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park

A treasure trove of natural wonders and historical edifices, Kollam is an enchanting town with backwaters and picturesque landscapes. Located 70kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Kollam is a commercial centre and home to India’s cashew producing industry. Popularly known as Quilon, it is often regarded as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala.

Distance from Kottayam: 95 km

Best Time: September to February

41 Kollam Attractions

Known For : Guruvayur Temple Punnathurkotta Elephant Palace Mammiyoor Shiva Temple

A small town in the district of Thrissur, Guruvayur is the most famous for the Guruvayur Temple - India's third-largest temple housing Lord Krishna. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 most divine Vishnu temples in the world. Guruvayoor has emerged as one of the most important places of worship in Southern India along with the likes of Tirupati and Sabarimala.

Distance from Kottayam: 160 km

Best Time: October to February

12 Guruvayur Attractions

Known For : Thread Garden, Malampuzha Malampuzha Ropeway Malampuzha Dam

Malampuzha in Palakkad district a place with rich lush green vegetation popular for its scenic beauty as well as the dams and exotic wildlife that it offers as tourist attractions. The primary attraction of the place is the Malampuzha Dam which was constructed in 1955 to aid proper irrigation in the area and maintain the lush greenery of the place over an extended period. Hundreds of tourists flock to Malampuzha every year attracted by its serene atmosphere and pristine surroundings. 

Distance from Kottayam: 215 km

Best Time: August to April

8 Malampuzha Attractions

Known For : Vadakummnathan temple Paramekavu Bhagavathy Temple Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores

Officially known as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is famous for fostering classical Keralan performing arts, religious sites and the renowned  Thrissur Pooram festival, Onam festival and Vadakkumnathan Temple. Thrissur is the short form of Thiru-Shiva-Per-Ur which literally means “a city with three temples of Lord Shiva”. Thrissur later became anglicised to Trichur.

Distance from Kottayam: 133 km

Best Time: October - February; April, May

50 Thrissur Attractions

Known For : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Kumarakom Backwaters Thanneermukkom Bund

Located at a distance of 16km from Kottayam in Kerala and located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of many small man-made islands reclaimed from the lake. Part of the Kuttanad region, Kumarakom along with Alleppey, has beautiful backwater areas and they collectively form the most important tourist centres of Kerala. Known for paddy fields, fishing, a network of backwaters, delicious local cuisine, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) houseboats and luxury and budget resorts. 

Distance from Kottayam: 7 km

Best Time: October - February

18 Kumarakom Attractions

Known For : Houseboats in Alleppey Alappuzha Beach Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Officially called Alappuzha, Alleppey is a city in the South Indian state of Kerala. Bordering the Laccadive Sea, it is known for its wide network of interlinking, palm-fringed canals called backwaters and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts. Allepey is also popular for its Houseboat cruises that pass through the serene backwaters, where you can catch glimpses of green paddy fields, choir making activities, beautiful avifauna and witness the life of locals in Kerala. 

Distance from Kottayam: 33 km

Best Time: June to March

40 Alleppey Attractions

Known For : Ponnani Juma Masjid Padinharekara Beach Thrikkavu Temple

A small beach town located in the Malappuram District of Kerala is mainly renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches. Flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west, Ponnani is also referred to as small 'Mecca' of South India. It is dotted with several Muslim institutions, Jama Masjid, established in 925, being one of them. In addition to this, Thenmala is a treasure trove of activities. It has something for everyone, from trekking and recreational rock climbing to rappelling to mountain biking and rope bridging. It has mystical jungle trails for laid-back visitors which offer sweeping views of the neighbouring hills. 

Distance from Kottayam: 182 km

Best Time: October to March

10 Ponnani Attractions

Known For : Poovar Beach Thirparappu Falls Vizhinjam

Poovar is a small rustic town situated 27 kms from Thiruvananthapuram with unspoilt, unexplored golden sand beaches and beautiful backwaters of Kerala. Also known as a fishing village, the tranquil Poovar island lies between the Arabian Sea and the Neyyar River. Hiring a boat, (especially during the sunset)that will take you through the mangrove forest of backwaters is a must-do activity. The boat ride costs around INR 3000- INR 4000. The town has some of the beautiful resorts and hotels that are known for the hospitality they offer.

Distance from Kottayam: 180 km

Best Time: August to March

9 Poovar Attractions

The Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Kerala, is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and the best-protected reserve area that one can lay eyes on in India. Famous for its gorgeousness, greenery and stillness, the park is the dwelling place of abundant significant species, including the royal tigers and majestic elephants apart from other reptiles, fishes and birds. This National Park is an amazing coming together of nature, adventure and beauty. A place which allows you the peace and serenity you so desire, an opportunity to be one with nature and just a normal sighting of a Tiger or two, Periyar National Park is full of beautiful sights and sounds.

Distance from Kottayam: 113 km

Known For : Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Golden Valley Mini Zoo, Ponmudi

Nestled in the lap of rolling hills of the Western Ghats, enveloped with tea plantations, lush green hills and valleys, waterfalls and streams; Ponmudi is a quaint little town in Trivandrum, Kerala. Trekking and mountain climbing on Agasthayarkoodam, the highest peak in the region is the most popular activity. To get the best of the two worlds, explore the wilderness of the Golden Valley and laze around along the freshwater springs and Kallari River. Don't forget to take a walk through the deer park and the Ponmudi crest.

Distance from Kottayam: 168 km

Best Time: November to May

5 Ponmudi Attractions

Thodupuzha is a beautiful gateway town located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is situated at a distance of 200 km from the state’s capital, Trivandrum. Thodupuzha is often regarded as the fastest growing town in Central Kerala, having transformed from a small, riverside settlement to a flourishing industrial and tourist hub. It is called the ‘Hollywood of Kerala’ as the town has been used as a filming location for numerous South Indian movies. It is also called the ‘Mini Kochi of the East’.

Distance from Kottayam: 42 km

Best Time: August to November

Known For : Mattancherry Palace Santa Cruz Basilica Kerala Folklore Museum

Situated on the south-west coast of India, Kochi or Cochin is a bustling commercial port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Called as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. The city is marked by influences of Arabs, Dutch, Phoenicians, Portuguese, Chinese and the British city as well as that of the Indian rule of the Chera Dynasty followed by rule of the Feudal Lords. 

Distance from Kottayam: 68 km

Best Time: July to April

57 Kochi Attractions

Known For : Pothamedu View Point Eravikulam National Park Rose Garden Munnar

The idyllic hill station Munnar - famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. It serves as the commercial centre for some of the world’s largest tea estates. In addition, Munnar has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji.

Distance from Kottayam: 135 km

Best Time: September to May

54 Munnar Attractions

Known For : Hill View Park Idukki Arch Dam Kulamavu Dam

Idukki, a landlocked district of Kerala, is one of the most nature-rich areas in Kerala with more than half of the area covered with forest. This rugged hill resort is known for its wildlife sanctuaries, beautiful bungalows, tea factories, rubber plantations and forests. Concealed beautifully in the superabundant and lush hills, Idukki (meaning a deep gorge in Malayalam) is a picturesque district flourishing between two rocky mountains of Kurava and Kurathy.

Distance from Kottayam: 117 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

38 Idukki Attractions

Known For : Suruli Falls Meghamalai Vaigai Dam

Dotted by luscious patches of greenery and gushing waterfalls wherever you go, Theni is a little hamlet on the Western Ghats. With something for every traveller, from seeking divinity at the exquisite temples to taking a dip into the waterfalls, Theni is the best-kept secret of Tamil Nadu.
The topography of Theni mainly consists of hills and ranges. It won't be an exaggeration to say that Theni has plenty of rivers and dams which add up to the beauty of this place. Theni is an abode to 27 forests hence filled with unparalleled greenery and wilderness.

Distance from Kottayam: 166 km

Best Time: November to February

7 Theni Attractions

Kattapana is an infrastructurally fast-growing municipal town located in Idukki district, Kerala. The people of Kattapana are mostly involved in farming. There are various cultivation ranging from tea, coffee, pepper, and so on which gives the town a spread of greenery. The town has a number of religious places of visit. The pleasant climate is one of the highlights of the town. The town is also popular for the yield of a unique variety of cardamom called Njallani. It was named after Sebastian Joseph Njallani who developed it.

Distance from Kottayam: 104 km

Best Time: December to March

Known For : Perunthenaruvi Waterfall Gavi Thriveni Sangamam

Pathanamthitta, in southern Kerala, is a town immersed in spirituality and mysticism. Blessed with several ancient temples, it is renowned as headquarters of pilgrimage in Kerala as Sabarimala is situated in the Pathanamthitta district. It is a land of untouched beauty with pristine rivers, lofty mountain ranges and sprawling coconut groves. The region is parted into a fascinating topography of highlands, midlands and lowlands crafted by three rivers coursing in the town. 

Distance from Kottayam: 58 km

Best Time: September to February

16 Pathanamthitta Attractions

Known For : Grampi Thrissanku Hills Peeru Hills

Blessed with lots of green cover, beautiful rolling hills, wandering streams and gurgling waterfalls; Peermede is a small bewitching hill station of Kerala, pure and pristine. Perched at an altitude of 915 m above the sea level, the town has many hidden treasure troves waiting to be uncovered. Peermede, lying in Idukki District also comprises sprawling spreads of tea, coffee, rubber and cardamom. The place being home to various types of tribes like Malapandaram, Malayarayan and Orali exhibits a rustic essence of blending cultures. 

Distance from Kottayam: 76 km

Best Time: April to June, September to November

8 Peermede Attractions

Known For : Butterfly Safari Adventure zone Trekking

Snuggled between the dense woods of Western Ghats, Thenmala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Kollam, Kerala. With winding roads, dotted with rubber and tea plantations, Thenmala boasts of being the first planned ecotourism spot in India. Spread over acres of dense timber trees, the name 'Thenmala' translates to Honey Hill suggesting the supply of high-quality honey from the region. This honey has medicinal properties because of the surrounding floral varieties and is exported in large amounts.

Distance from Kottayam: 111 km

Best Time: December to February

7 Thenmala Attractions

Known For : Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary Papanashini

Replete with natural forest and wildlife reserves, Tholpetty is a part of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Around 20 kilometres away from Mananthavady, this region is known for its abundant flora and fauna. It is the home to several species of wild animals and birds including leopards, bear, monkeys, elephants, tigers, langurs and more. The night safari is one of the main highlights of Tholpetty. It offers ample opportunities to the visitors to spot the wild creatures in their natural habitat.

Distance from Kottayam: 362 km

Best Time: October to March

5 Tholpetty Attractions