Around Kottayam

Kumarakom :

Kumarakom, 16 kms from Kottayam are the group of islands located on the shore of Vembanadad Lake. Kumarakom with its mangrove forests, green paddy fields and coconut grooves is a paradise in itself. Kumarakom is a popular backwater destination. You can arrange the houseboats through Kumarakom's isolated canals, but you have to pay more than Alleppey. Tourists can also make a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, spread the total area of 14 acres. Some of its major attractions include Siberian stork, Darter, heron, egret and Gargeney teal. Apart from that the major attraction in the park include Waterfowl, Owls, Water ducks, Parrots, Larks, Flycatchers, Wood Beetle and many more.

Vaikom Mahadeva temple :

Vaikom Mahadeva temple, 40 km away from Kottayam, is one of the most famous Shiva Temples in Kerala. The temple shares some of the historical moments especially that of the Vaikom Satyagraham in 1924 in order to demand equal rites for all Hindus to enter the temple.

St. Mary Forane Church :

Located at the distance of 10 kms from Kottayam, St. Mary Forane Church , was built in the 1381, on the on land donated by the Brahmin family of Ettanasseri as thanksgiving for a male heir born to the family on praying to Virgin Mary. Leonard D’Cruz, a Portuguese sailor, brought the statue of St. Sebastian in 1687. The crucifix in this church is unique as it shows Jesus Christ without a single wound. The annual feast celebrated in the honour of St. Sebastian, falls on the 10th of October, during which the statue of Koratty Muthy is taken out in possession from the church. You can also make a visit to the famous St Mary's Church in Valiapally, St Mary's Orthodox Church at Cheriyapally and the St Joseph's Monastery at Mannanam.

Sree Vallabha Temple :

The ancient Sree Vallabha temple is located 35 km from Kottayam. It is the venue for the traditional Kathakali performances that are open to all.

Ettumanur :

Ettumanur, 12 km from Kottayam houses a Shiva Temple, that has inscriptions dating from 1542. The temple is renowned for its exclusive wood carvings and murals similar to those at Kochi's Mattancherry Palace. It is also the venue of annual Maha Shivratri festival, which involves exposition of the shiva idol and elephant possessions.