The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). Kottayam is one of the exotic backwaters sites attracting tourists throughout the year. Being a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches make this a place of tourist attraction. Lying below the sea level, some of its nearby places are also a treat to the eyes.It is located in the southern part of Kerala is an important commercial center of India, producing a large chunk of cash crops.  It has Ernakulam on its north while the east is protected by Idukki district. The exotic Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts signify the southern part, whereas Vembanad Lake makes the western side of Kottayam even more striking. Kottayam is also connected with picturesque Vembanad Lake with a canal.

Tourist Attractions in Kottayam

Valiyapally - Built in AD 1550, this is one of the largest churches in Kottayam. The church is dedicated to St. Mary and is located in Thazhathangadi about 4km northwest of the town center. The church is known for two 8th-century Persian crosses with Pahlavi inscriptions that prove them to be the earliest examples of Christianity in India.

Good Shepherd Church - The Good Shepherd Church is the first church of the Diocese of Vijayapuram, built in the Italian style. The construction of the Church was completed in 1882 and was renovated in 1964. The annual feast of Good Shepherd is held here in the month of April every year.

Thazhathangadi Mosque - The mosque forms an important pilgrim center of Kottayam, known for its architecture. The 1,000-year-old mosque at Thazhathangadi is believed to have been built by Malik Dinar.

Kumarakonam - The city in itself and the Bird Sanctuary here, are simply memorable forever.

Mannanam - Housing the famous St. Joseph's Monastery, Mannanam is an important Syrian Christian center. The town is associated with the name of Father Kuriakose Elias of Chavara (1805 - 1871), one of the saintly figures of the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. Established in 1844, St. Joseph's Press is one of the oldest printing presses in India, where one of the oldest of Kerala's newspapers was printed.

Vaikom - 40 km from Kottayam, in Vaikom is the Shiva Temple, which is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the mythical creator of Kerala. The 12-day Ashtami festival in the months of November and December is marked by elephant processions, religious discourses, and performances of dance and music. In contemporary history, Vaikom's prominence derives from the Satyagraha of 1925, started by Mahatma Gandhi and aimed at opening the temple for untouchables

Cheryapalli - Located near the Valia Palli, the smaller church of Cheria Palli, also dedicated to St. Mary, built in 1579, has some Murals and paintings of Biblical and other themes.

Best time to visit Kottayam- September to March

Climate in Kottayam

Kottayam has an equatorial type of climate with an oppresive hot season. From June to September, it experiences heavy rainfall due to southwest monsoon.

How to Reach Kottayam?

By Air - The nearest international airport is at Cochin, located at a distance of around 80 km.
By Rail - The railway station of Kottayam is located at a distance of just 2 kilometers from the bus station. There are regular trains from major cities of Kerala that come to Kottayam.
By Roads - Kottayam is well connected to the rest of Kerala and India by a wide network of motor able roads.