Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in Kottayam:

Backwaters of Kumarakom
Vembanad Lake
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Kottayam Kerala Museum
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Vagamon
Maramala Waterfall
Ilaveezhapoonchira

Popular places to visit in Kottayam

Backwaters of Kumarakom:

A beautiful network of lagoons and canals, popular for boating and houseboat experiences.

Vembanad Lake:

The largest freshwater lake in Kerala, known for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple:

A historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.

Kottayam Kerala Museum:

A museum showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of Kottayam and the surrounding areas.

Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple:

A historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its beautiful architecture and traditional rituals.

Vagamon:

A hill station located in the Western Ghats, known for its scenic beauty, rolling hills, and adventure activities.

Maramala Waterfall:

A scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, popular for picnics and nature walks.

Ilaveezhapoonchira:

A scenic hill station is known for its rolling hills, lush greenery, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

5 days itinerary for Kottayam Trip

Here’s a sample 5-day itinerary for a trip to Kottayam, India:

Day 1:

Arrival in Kottayam
Check-in at your hotel
Visit Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, one of the oldest and most important Shiva temples in South India
Enjoy a relaxing evening at the hotel

Day 2:

Start your day with a visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a popular bird-watching destination
Take a backwater cruise on Vembanad Lake to admire the scenic beauty and explore the local life
Return to your hotel for a refreshing break

Day 3:

Visit St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, one of the oldest Syrian Christian churches in India
Explore the Bay Island Driftwood Museum to see the fascinating collection of driftwood sculptures
Visit Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, a popular picnic spot with scenic views

Day 4:

Head to St. Alphonse’s Shrine, dedicated to Saint Alphonsa, India’s first woman saint
Visit Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva
Visit the Poonjar Palace, a grand palace and museum showcasing the traditional Kerala architecture and lifestyle

Day 5:

Visit the Juma Masjid Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in South India
Visit the Manarcad Church, a famous Catholic church in Kottayam
Departure from Kottayam.

3 days itinerary for Kottayam Trip

Here’s a sample 3-day itinerary for a trip to Kottayam, India:

Day 1:

Arrival in Kottayam
Check-in at your hotel
Visit Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, one of the oldest and most important Shiva temples in South India
Take a backwater cruise on Vembanad Lake to admire the scenic beauty and explore the local life
Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening

Day 2:

Visit St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, one of the oldest Syrian Christian churches in India
Explore the Bay Island Driftwood Museum to see the fascinating collection of driftwood sculptures
Visit Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, a popular picnic spot with scenic views

Day 3:

Head to St. Alphonsa’s Shrine, dedicated to Saint Alphonsa, India’s first woman saint
Visit Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva
Visit the Juma Masjid Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in South India
Departure from Kottayam

Popular Historical places to visit in Kottayam

Here are some popular historical places to visit in Kottayam, India:

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple – an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the oldest in South India
St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church – one of the oldest Syrian Christian churches in India
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple – a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the 16th century
Poonjar Palace – a grand palace showcasing the traditional Kerala architecture and lifestyle
Juma Masjid Mosque – one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in South India
Manarcad Church – a famous Catholic church in Kottayam
St. Alphonsa’s Shrine – dedicated to Saint Alphonsa, India’s first woman saint
St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral – a historic church built in the 19th century.

Top Temples to visit in Kottayam

Here are some of the top temples to visit in Kottayam, India:

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple – an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the oldest in South India
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple – a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the 16th century
Manarcad Church – a famous Catholic church in Kottayam
St. Alphonsa’s Shrine – dedicated to Saint Alphonsa, India’s first woman saint
Sri Krishna Temple, Udayanapuram – a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna
Subramanya Swami Temple, Ettumanoor – a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya
St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral – a historic church built in the 19th century.

Best street foods corner in Kottayam

Here are some of the popular street food corners in Kottayam, India:

Ramachandran’s Parippu Vada Stall – famous for its parippu vada, a snack made with lentil and spices
Kallummakkay Bun Stall – famous for its Kallummakkay buns, a sweet and savory snack
Pazham Pori Stall – famous for its pazham pori, a sweet snack made with ripe plantains and spices
Puttu Stall – famous for its puttu, a steamed cylindrical-shaped dish made with rice flour and coconut
Dosa Stall – famous for its dosas, a crispy and savory crepe made with rice flour and lentils
Chatti Pathiri Stall – famous for its chatti pathiri, a layered pastry made with flour, eggs, and spices
Pappadam Stall – famous for its pappadams, a crunchy snack made with lentil flour.

Best street foods to have in Kottayam

Here are some popular street foods to try in Kottayam, India:

Parippu Vada – a snack made with lentil and spices
Kallummakkay Buns – a sweet and savory snack
Pazham Pori – a sweet snack made with ripe plantains and spices
Puttu – a steamed cylindrical-shaped dish made with rice flour and coconut
Dosa – a crispy and savory crepe made with rice flour and lentils
Chatti Pathiri – a layered pastry made with flour, eggs, and spices
Pappadam – a crunchy snack made with lentil flour.

Famous market in Kottayam for shopping

Here are some of the famous markets in Kottayam, India for shopping:

Kottayam Market –

A busy market that offers a wide range of goods, from groceries to clothing and accessories.

Civil Station Market –

A bustling market known for its jewelry and clothing shops.

C.S.I. Market –

a popular market for household items and electronics.

Taluk Market –

A traditional market that sells fresh produce and spices.

MG Road Market –

A popular shopping destination known for its street-side shops and vendors selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

Cheap and best shopping places in Kottayam

Here are some of the cheap and best shopping places in Kottayam, India:

Taluk Market – a traditional market that sells fresh produce and spices, known for its affordable prices.
Kottayam Market – a busy market that offers a wide range of goods, from groceries to clothing and accessories, at reasonable prices.
Street-side shops along MG Road – a popular shopping destination known for its street-side shops and vendors selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs at budget-friendly prices.
Wholesale shops in C.S.I Market – a popular market for household items and electronics, with wholesale shops offering discounts on bulk purchases.

Best Budget restaurants in Kottayam

Here are some of the best budget restaurants in Kottayam, India:

Anand Bhavan – a vegetarian restaurant that offers South Indian cuisine at affordable prices.
Hotel Annapoorna – a budget-friendly restaurant that serves traditional Indian cuisine.
Shri Krishna Bhavan – a vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.
Arya Bhavan – a vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious South Indian dishes at budget-friendly prices.
Manoj Hotel – a budget-friendly restaurant that offers traditional Indian dishes, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Best street food stalls in Kottayam

Here are some of the best street food stalls in Kottayam, India:

Ramachandran’s Parippu Vada Stall – famous for its parippu vada, a snack made with lentil and spices
Kallummakkay Bun Stall – famous for its Kallummakkay buns, a sweet and savory snack
Pazham Pori Stall – famous for its pazham pori, a sweet snack made with ripe plantains and spices
Puttu Stall – famous for its puttu, a steamed cylindrical-shaped dish made with rice flour and coconut
Dosa Stall – famous for its dosas, a crispy and savory crepe made with rice flour and lentils
Chatti Pathiri Stall – famous for its chatti pathiri, a layered pastry made with flour, eggs, and spices
Pappadam Stall – famous for its pappadams, a crunchy snack made with lentil flour.

Popular pubs and bars in Kottayam

Here are some popular pubs and bars in Kottayam, India:

The Pub – a popular bar and lounge known for its relaxed atmosphere and live music
The Hub – a popular bar and lounge that offers a variety of drinks and snacks
Sizzle – a popular bar and lounge known for its lively atmosphere and extensive drink menu
Down the Pub – a popular bar that offers a variety of drinks and a cozy atmosphere
The Barrel House – a popular bar that offers a wide range of drinks and live entertainment

Cheap and best pubs and bars in Kottayam

Here are some cheap and best pubs and bars in Kottayam, India:

Bar Beque – a casual bar known for its affordable prices and relaxed atmosphere
The Tipsy Teapot – a budget-friendly bar that offers a variety of drinks at reasonable prices
The Hangover – a budget-friendly bar that offers a variety of drinks and snacks at affordable prices
The Brewery – a budget-friendly bar that offers a selection of locally brewed beers and other drinks at reasonable prices
The Dive – a casual bar known for its budget-friendly prices and friendly staff

Cheap and best restaurants in Kottayam

Here are some of the cheap and best restaurants in Kottayam, India:

Anand Bhavan – a vegetarian restaurant that offers South Indian cuisine at affordable prices.
Hotel Annapoorna – a budget-friendly restaurant that serves traditional Indian cuisine.
Shri Krishna Bhavan – a vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.
Arya Bhavan – a vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious South Indian dishes at budget-friendly prices.
Manoj Hotel – a budget-friendly restaurant that offers traditional Indian dishes, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
The Dosa Place – a budget-friendly restaurant known for its delicious dosas, a crispy and savory crepe made with rice flour and lentils.
Annapurna Vegetarian Restaurant – a budget-friendly vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of delicious Indian dishes.

Cheap and best clothes shopping in Kottayam

Here are some cheap and best places to shop for clothes in Kottayam, India:

Surabhi Textiles –

A budget-friendly clothing store that offers a variety of traditional and contemporary Indian wear at affordable prices.

Kairali Handloom –

A budget-friendly store that specializes in traditional Indian textiles and clothing, including hand-loomed saris and other traditional wear.

Jayashree Textiles –

A budget-friendly clothing store that offers a variety of traditional and contemporary Indian wear, including saris and salwar kameez.

Vismaya –

A budget-friendly clothing store that offers a variety of traditional and contemporary Indian wear for men, women, and children.

Adarsh Handloom –

A budget-friendly store that specializes in hand-loomed textiles and clothing, including saris and other traditional wear.

Adventurous things to do in Kottayam

Here are some adventurous activities you can do in Kottayam, India:

Trekking –

Kottayam has several nearby trekking destinations, including the Western Ghats, offering scenic and challenging trails for trekkers of all levels.

Boating –

Enjoy a peaceful and scenic boat ride along the backwaters of Vembanad Lake, one of the largest lakes in India.

Wildlife Sanctuary Visit –

Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the nearby city of Thekkady, which offers a chance to see wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and other animals in their natural habitat.

Rock Climbing –

The nearby town of Munnar offers several opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering for experienced climbers.

Camping –

Kottayam and its surrounding areas offer several camping sites for those who enjoy outdoor adventure and nature.

Adventurous places to visit in Kottayam

Kottayam is primarily known for its lush greenery, scenic backwaters, and serene temples, rather than adventure destinations. However, here are some places in and around Kottayam that offer an adventurous experience:

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

A protected area in Thekkady that is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and other animals.

Western Ghats

A mountain range located near Kottayam that offers opportunities for trekking and other outdoor adventures.

Vembanad Lake

The largest lake in India, located in Kottayam, that offers boat rides and other water-based adventures.

Ilaveezhapoonchira

A scenic hilltop destination near Kottayam that offers trekking and other outdoor adventures.

Popular restaurants in Kottayam

Here are some popular restaurants in Kottayam, India:

Sree Krishna Bhavan –

A vegetarian restaurant that serves traditional South Indian cuisine, including dosas, idlis, and other dishes.

Green Garden Restaurant –

A popular restaurant that serves a variety of Indian and international cuisine, including Chinese, Continental, and North Indian dishes.

Cafe Delight –

A popular restaurant that serves a variety of Indian and international cuisine, including Italian, Mexican, and Chinese dishes.

Ocean’s Bite –

A popular seafood restaurant that specializes in dishes made with fresh fish and other seafood, including crab, prawns, and other dishes.

Little Italy –

A popular Italian restaurant that serves a variety of pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes.

Best Tips for Budget trip to Kottayam

Here are some tips for a budget trip to Kottayam, India:

Accommodation:

Look for budget-friendly accommodation options, such as homestays or budget hotels, rather than luxury resorts or hotels.

Food:

Try local street food stalls and budget restaurants, as they tend to be cheaper and offer a wider variety of local cuisine.

Transportation:

Use public transportation options, such as buses or auto-rickshaws, as they tend to be cheaper than taxis or rental cars.

Attractions:

Choose free or low-cost attractions, such as parks, temples, or scenic viewpoints, rather than more expensive options such as amusement parks or waterparks.

Shopping:

Shop at local markets and street vendors, rather than shopping at upscale malls or boutiques, as they tend to offer lower prices and a wider variety of local goods.

Plan ahead:

Research and plan your trip in advance, including your itinerary, budget, and other details, to help ensure that you stay within your budget and make the most of your trip.

Be mindful of your spending:

Keep track of your spending and stick to your budget as much as possible. Try to avoid unnecessary expenses, such as souvenirs or luxury items, and prioritize the things that matter most to you.

Popular malls must to visit in Kottayam

Here are some popular malls in Kottayam, Kerala:

Centre Square Mall
K Mall
Rangaswamy Naidu Memorial Shopping Complex
KSRTC Shopping Complex
Matha Tower Mall

Popular street to visit in Kottayam

Here are some popular streets to visit in Kottayam, Kerala:

C.M.S. College Road
Market Road
Temple Road
Hospital Road
Changanacherry Road

Famous holy place in Kottayam

Here are some famous holy places in Kottayam, Kerala:

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
St. Joseph’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
St. Mary’s Church, Kuravilangad

Best authentic Kerala restaurants in Kottayam

Here are some of the best authentic restaurants serving traditional Kerala cuisine in Kottayam:

Hotel Sreekrishna Inn
Grandmas Kitchen
Hotel Royal Durbar
Anjali Vegetarian Restaurant
Hotel Nalanthara

rajeshkumar