Kottayam: The Uncharted Beauty of Kerala

Kottayam is a beautiful city in the state of Kerala. Located in the southwest part of Kerala, Kottayam is a nature lover’s paradise as it is surrounded by the Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake on the west. The city is nearly 155 km from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The city has a royal history, and it is home to some of the most beautiful spots in the state. The city has a lot of hill stations close to it, and with so many temples and churches within its limits, the city is also a cultural hub. Backwaters play a huge role in the beauty that Kerala cities possess. Still, this one is even more special due to the presence of the majestic Western Ghats on its east.

The abundance of natural beauty and the majestic architecture are among the key factors that make Kottayam a must-visit place for tourists. When it comes to popularity, Kottayam still has a lot of work to do, but just because it is less noticed by the tourists doesn’t mean it is any less beautiful when compared to popular places like Munnar or Alleppey. The place has a lot to offer, and it begs to be explored.

 

Here are some of the best places to visit in Kottayam

Elaveezhapoonchira: 

Elaveezhapoonchira is among the top places to explore in the city. Located in the Melukavu village of the Kottayam district, the popular tourist spot is surrounded by three hills – Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala, and Thonippara. The place has several magnificent waterfalls and hidden alcoves to make your trip more interesting. Located hardly an hour away from the main town, Elaveezhapoonchira is a great spot for trekking. The terrain here has a lot to offer to adventure junkies. It is also a great spot for off-roading.

The Backwater of Vaikom: 

Vaikom is a municipal town that houses some of the most scenic backwaters in Kerala. It is a relaxing place where you can spend some hours in solitude. The place also houses some historic buildings and important temples. Known for its serene atmosphere, Vaikom has a lot of secluded spots where you can spend some quality time with your loved ones. There’s nothing much to do in Vaikom except for looking at the scenic landscapes and capturing them with your camera.

 

Exploring the Island of Pathiramanal: 

Pathiramanal is a small, picturesque island located in the popular Vembanad Lake. It is one of the most amazing islands in the state that houses untouched natural beauty. The lush green paddy and even more dense forestlands give an appealing look to the island. It is like a hidden treasure for nature and bird photographers as its mystical paths will lead you to spots where you can find different varieties of birds. You can also enjoy a memorable stay at one of the several luxury resorts near the island.

 

Marmala Waterfalls: 

Marmala Waterfalls is another must visit place near Kottayam. Located in Erattupetta, nearly 40 km from the main city. Marmala Waterfalls is a majestic gift of nature to Kerala. However, the way to the waterfalls is a challenging one as only regular jeeps can cover the narrow and difficult path that connects the waterfalls to the mainland. It is one of the places in Kottayam that can give chills to adventure lovers. The jaw-dropping natural beauty surrounding the waterfall and the scenic landscapes near it make it worthwhile to cross the challenging path.

 

Illikkal Kallu: 

Located nearly 56 km from the main city, Illikkal Kallu is a trekker’s paradise. Perched at an altitude of 6,000 feet in the mesmerizing Western Ghats, Illikkal Kallu is a place whose memories will remain with you for a long time. It is a perfect combination of challenge and pleasure. Surrounded by vast green valleys, Illikkal Kallu is the best place to get that adrenaline rush as you trek your way through the challenging trails to reach a certain height where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire region.

 

Road Trip to Kottathavalam: 

There’s nothing better than enjoying the roadside views of Kerala while exploring its cities via a road trip. The distance between Kottayam and Kottathavalam is nearly 64 km, which makes it a perfect spot for a short yet entertaining ride. It is a popular hill station where you get to drive through challenging mountain roads. The rocky terrain and zig-zag paths will provide you the thrill that you were seeking. The hill station houses a very famous 1,000-year-old temple, making Kottathavalam a perfect blend of beauty and spirituality.