Things To Do
in Kottayam
Kottayam is a picturesque town in Kerala, India, known for its lush landscapes and serene backwaters. It is often referred to as the 'Land of Letters' due to its historical significance in education and literature. Kottayam serves as a gateway to the scenic beauty of Kerala, surrounded by rubber plantations and the Vembanad Lake.
The town is also famous for its rich cultural heritage and traditional festivals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot various migratory birds.
After lunch at a local restaurant, take a houseboat ride on Vembanad Lake and enjoy the stunning views of the backwaters.
Visit the local market to shop for traditional handicrafts and enjoy a dinner featuring Kerala cuisine.
Explore the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, a beautiful example of Kerala architecture.
Visit the Kottayam Lake and enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore. Have lunch at a lakeside café.
Attend a Kathakali dance performance to experience Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at a local restaurant | $3 - $5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15 - $25 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30 |
| 🚕Taxi fare (within town) | $2 - $5 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1 - $2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery and backwaters.
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Delicious cuisine with fresh local ingredients.
- Limited nightlife options.
- Public transport may be less frequent.
- Language barrier can be challenging for some tourists.
- "Namaskaram" - Hello
- "Sukhamano?" - How are you?
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Enikku manassilaayilla" - I don’t understand
- "Ithrayum kaalam" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Kottayam
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning backdrop for sunset photography, with houseboats and lush greenery.
Ideal for capturing images of migratory birds and the serene environment.
A beautiful temple complex perfect for architectural photography.
Food in Kottayam
Kottayam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A soft and fluffy rice pancake, often served with coconut milk or curry.
Must-Try!
Pearl spot fish marinated with spices and wrapped in banana leaves, then grilled.
Steamed rice cakes served with black chickpea curry, a popular breakfast dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, and local snacks.
Try local street food like banana chips and fish fry from various vendors around town.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
Be mindful of local traditions and practices, especially during festivals.
Always remove shoes before entering homes and temples.
Safety
Tipping in Kottayam
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary; rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted, but digital payments are becoming common; carry some cash for small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Hot and humid; early mornings or evenings are best for outdoor exploration.
Heavy rainfall transforms the landscape; it's beautiful but be prepared for wet conditions.
Cooler temperatures and lush greenery; a great time for photography and nature walks.
Kottayam at Night
Hiking in Kottayam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hilltop offering panoramic views and well-marked trails, great for hiking enthusiasts.
Located about 3 hours from Kottayam, Munnar offers breathtaking trails through tea plantations and hills.
Airports
How to reach Kottayam by plane.
Approximately 90 km from Kottayam, it is the nearest major airport, offering domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Kottayam, known for their rich cultural traditions and language.
Kottayam has a significant Christian population, contributing to the town's unique cultural landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is extremely popular in Kottayam, with many local matches played in the region.
Football is also widely played and followed, particularly among the youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kottayam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Kottayam has a variety of vegetarian options available in many restaurants.
Some dishes like appam and rice-based meals can be suitable for gluten-free diets.