Kottayam sits in a rare spot — between the vast Vembanad Lake to the west and the Western Ghats to the east — so day trips from here, or from the backwater resort village of Kumarakom, can swing from birds and boats to ancient temples to high green hills. Here’s what to build a day around.
Kumarakom and Vembanad
Kumarakom, about 16 km from Kottayam on Vembanad Lake, is the district’s backwater jewel — a bird sanctuary famous for migratory birds in winter, and calm lake cruises by houseboat or shikara. It’s the classic Kottayam day trip, easy to combine a boat ride with the sanctuary.
Vaikom and Ettumanoor temples
Kottayam is deep temple country. The Vaikom Mahadeva temple, one of Kerala’s great Shiva shrines with a landmark place in the state’s temple-entry history, and the Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple, known for its murals and golden traditions, both make rewarding heritage day trips (with the usual temple dress codes and customs).
Waterfalls and the eastern hills
East of town the land rises. The Aruvikkuzhi waterfall near Kumarakom is an easy green stop, while further up into the highlands lie viewpoints and meadows like Ilaveezhapoonchira and the Poonjar–Erattupetta uplands, with big views over the ranges — a cooler contrast to the lakeside.
- Backwaters and birds → Kumarakom (~16 km); heritage → Vaikom and Ettumanoor temples; hills and views → the eastern highlands.
- Come to Kumarakom’s bird sanctuary in winter (roughly November–March) for the migratory birds.
- The temples are active places of worship — dress modestly and follow local customs.
- Book backwater cruises directly with operators; a car with driver helps for the hill trips.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best day trips from Kottayam?
Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake (about 16 km) for backwaters and birds, the Vaikom and Ettumanoor Shiva temples for heritage, the Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, and the eastern highlands around Ilaveezhapoonchira and Poonjar for high views.
How far is Kumarakom from Kottayam?
About 16 km — an easy trip to the Vembanad Lake backwaters, with a bird sanctuary known for migratory birds in winter and calm houseboat and shikara cruises.
What temples can you visit near Kottayam?
The Vaikom Mahadeva and Ettumanoor Mahadeva temples are the great Shiva shrines of the district, both rich in tradition and murals — visited with the usual temple dress codes and customs.