Kottayam Kerala City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Kottayam Kerala City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. 

Kottayam, Kerala

Kottayam is a picturesque and culturally significant city in Kerala, known for its literacy, rubber plantations, and scenic backwaters. It is often called “Akshara Nagari” (City of Letters) because it played a crucial role in Kerala’s literary and print media development. Kottayam is also a gateway to popular tourist destinations like Kumarakom and Thekkady.

1. Location & Geography

• Located in central Kerala, bordered by the Western Ghats on the east and Vembanad Lake on the west.
• Lies between Ernakulam (Cochin) and Thiruvananthapuram, well connected by road and rail.
• Major rivers: Meenachil, Manimala, and Pamba.

2. Economy & Industries

• Rubber Capital of India:
  • Kottayam is a major center for rubber plantations and latex processing.
  • Houses the Rubber Board of India.
• Print & Media Hub:
  • Home to Malayala Manorama (one of India’s leading newspapers) and DC Books.
• Tourism:
  • Backwater tourism at Kumarakom, with luxury houseboats and bird sanctuaries.
• Agriculture & Trade:
  • Apart from rubber, Kottayam produces spices, coconut, and paddy.

3. Education & Institutions

• Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) – A major university with affiliated colleges across Kerala.
• CMS College Kottayam – One of India’s oldest colleges (established in 1817).
• Government Medical College, Kottayam – A leading healthcare and medical education institution.

4. Tourist & Cultural Attractions

• Kumarakom Backwaters – Famous for houseboats, bird sanctuaries, and Vembanad Lake.
• Illikkal Kallu – A scenic trekking and viewpoint spot in the Western Ghats.
• Vaikom Mahadeva Temple – A significant Shiva temple with historical importance.
• Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple – A historic temple with traditional Kerala murals.
• Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple – Famous for its unique wooden carvings and murals.
• Poonjar Palace – A historic royal palace showcasing Kerala’s architectural heritage.

5. Connectivity & Transport

• By Road: Well-connected via NH-183 and NH-66 to cities like Cochin, Trivandrum, and Thekkady.
• By Rail: Kottayam Railway Station is a major stop on the Ernakulam–Thiruvananthapuram line.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (85 km away).