Kumarakom, (14 km west of Kottayam, in Kuttanad)

The place is famous for its bird sanctuary, house boats, backwaters, canals and the bungalow of Henry Baker.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

The 14 acre bird sanctuary is the favorite spot for migratory birds from all parts of the world. It is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The bird sanctuary houses a wide range of birds including cuckoo, water duck, owl, kingfishers, woodpeckers and egret. The migratory birds that attract attention include Siberian cranes, teal, wood beetle and many more. It is a birdwatchers’ paradise and you could make best use of your visit to this place by hiring houseboats and motorboats.

Pathiramanal (Midnight sands)

In the middle of the Vembanad Lake, This is a small white sand island. It gets its name from the brilliant reflection of moonlight from the sand.

Poonjar Palace

The Palace of Poonjar Royal family, one of major principalities of Travancore Kingdom, was home of one of Kerala’s famous prince, Prince G.V Raja. This building is famous for its collection of antiques, exquisite furniture, chandeliers, palm leaf engravings, jewel boxes, a variety of lamps, sculptures of Nataraja (Shiva as Lord of the Dance), grain measures, statues and weapons.

Vaikom Temple, (40 km from Kottayam)

Famous for its Shiva Temple.

Vembanad Lake

83.72 km length and 14.48 km width. Cruise boats, house boats and traditional cargo boats.

Manarcaud

St. Mary’s Shrine here attracts people of all faiths. Various kinds of offerings are made here devotees.the church celebrate the feast of st.mary’s assumption in month of september.

Ettumanoor (15 km from Kottayam)

Famous for having an ancient Shiva temple. Wall paintings in the temple are thousands of years old. The temple is also famous for its seven and a half golden elephants, a sequence of seven large and one small statues of elephants.

Erumely

Important pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Muslims

Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, (At the heart of the town)

This is a Shiva temple built in the Kerala style of temple architecture, and with interior murals depicting themes from the Hindu epics. It was built at the beginning of 16th century by the then Raja of Thekkumkur. The annual temple festival that culminates in a ceremony called the Aaraattu, attracts large number of devotees.

Thazhathangady Juma Masjid, (On the banks of Meenachil River)

One of the oldest Mosques in India and is more than 1000 years old. The mosque is famous for its architectural beauty, and the ornate wood carvings.

St. Mary’s Church

Belonging to the Malankara Orthodox Church was built in 1579 by the Raja of Thekkumkur for his Christian subjects. The interior murals, painted using vegetable dyes, depict Biblical themes.

Kuravilangad (St.Mary’s Church)

The land of Kuravilangad is blessed by the esteemed presence of St. Mary’s Forane Church, which was built in 105 A.D (just one hundred years before Constantine declared Christianity as the official religion in the Roman Empire). It is believed, Mother Mary’s first appearance in the world, was in Kuravilangad. Our Lady appeared to a few children at Kuravilangad, who were tending their flock in the bushes. Our Lady asked them to build a church at the place from where a miraculous perpetual spring sprouted, a spring which exists even today. The children reported the events to the elders and a church was built there. The Asia’s Largest Church bells located at this church.