Distant Destinations
Places to Visit From Kottayam
The name “Kottayam” is derived from two Malayalam words: Kotta meaning “fort” and Akam meaning “interior,” which together translate to “interior of a fort.” The town’s historical significance lies in its role as the headquarters of the rulers of Munjanad and Thekkumkur, who had their base in Thazhathangadi, the heart of present-day Kottayam. During Marthanda Varma’s reign in Travancore, he attacked Thekkumkur, destroying their palace and the Thaliyil fort. Traces of these forts and palaces remain in the area, offering a glimpse of Kottayam’s historical legacy.
Originally part of the princely state of Travancore, the region that is now Kottayam District was divided into two main revenue divisions – southern and northern – under the administration of separate ‘Diwan Peshkars.’ In 1868, the divisions of Quilon (Kollam) and Kottayam were established. Later, the short-lived Devikulam division was created before being merged with Kottayam. Following the unification of the Travancore and Cochin states in 1949, the revenue divisions were renamed districts, and the role of Diwan Peshkars was replaced by District Collectors. This led to the formation of Kottayam District in July 1949.
Kochi
Distance by Road: 62 Km
Kochi, historically known as Cochin, is a vibrant city on India’s southern coast. This scenic seaside location, often known as the “Gateway to Kerala,” is bounded by the Western Ghats to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. Mattancherry, the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, are among popular tourist attractions in Kochi. Visitors can also explore the famous Chinese fishing nets and the stunning Santa Cruz Basilica. The city is a shopper’s paradise, with a vast selection of antiques, fabrics, and jewellery that attract visitors from all over the world.
Thekkady
Distance by Road: 107 Km
Thekkady is an ideal destination for those who enjoy adventure, wildlife, and nature. Known for being home to the only Tiger Reserve in India, Thekkady is rich in tropical plants and animals, many of which are endangered. Surrounded by the lush forests of the Western Ghats, Thekkady offers a lot to tourists. In the large wildlife sanctuary, you can spot Asian elephants, bison, deer, boars, tigers, leopards, wild squirrels, and lion-tailed macaques. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation provides ferry rides, allowing visitors to experience the wildlife and scenic beauty along the river. Thekkady is also great for shopping, with a variety of handicrafts, spices, and clothes available.
Alappuzha
Distance by Road: 47 Km
Alappuzha is one of the key tourist destinations in Kerala, often referred to as the “Venice of the East” due to its vast network of inland canals. These canals are vital to the town, supporting industries like coir carpet making and prawn farming. Alappuzha serves as a perfect base for exploring backwater tourism. A boat cruise along the backwaters offers a unique opportunity to experience the local lifestyle, including toddy tapping, fishing, coir-making, and prawn farming, all of which have remained largely unchanged over the years.
Athirappilly
Distance by Road: 119 Km
Athirappilly Falls, located 1,000 feet above sea level on the Chalakudy River, is a breathtaking blend of forests and streams. With a drop of 80 feet, it is one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala. The surrounding Athirappilly-Vazhachal area is home to a rich variety of endangered and unique plant and animal species. Notably, it is the only region in the Western Ghats where four endangered species of hornbills can be found. The Western Ghats, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, is facing degradation due to mining and hydroelectric projects. The International Bird Conservation Association has designated this area as an “Important Bird Area,” and the Wildlife Trust of India considers it one of the country’s most significant elephant conservation zones.
Varkala
Distance by Road: 118 Km
Located along the Arabian Sea, Varkala is famous for its beautiful beach, which is framed by palm-covered red cliffs. These cliffs, formed from Cenozoic sedimentary rocks, are a unique geological feature along the otherwise flat Kerala coastline and are known as the Varkala Formation by geologists. Nearby, the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an important Hindu pilgrimage site and is often called the “Dakshin Kashi” (the Benares of the South). The temple is near Papanasam Beach, believed to have holy waters that cleanse sins. Varkala is also recognized for its Ayurveda treatment centers. Additionally, the hilltop mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru, one of Kerala’s most renowned monuments, stands nearby.
Munnar
Distance by Road: 140 Km
Munnar is a stunning destination in Kerala that offers an array of exciting sights and experiences. From its misty hills and valleys to its streams, waterfalls, and lush tea plantations, everything in Munnar is captivating. The name “Munnar” is derived from its location at the confluence of three rivers, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. “Moonu” means “three” and “Aru” means “river.” The region is known for its vast tea estates, pristine landscapes, rare wildlife, and refreshing spice-scented air. Notable attractions include Eravikulam National Park, Rajamalai, Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, and Top Station, all of which offer memorable experiences for visitors.
Trivandrum
Distance by Road: 146 Km
Thiruvananthapuram, previously known as Trivandrum, is the capital and largest city of Kerala, India. The city is home to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, surrounded by the East Fort, which is considered one of the richest and most magnificent temples in India. Other popular attractions in the area include Shanghumukham Beach, Azhimala Beach, the Agasthyamala rainforests, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kallar, Braemore, Ponmudi Hills, Poovar, Anchuthengu backwaters, Varkala Cliffs, Kappil, and Edava lakes. Thiruvananthapuram is also known for its distinctive architecture, blending traditional Kerala style with British and Dravidian influences, as seen in landmarks such as the Napier Museum, Zoo buildings, Kuthiramalika Palace, and Kilimanoor Palace.
Kovalam
Distance by Road: 164 Km
Bay Island Kovalam is known for its stunning trio of crescent-shaped beaches, separated by rocky outcrops, which are the main attractions of the area. The beaches are framed by steep headlands and lush coconut palm groves, with the southernmost part of Lighthouse Beach being particularly popular. The area comes alive during peak tourist season, with curio shops, vendors selling Kashmiri and Tibetan products, money changers, and beachwear shops, all thriving alongside a variety of restaurants and hotels. Located just 3 km away, the Vizhinjam seaport is known for its unique fish varieties, ancient Hindu temples, large churches, and a mosque.
Kanyakumari
Distance by Road: 241 Km
Kanyakumari is renowned in India for its breathtaking and unique sunrises and sunsets, as it is almost entirely surrounded by water. On peaceful, full-moon evenings, known locally as Chitra Pournami, visitors can witness both the moonrise and sunset simultaneously. Kanyakumari is a popular destination for both pilgrimage and tourism. The town is named after the goddess Devi Kanya Kumari, who is believed to be a sister of Lord Krishna. Women visit her temple to pray for a good marriage, as she is thought to remove mental rigidity. The temple is a Shakti Peetha, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to the Mother goddess. Key attractions include the Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekananda Rock, Gandhi Mandapam, and the Tsunami Memorial Park.
