Thirunakkara Mahadevar Shiva Temple at Kottayam is one of the oldest shrines in the city that was built about 5 centuries ago. It was constructed by Thekkumkoor Maharajah. Thirunakkara Mahadevar Shiva Temple claims a special mention among the numerous tourist attractions of Kottayam, due to its rich architecture. The interior walls of this temple are decorated with striking, colorful and enticing murals. The Temple has been built with elegant Kerala style of architecture. The sanctum sanctorum or the innermost shrine of Thirunakkara Mahadevar Shiva Temple is adorned with impressive images of epic characters from the Hindu mythology. Enshrined with the idol of Lord Shiva, Thirunakkara Mahadevar Shiva Temple in Kottayam hosts a popular festival in the middle of March. The atmosphere of the festival gets charged with the captivating performances of Kathakali dancers and Velakali. The other attractions of the festival are the stunning performances of drummers and processions of ornately decorated elephants.

   

Kumarakom, a prime backwater-tour destination, is world- renowned for its bewitching backwaters and picturesque tropical landscapes. This naturally blessed land has loads to offer even for the most discerning traveler. The unique geographical terrain of the region dispersed with vast paddy fields, palm groves, mangrove forests, lagoons, canals and backwaters make Kumarakom quite distinct from any other place in Kerala. Life in this small hamlet revolves around the Vembanad Lake - the life-line of Kumarakom; people here lead a unique water-based lifestyle quite different from the rest of the state. Apart from the scenic backwaters and landscape, Kumarakom is a Mecca for Ornithologists. The bird sanctuary here is teeming with vibrant multi-hued exotic tropical birds and a variety of migratory birds. Apart from all this, there are numerous opportunities available to enjoy trekking, fishing, canoeing, rafting etc. To sum it up, Kumarakom is the place to be - a dream holiday destination - with plenty of scope for adventure, fun, excitement and relaxation.

   

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, spread across 14 acres and surrounded by lush wooded landscape, plays host to a diverse variety of avian residents. The sanctuary is a safe haven for the egrets, darters, golden backed woodpeckers, herons etc, just to name a few. It is also a favorite stop-over for thousands of migratory birds that flock from as far as the Himalayas and Siberia. A vibrant mix of colorful exotic birds and migratory birds makes Kumarakom an attractive destination for bird-lovers from around the globe. The sanctuary, accessible only through water, can be best experienced by renting a boat.

   

Enjoy a pleasant getaway to the beautiful Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls. The waterfall cascades down the rocky terrain from a height of 100 feet. Located at a distance of just 2 km from Kumarakom, the place is perfect for a weekend picnic trip. The rubber plantations near the falls add more charm to the beauty of the falls

   

The museum houses a large collection of root-sculptures of different shapes and sizes. It is aptly named as the exhibits are mainly from the Bay Islands in the Bay of Bengal. The museum extols the creative and imaginative mind of a single artist - Mrs. Raji Punnose - a retired teacher from Bay Islands

   

Located at distance of 55 kms from Kottayam and 20 kms from Thodapuzha, this is another picnic spot located in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. Ilaveezhpoonchira, means the 'valley where leaves don't fall' and is so named because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness the sunrise and sunset. It is easily accessible from Palai in Kottayam district. The beautiful valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira are spread across thousands of acres of the district of Kottayam. The place is surrounded by three enchanting hillocks: Mankunnu, Kodayathoormal and Thonippara, making the place ideal for trekking. The verdant landscape punctuated by four gigantic hills, each rising to about 3200 feet above sea level is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature.

   

Anakkallu Palli is an important pilgrim centre in Kottayam district.The mortal remains of blessed sister Alphonsa who died on 28th July 1948, is kept there. Thousands of devotees come here on 28th July every year to pray on her death anniversary. Bharanarganam is 5kms from Pala.