Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a small village 12 kms west of Kottayam town. It is a part of Kuttanad, which is a ‘Wonder Land‘, lying below sea level, comprising of a number of islands, in the backwaters. 

An attraction of Kumarakom is the bird sanctuary, spreading over 14 acres of land. Birds like Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teal, Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Wild ducks etc. Are seen here in abundance. Siberian storks migrate to Kumarakom every season ‘Coconut lagoon’ is a beautiful resort, here.

In the last Century, Henry Baker, an English man, attracted by the beauty of the place, selected Kumarakom as his residence and built a bungalow, obtaining 104 acres of land from the then Maharaja of Travancore. He also made a beautiful garden. Preserving the old style, the beautiful Bungalow of Baker, has now been modified into the ‘Taj Garden Retreat;, a hotel with modern living facilities. The Kerala state Tourism Development corporation is converting this place into a tourist complex. Boating facilities are also provided by the corporation. 
Traditional cargo boats called Kettuvalloms are modified into cruise boats and house boats, with all basic facilities like kitchen, toilet, bathrooms, sit-outs etc. These boats gracefully move around the backwaters, providing facilities to tourist to enjoy the beauty of the Vambanad lake in a relaxed pace. 

Boat Races
In the festival months of August and September, the rivers in and near Kottayam are turned into festival centres. In the Kumarakom Boat Race, conducted at Kavanar and Kottathodu rivers, about 50 types of boats, viz. Veppu, ody, Churulan and few snake boats, participate.

Elaveezha Pooncira
Elaveezha Poonchira, a hill station near Melukavu Mattom 60 kms from Kottayam, is gaining tourist importance. Located among three beautiful hillocks; Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque charm. Legends say that the pool District Tourism Promotion Council is developing this place into a trekking spot. A tourist bungalow with rooms and dormitory to accommodate 15 people, has been constructed.

Thomman Kuthu, Kurisumala, Vagamon, Marumala and waterfalls of Pazhukkakanam are the other tourist spots in the district.


IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS CENTRES

TEMPLES

Erumeli
Situated about 60 kms from Kottayam town, this is the biggest pilgrim centre in the district. There is an ancient temple where Sri Dharma Sastha is the presiding deity. There is also an ancient mosque dedicated to Vavar, who is considered to be friend of Lord Ayyappa. During Madalam and Makaravilakku seasons, lakhs of pilgrims arrive here on their way to Shabarimalai. Erumeli is famous for ‘Pettathullal’. Before the devotees start Pettathullal, they offer prayers at the mosque of Vavar. Thus Erumeli portrays a spiritual picture of Hindu-Muslim harmony. 

Vaikom
Situated about 40kms from Kottayam town, Vaikom is famous for the Siva temple. Here, two Ashtami festivals are held annually, one in Kumbham (February-March) and the other in Vrischikam (November-December) of which the latter is more famous. The celebrations last for 12 days and end with an Arat at the Subramanya at Udayanapuram, on the day after Ashtami. Panchavadyam is an attractive item of the festival. Prathal is the main Vazhipadu here. There is a school teaching temple arts, known as Kshethrakalapeedhom, attached to the temple. 

Thirunakkara
The Siva temple at Thirunakkara is in the heart of Kottayam town. The sanctum-sanctorum is covered with pictures from the epics.

Three festivals are celebrated here in Thulam (October-November) Mithunam (June-July) and Meenam (March-April) of which the last one is the most important. The Arat, conducted on the last day of the festival, is the festival, is the festival of Kottayam, irrespective of the caste and creeds. 

Ettumanur
Ettumanur is famous for the Mahadeva temple which is 12 kms away from Kottayam town. The golden elephants (7 large ones and a small one) here, are well known. Though actually 8 in number.

Kumaranellor
Six kilometers away from Kottayam town, Kumaranellor is famous for the Karthiyayani (Devi) temple. Here Trikarthika day is important and is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (November- December). The display of lights in the evening (Karthika Villaku) is the highlight of this celebration. 

Pallipurathu Kavu
Situated in the south of Kottayam town, this temple is devoted to Devi. The Kumbhakuta Mahothsavam here, attracts a large crowd. It is held on the day of Pathamudayam (Tenth day of the month Medam). The Garuda Thukkam at night, is also famous. 

Saraswathy Temple, Panachikkad
Situated 8 kms away from Kottayam town, this temple is famous for Saraswathy Pooja in the month of Thulam(September-October). Saraswathi is worshipped as the goddess of learning. On the day of Durgasthami, the pooja veppu is performed with books arranged in a decorated room and all sorts of study and work are given up for the day. The Mahanavami Day is devoted to the worship of Saraswathi. The Vijayadashami day is observed as the day of conclusion of Pooja (pooja eduppu). On that day, thousands of people arrive at this temple to initiate their children to learning. 

Thiruvarpu
Situated 6 kms North-east of Kottayam town, this temple is devoted to Lord Krishna. Offerings start as early as 3o’clock in the morning. The festival here, is in the month of April, which lasts for ten days. The Vilakkeduppu i.e, carrying lighted lamps by virgin girls during the festival, is famous. Thiruvarupu is also famous for Usha (Payasam) which is the main Vazhipadu.

Kidangoor
Twenty three kms north-east of Kottayam, the Subrahmaniya Swami temple here, attracts a large crowed of worshippers on the day of Shasti, every month. In Kumbham (February-March) a 10 day long festival is celebrated here. The Chakiarkooth performed here, is a speciality.

Perunna(Changanassery)
Situated about 20 kms South of Kottayam town, this is also one of the famous Subrahmania Temples. The festival is in Dhanu, which lasts for 10 days. Hundreds of worshippers, especially ladies, attend the shashti here.

Temples at Ramapuram, Kadappattur, Vazhappalli and Udayanapuram, are also famous.