Kottayam

Travel Guide

A sunset over a coastal area with palm trees and a calm sea.
A rural landscape with a water body, houses, and lush greenery.
A rusty boat with a metal frame and a blue tarp on a calm river surrounded by palm trees.
A traditional houseboat on water surrounded by tall palm trees.
A sunset over a calm sea with a boat and people on a pier.
Gokulam Grand Resort & Spa

Gokulam Grand Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
Ammankari Rd Kottayam KL
$155 nightly
The price is $183 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$183 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Kottayam. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kumarakom Boat Jetty and Kumarakom Backwaters ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"We had a lovely experience at Gokulam Grand. We especially enjoyed the spa and the boat ride, which made our stay even more memorable. A wonderful place for a relaxing getaway—we would happily visit again"

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2026

Gokulam Grand Resort & Spa
Kumarakom Lake Resort

Kumarakom Lake Resort

5 out of 5
Kumarakom North P O Kottayam Kerala
$359 nightly
The price is $423 total per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
$423 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Kottayam. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Kumarakom Backwaters and Kumarakom ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (119 reviews)
"Absolutely wonderful! A dreamy place. You must try the houseboat for at least 1 night."

Reviewed on May 26, 2026

Kumarakom Lake Resort
Coconut Lagoon - Cgh Earth

Coconut Lagoon - Cgh Earth

4.5 out of 5
Kumarakom, Kottayam District Kottayam Kerala
$261 nightly
The price is $308 total per night from Oct 9 to Oct 10
$308 total
Oct 9 - Oct 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Kottayam. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kumarakom Backwaters ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
"We have enjoyed our stay and all the staff were friendly and helpful especially Ms SUKANYA had given us some personal care and attention."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Coconut Lagoon - Cgh Earth
See all 615 properties in Kottayam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Little Chembaka- Private Villa with River View

Little Chembaka- Private Villa with River View

Kumarakom Kerala
Stay at this vacation home in Kottayam. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kumarakom Backwaters ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"our stay was magical. We arrived as welcomed guests by Jess and his team and left as friends.The villa is delightful situated on the edge of the canal and we enjoyed just sitting on the verandah and watching the river life pass by.Jess cooked the most amazing meals for us in the adjacent kitchen ..."

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

Little Chembaka- Private Villa with River View
A luxury 2 bedroom apartment on the highway between Ettumanoor and Kottayam.

A luxury 2 bedroom apartment on the highway between Ettumanoor and Kottayam.

Kottayam Kerala
Stay at this apartment in Kottayam. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple and Nagambadam Stadium are located nearby.
A luxury 2 bedroom apartment on the highway between Ettumanoor and Kottayam.
Natureland Homestay

Natureland Homestay

kottayam kerala
Stay at this vacation home in Kottayam. Enjoy a garden and air conditioning. Popular attraction St. George Orthodox Church is located nearby.
Natureland Homestay
See all properties in Kottayam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Kottayam attractions

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

7.8/10 (30 reviews)
Stroll through lush woodland on the banks of the Kerala backwaters to spot a fascinating variety of colorful and migratory birds.
See properties

Things to do

Cultural Tour To Vaikom Village

Cultural Tour To Vaikom Village

$107
per adult
Cultural Tour To Vaikom Village
Private single room Boat

21hrs Houseboat Tour through Alleppeys Serene Canals & Local Life

$228
per traveler
100% of travellers recommend
21hrs Houseboat Tour through Alleppeys Serene Canals & Local Life
Kuttamangalam open country boat tour

Private Alleppey Backwater Houseboat DayTour with Taxi from Kochi

$196
per adult
Private Alleppey Backwater Houseboat DayTour with Taxi from Kochi
Alleppey Night Walk

Alleppey Night Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)

$21
per adult
Alleppey Night Walk (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)
Private 4 Hour Bamboo Cane Cruise Through Alleppey Backwaters

Private 4 Hour Bamboo Cane Cruise Through Alleppey Backwaters

$73
per traveler
Private 4 Hour Bamboo Cane Cruise Through Alleppey Backwaters
6hrs Alleppey Houseboat Tour-Serene Canals, Local Life & Food.

6hrs Alleppey Houseboat Tour-Serene Canals, Local Life & Food.

$163
per adult
6hrs Alleppey Houseboat Tour-Serene Canals, Local Life & Food.
See all activities in Kottayam

Frequently asked questions

Is Kottayam worth visiting?
Kottayam is worth visiting for its standout attractions like Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kumarakom Boat Jetty. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining, with Asian and Italian cuisine readily available. The area offers practical transit access via train, making it convenient for exploration.
When is the best time to visit Kottayam?
The best time to visit Kottayam is from July through August. These months often provide pleasant conditions for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, with generally mild temperatures.
What is Kottayam known for?
Kottayam is known for the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Kumarakom Boat Jetty, offering travelers natural beauty and waterway access. You can also explore the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. The area features a strong Asian food culture, providing diverse culinary experiences.
What is a good itinerary length for Kottayam?
A good itinerary length for Kottayam is two to three days to explore highlights like Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Boat Jetty, and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. For a more in-depth trip, consider four to five days, allowing time for a Kumarakom day tour and enjoying the local Asian, Italian, or vegan vegetarian cuisine. See Kottayam Activities.
How do you get around Kottayam?
Kottayam primarily offers train service for travelers to get around. You can easily access different areas using stations such as Kottayam Station and Pallam Chingavanam Station. Trains provide a practical and convenient way to explore the destination and its surroundings.
What are the top things to do in and around Kottayam?
In and around Kottayam, travelers can explore natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and unique local experiences:


How do I plan a trip to Kottayam?
To plan your trip to Kottayam, book flights and hotels in advance on Expedia. Consider a rental car to explore nearby attractions like Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. Plan outdoor activities, such as a Kumarakom day tour, for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your visit.
What cuisines can you find in Kottayam?
In Kottayam you can find Indian cuisine, featuring dishes like flavorful curries, biryani, dosa, and tandoori specialties. Travelers can also enjoy Chinese and Italian options, alongside a variety of vegan and vegetarian choices. You'll also find local coffee shops.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Kottayam?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Kottayam by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Kottayam with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Kottayam trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Kottayam?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Kottayam can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Kottayam trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Kottayam trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Kottayam trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Kottayam trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Kottayam?
If it's your first trip to Kottayam, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Kottayam hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Kottayam hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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