One-day Itinerary for Kottayam

  1. 10:00 AM: Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
    5 minutes (0.7 km) from Kottayam Railway Station

    Visit one of the oldest and most famous Shiva temples in Kottayam with a vast collection of mural paintings and ancient architectural designs. The temple provides a peaceful atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in India’s rich cultural heritage.

  2. 11:30 AM: Bay Island Driftwood Museum
    20 minutes (10.8 km) from Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple

    Bay Island Driftwood Museum is an exclusive museum that houses a unique and extensive collection of superior quality driftwood sculptures of very high artistic value,prepared through a rare and innovative modern artform.

  3. 1:00 PM: Oottupura Restaurant
    25 minutes (8.9 km) from Bay Island Driftwood Museum

    Experience genuine traditional Kerala cuisine and taste authentic dishes made with locally sourced fresh ingredients at Oottupura Restaurant. The restaurant provides high-quality food in a contemporary ambiance at an affordable price.

  4. 2:30 PM: Vembanad Lake
    25 minutes (7.8 km) from Oottupura Restaurant

    Vembanad Lake, one of the largest lakes in India and a popular tourist spot in Kottayam. The lake is famous for its fantastic blend of cultural and natural heritages with several houseboat services and a mini zoo nearby.

  5. 4:00 PM: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
    10 minutes (2.8 km) from Vembanad Lake

    Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to several species of migratory and native birds, which makes it a birder’s paradise. The bird sanctuary is close to the vast Vembanad Lake and offers a serene environment with a nostalgic feel that defines the real essence of Kerala.

  6. 06:00 PM: St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Church
    20 minutes (9.1 km) from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

    End your day by visiting this ancient grandeur of a beautiful church with dramatic paintings on its walls, depicting stories from the Bible. The Church also has a cemetery with tombs and monuments of many religious leaders, renowned Knanaya families of yesteryears and Kudumbis (traditional craftsmen families).

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Bay Island Driftwood Museum (1.5 hours, ₹150 per person)
  • Oottupura Restaurant (1 hour, ₹400 for two persons)
  • Vembanad Lake (1.5 hours, Free)
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (1.5 hours, ₹50 per person)
  • St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Church (1 hour, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹ 600 for two persons

Useful Tips

If you have more time, check out some other popular attractions in Kottayam such as Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Poonjar Palace, Marmala Waterfalls, and Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, all within an hour's drive from Kottayam. If you have less time, consider skipping Bay Island Driftwood Museum or Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Also, make sure to wear comfortable footwear, carry extra cash, stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.

0