Kottayam 2-Day Itinerary for May 2023

  1. Day 1: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
    30 minutes (12.5 km) from Kottayam town

    Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit place for bird lovers. Spread across 14 acres, it is home to a wide variety of bird species, including migratory ones from Siberia and Himalayas. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake and is surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the trails, go boating, or even try their hand at fishing. The best time to visit is from November to February when several birds migrate here.

  2. Day 1: Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
    15 minutes (4.7 km) from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

    Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple's unique feature is the magnificent mural paintings on its walls, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple is also famous for its wooden carvings and the annual festival in February/March which attracts thousands of devotees.

  3. Day 1: Meenachil River
    20 minutes (9.6 km) from Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

    Meenachil River is a beautiful backwater destination, perfect for a relaxing boat ride. The river is surrounded by paddy fields, coconut groves, and serene villages. Visitors can choose from a variety of boats, including houseboats, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

  4. Day 2: Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
    45 minutes (21 km) from Kottayam town

    Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the oldest temples in Kerala. The temple's architecture is a fine example of traditional Kerala style, with its wooden carvings and murals. The annual festival in November/December is a major attraction and draws thousands of devotees from across the state.

  5. Day 2: Vagamon
    1 hour 15 minutes (44 km) from Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

    Vagamon is a hill station known for its scenic beauty, green meadows, and tea plantations. Visitors can enjoy activities like trekking, paragliding, and rock climbing. The region is also home to several waterfalls, including the popular Maramala Waterfall. Visitors can also explore the Vagamon Pine Forest, which is a popular picnic spot.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (2-3 hours, INR 50)
  • Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Meenachil River (2-3 hours, INR 500-1000 for boat ride)
  • Vaikom Mahadeva Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Vagamon (4-5 hours, INR 1000-2000 for activities)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1550-3050
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