Start your day by visiting the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird lovers, especially in June. Morning is the best time to spot the maximum birds. The bird sanctuary is home to migratory birds like Siberian Crane, Egrets, Herons, and many more. You can take a boat ride that covers the entire sanctuary, or you can walk through the sanctuary's walking trails. Afternoon can be spent at the Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, which is around 1.5 hours drive from the sanctuary. You can have lunch at a local restaurant that serves traditional Kerala cuisine. In the evening, visit the Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India, and take a sunset boat ride. It's a breathtaking experience watching the sun and the sky turns into different shades of orange and pink.
Start your day early and hit the road towards Illikkal Kallu. It's a beautiful trek that requires a moderate level of fitness. The view from the top is breathtaking, surrounded by the Western Ghats and a panoramic view of the valley and the village. You can have breakfast at the base camp before starting the trek. Afternoon can be spent at the Poonjar Palace, a 16th-century palace that showcases the traditional architecture of Kerala. You can have lunch at the palace's restaurant, where they serve local Kerala cuisine. In the evening, visit the Valiyapally, one of the oldest churches in Kottayam and attend the evening prayer.
If you have an extra day, you can visit the Periyar National Park, which is around 3 hours (110 km) from Kottayam. The national park is home to many wild animals like tigers, elephants, leopards, and various species of birds. You can take a boat ride that covers the sanctuary's lake and offers an excellent opportunity to spot the animals. Other places in Kottayam that are worth visiting are St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, and Bay Island Driftwood Museum.
You can also plan a day trip to Alleppey, which is around 1 hour (35 km) from Kottayam. Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East, is famous for its backwater tourism. You can take a houseboat ride and explore the backwaters, which are a unique ecosystem that offers a glimpse of rural life in Kerala.
To maximize your fun, try local Kerala cuisine like Appam, Puttu, and Kappa. You can also enjoy Ayurvedic massages, which are famous in Kerala. Kottayam is also well known for its traditional art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.
Last but not least, do not miss the opportunity to buy spices, handicrafts, and handloom sarees, which are famous in Kerala.
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