Exploring Kottayam in 5 Days

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Kottayam, India

9:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Start your journey by checking into a charming local hotel in Kottayam to truly immerse yourself in the culture of the region.
Take a taxi or a tuk-tuk from the train or bus station to your accommodation.
₹2000, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Visit St. Mary's Forane Church

Explore the beautiful St. Mary's Forane Church, a historic religious site known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.
It's a short walk or tuk-tuk ride from most hotels in Kottayam.
Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Aida

Indulge in delicious authentic Kerala cuisine at Hotel Aida, a popular spot in Kottayam known for its traditional dishes.
Hotel Aida is centrally located and easily accessible.
₹500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Bay Island Driftwood Museum

Spend your afternoon marvelling at the unique artworks made from driftwood at the Bay Island Driftwood Museum, a one-of-a-kind attraction in Kottayam.
It's a short drive or tuk-tuk ride from the city centre.
₹200, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Mezban Restaurant

End your first day with a dinner at Mezban Restaurant, known for its aromatic biryanis and delicious kebabs.
Mezban is a short walk or tuk-tuk ride from most hotels.
₹800, 1 hour
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Day 2: Kumarakom Backwaters

Kumarakom, India

8:00AM

Travel to Kumarakom

Embark on a scenic journey to Kumarakom, a tranquil village renowned for its backwater experiences.
Take a private car or join a guided tour for a comfortable ride.
₹1000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Houseboat Experience

Enjoy a relaxing houseboat cruise on the backwaters of Kumarakom, surrounded by lush greenery and serene views.
Your tour operator will guide you to the houseboat boarding point.
₹3000, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch on Houseboat

Savour a delicious traditional Kerala lunch served on the houseboat as you glide through the picturesque backwaters.
The houseboat crew will provide the meal as part of the experience.
Included, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird watchers, and spot various species in their natural habitat.
The sanctuary is a short distance from the main backwater area.
₹50, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Coconut Lagoon

Relish a gourmet dinner at Coconut Lagoon, a renowned restaurant offering a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes.
Coconut Lagoon is accessible by a short boat ride from the bird sanctuary area.
₹1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature Trekking in Vagamon

Vagamon, India

6:00AM

Travel to Vagamon

Embark on a scenic early morning drive to Vagamon, a serene hill station surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountains.
Arrange for a private car or join a tour for a comfortable journey.
₹1500, 3 hours

9:00AM

Vagamon Pine Forest Trek

Embark on a trek through the pristine pine forests of Vagamon, enjoying the fresh mountain air and breathtaking views.
Your guide will lead you through the forest trails.
₹300, 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Vagamon Meadows

Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque Vagamon Meadows, surrounded by rolling hills and greenery.
Your guide will set up the picnic at a scenic spot in the meadows.
₹500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Kurisumala Ashram

Explore the tranquil Kurisumala Ashram, a spiritual retreat offering stunning views of the valleys below and a peaceful ambiance.
The ashram is a short drive from the meadows area.
Donation based, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Vagamon Heights

Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Vagamon Heights restaurant, known for its panoramic views and delectable local cuisine.
Vagamon Heights is a short drive from the ashram.
₹800, 1 hour
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Day 4: Wildlife Exploration in Thekkady

Thekkady, India

8:00AM

Travel to Thekkady

Embark on a scenic drive to Thekkady, known for its lush forests and wildlife sanctuary.
Take a private car or join a guided tour for a comfortable journey.
₹1200, 3 hours

11:00AM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Safari

Embark on an exciting safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species.
Join a guided safari tour offered at the sanctuary.
₹1500, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Spice Village

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Spice Village, a restaurant known for its organic dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Spice Village is located within the sanctuary premises.
₹1000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Elephant Junction Visit

Experience a close encounter with elephants at Elephant Junction, where you can watch, feed, and even bathe these gentle giants.
Elephant Junction is a short drive from the sanctuary.
₹800, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Periyar Café

End your day with a delightful dinner at Periyar Café, offering a variety of culinary delights in a cosy setting.
Periyar Café is located near the sanctuary entrance.
₹600, 1 hour
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Day 5: Departure from Kottayam

Kottayam, India

9:00AM

Check-out and Souvenir Shopping

Check out of your hotel in Kottayam and spend the morning exploring local markets for unique souvenirs and handicrafts.
Most hotels offer luggage storage facilities for extended exploration.
Variable based on shopping, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Thali Restaurant

Enjoy a farewell lunch at Thali Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala thali meals showcasing a variety of local delicacies.
Thali Restaurant is a short walk or tuk-tuk ride away from the market area.
₹700, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Explore the historic Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, an ancient Hindu temple known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a short drive from central Kottayam.
Donation based, 1 hour

4:00PM

Departure

Bid farewell to Kottayam as you head to the station or airport for your onward journey, cherishing the memories of a wonderful 5-day exploration.
Arrange for a taxi or tuk-tuk to the station or airport.
Variable based on transport, 1 hour
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