¤ About Kottayam
Kottayam is an important commercial centre of Kerala - India thanks to its strength as a producer of cash crops. Most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, One of the country's primary commodities board. Kottayam, among the state's more mountainous districts, provides some of Kerala's finest natural scenes sandwiched as it is between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the Western ghats on the east. Important places to visit are Baker's mansion, Ettumanoor shiva temple, Kottayam backwater cruises, Syrian Christian centre and Mahadeva shiva temple.

¤ Major Tourist Attractions of Kottayam
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Thalikotta Temple - The ancient temple was the place of worship of the Thekkumkoor royal family. The Kudamaloor Temple is equally famous. The Thazhathangadi Mosque built on the Meenachil river is one of the oldest in India. The C.S.I. Cathedral Church built over 175 years ago is a monument from the British Era. The Old Seminary, Marthoma Seminary and Vadavathoor Seminary proclaim Syrian and Roman traditions. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has its headquarters at Devalokam, Kottayam. The mortal remains of the Blessed Father Chavara are entombed at the St.Joseph's Monastery Church at Mannanam. Thousands gather at this holy shrine during festivals.

Valiapalli & Cheriyapalli (2 km from Kottayam town) - These two churches dedicated to St. Mary were built in 1515 AD and 1579 AD respectively. The Valiapalli is known for its Persian cross and Pahalavi inscriptions. The Cheriyapalli houses some of the most exquisite murals and paintings based on Biblical and non Biblical themes.

¤ Accomodation
Kollam has a wide range of accomodation facilities in Government Guest Houses, Hotels & in PWD Rest House.

¤ Shopping
Prime shopping item in Kottayam consists of clothes and jewelleries. There are plenty of shops, especially on the KK Road and MG Road that sell these two items. The Travancore saris are extremely beautiful and you might not resist the temptation of buying them here.

¤ Climate of Kottayam
The district has a tropical climate with an oppressive hot season in the plains and plenty of rainfalls throughout. The hot season from March to May, is followed by the south-west monsoon from June to September. The months of October and November constitute the post-monsoon or retreating monsoon season, when day temperature increases gradually and the heat is nearly as intense as in summer. The months of December to February form the north - east monsoon. Rain ceases early in January. The district normally gets an annual average rain fall of 3130.33mm.

¤ How To Reach Kottayam
Air - Nearest Airport is at Cochin, 76 kms away. The Thiruvananthapuam International Airport is 152 kms.

Rail - Kottayam Railway Station 2 kms. away from the Central Bus Station and is connected with major cities and tourist centres.

Road - There are two bus stands, one run by state transport and the other private. The buses to major centres operate from the KSRTC bus station.