Places to Visit in Kottayam
Vagamon
At a distance of 45 km from Thekkady, 58 km from Idukki, 76 km from Kumarakom, 64 km from Kottayam, 92 km from Munnar, 99 km from Alleppey, 103 km from Kochi, 181 km from Madurai, and 196 km from Trivandrum, Vagamon, or Wagamon is an enchanting hill station situated in Idukki district of Kerala. Located on the Kottayam-Idukki border, it is one of the offbeat hill stations in Kerala. Perched at an altitude of 1100 m, Vagamon is surrounded by 3 hills namely, Thangal hill, Murugan hill, and Kurisumala at the foothills of Western Ghats.
St. Mary's Forane Church - Bharananganam
At a distance of 32 Kms from Kottayam & 5 Kms from Palai, St. Mary's Forane Church situated on the banks of Meenachil River in Bharananganam is one of the most famous churches in Kerala. The church is also known as Anakkallu Palli. Bharananganam is associated with St. Alphonsa, the first Saint from India. The mortal remains of blessed Saint Alphonsa who died on 28 July 1946 are carefully preserved in a chapel next to St. Mary's Church.
Illickal Kallu
One of the most sought after destinations in Kottayam is the Illickal Kallu, a majestic hill which has a part of its peak shorn off. This steep rock on the top of the hill, known as the Illickal Kallu, or the boulder at Illickal is easily one of the most prominent sights from any part of Kottayam. The journey here is in itself an eventful one. After a thrilling drive negotiating hairpin curves and a hike uphill, there is path which feathers out to Illickal Kallu. You may tread this path or just stay put and feel the might of this imposing muscular rock hill is one magnificent sight.