Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the enviable title: The land of letters, latex and lakes. This land also boasts the first Malayalam printing press which was established by Benjamin Bailey, a Christian missionary, in 1820 AD.

Erumeli (60 km north- east of Kottayam town): Nestled in the lush green Western Ghatsm in this nature-rich village. This is also the entrance point to South India's most prominent pilgrim centre - the Sabarimala Temple. At Kanakaplalam nearby, teak plantations dot the landscape.
Vavarambalam, Erumeli: This mosque is dedicated to Vavar, a companion of the deity- Sree ayyappa - of the Sabarimala Temple. The mosque is unique because Hindu Museums customarily worship here before trek to Sabarimala. Festival: Pettathullal (January)
Maniyamkunnu: the majestic mountains here that slope down to meet the beautiful valleys below are truly spellbinding.

Kayyoor, Bharananganam: An enchanting landscape formed by a chain of green hills at the Bharananganam panchayat. A shrine dedicated to the Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharatha is found here. As in the famous temple at Sabarimala , only ghee is used to light the lamps here. Woman are not permitted inside the temple.
Ilaveezhapoonchira: Striking the kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Illaveezhapoonchira, spread over thousands of acres. The verdant landscape punctuated by four gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft., is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place is unveils yet beautiful slice of nature. Illaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset.

Kanadipara: As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Illaveezhapoonchira. 3 km from here is the Pazhakakanam plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha River. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash. On the eastern side of kannadipara is a natural fort set amidst steep rocks.

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