Renowned as the 'Land of Letters, Lakes, and Latex', Kottayam emerges as a distinctive district that seamlessly blends cultural richness, natural splendour, and economic significance. The royal palace of the Thekkumkur ruler was safeguarded by a fortress known as Thaliyilkotta. Legend has it that the name Kottayam originates from the Malayalam words kotta, meaning fort (Thaliyilkotta), and akam, signifying inside. When combined, Kottaykkakam translates to "inside the fort. It is this word Kottaykkakam that later became Kottayam. To date, this region captivates visitors with its profound literary legacy, serene backwaters, and integral role in the rubber industry.

Rich Cultural Heritage
Kottayam is steeped in a rich cultural heritage that manifests in its art, literature, and religious diversity. It boasts a legacy of being a prominent centre of education and printing since the early 19th century. Kottayam has earned its epithet as the 'Land of Letters' due to its profound contributions to Malayalam literature and printing history. The district holds a prestigious position in Kerala’s cultural landscape, nurturing eminent writers, poets, and intellectuals who have left an indelible mark on Malayalam literature. The district is home to the first Malayalam printing press established by Benjamin Bailey, which played a pivotal role in the cultural renaissance of Kerala.

Printing Heritage
The arrival of Christian missionaries in the early 19th century, notably Benjamin Bailey, marked the beginning of a printing revolution. Bailey established the first Malayalam printing press in Kottayam, which heralded a cultural renaissance by making literature accessible to the masses. This historic event laid the foundation for Kottayam’s reputation as a hub of publishing and intellectual discourse. Even today four-fifth of books published in God’s Own Country come from Kottayam, so does more than five of the leading newspaper publications of the state too. 

Cultural Institutions and Festivals
Kottayam continues to uphold its literary traditions through vibrant cultural institutions and festivals that celebrate the written word. The Kerala Sahitya Akademi, headquartered in Kottayam, plays a vital role in promoting Malayalam literature through awards, publications, and literary events. The annual Kottayam Literary Festival attracts renowned authors, scholars, and literary enthusiasts from across India, fostering dialogue and intellectual exchange.

Economic Backbone: Latex and Rubber Plantations
Kottayam plays a pivotal role in Kerala’s economic landscape through its thriving rubber industry. The district’s fertile terrain and favourable climate provide ideal conditions for cultivating Hevea brasiliensis, the rubber tree, which yields latex—a vital raw material in global industries.

Scattered across Kottayam’s undulating hills and valleys, rubber plantations form a verdant tapestry that sustains livelihoods and economic growth. Smallholders and large estates alike nurture rubber trees, tapping latex through age-old techniques passed down through generations. The sight of neatly aligned rows of rubber trees, interspersed with coconut palms and banana groves, defines Kottayam’s rural landscape and underscores its agrarian economy.

Kottayam’s prominence in the rubber industry is further underscored by the presence of the Rubber Board of India, headquartered in the district. Established to regulate and promote sustainable rubber cultivation, the board conducts research, disseminates agricultural best practices, and supports small-scale farmers. This institutional framework reinforces Kottayam’s status as a hub of innovation and excellence in rubber production.

Serene Backwaters: The Charm of Lakes
Kottayam’s allure extends beyond its literary prowess and rubber plantations to encompass breathtaking natural landscapes, particularly its tranquil backwaters and pristine lakes. These picturesque water bodies not only enhance the region’s scenic beauty but also serve as vital ecological and cultural lifelines.

At the heart of Kottayam’s aquatic splendour lies Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala and the lifeline of the Backwaters. Stretching across multiple districts, including Kottayam, Vembanad Lake embodies the essence of Kerala’s backwater ecosystem. Visitors can embark on leisurely houseboat cruises or explore the labyrinthine network of canals, witnessing the harmonious coexistence of nature and human settlements.

Nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the idyllic village of Kumarakom epitomises serenity and natural beauty. Revered as a haven for migratory birds, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary attracts ornithologists and nature enthusiasts seeking glimpses of rare avian species amid lush mangrove forests and wetlands. The backwater stretches of Kumarakom and Vaikom are famous for their breathtaking views, tranquil houseboat cruises, and abundant birdlife. Luxury resorts and heritage homestays offer an ideal retreat, complemented by canoeing, kayaking, Ayurvedic spas and the traditional Kerala cuisine served amidst panoramic lake views.

Unparalleled Natural Beauty
Nestled by the emerald backwaters and the mighty Western Ghats, Kottayam is epitomised by its stretches of vast greenery, paddy fields and huge rubber plantations. Apart from lakes, Kottayam is also home to several verdant hills, lush plantations, cascading waterfalls and a diverse range of landscapes waiting to be explored.

Vagamon, tucked away in the Western Ghats, for instance is a hill station known for its rolling meadows, pine forests, and cool climate. Adventurous travellers can embark on trekking expeditions to explore its scenic trails and viewpoints, such as the Suicide Point and Thangal Para.

The Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls located near Kumarakom is yet another favourite haunt for nature lovers, the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls cascade down rocky cliffs amidst dense greenery, offering a picturesque setting for picnics and photography. The surrounding rubber plantations add to the charm of this natural attraction. Nadukani, Ilaveezhapoonchira, IllikkalKallu and Kottathavalam are other trekking hotspots in the district. 

Village Life Experience
Located in Kottayam district, the charming village of Vaikom beckons with its pristine waterways and a gateway to experiencing the timeless allure of Kerala’s traditional lifestyle and spiritual depth. It stands as a beacon for responsible tourism through the innovative People’s Participation For Participatory Planning and Empowerment Through Responsible Tourism Project (PEPPER), supported by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), empowering locals to shape tourism activities.

Under the PEPPER initiative, visitors to Vaikom are invited into the heart of village life, immersing themselves in local festivals and rediscovering ancient crafts like weaving and pottery. Vaikom holds historical significance as one of the oldest townships in South India and was a pivotal site for the Vaikom Satyagraha, a notable civil rights movement in Indian history.

Nature enthusiasts find solace in the shimmering Vembanad Lake and the tranquil Murinjapuzha Backwaters, where narrow canals wind through rustic villages, offering glimpses of Kerala’s rural charm. Delve into age-old practices like coir-making and traditional fishing, while savouring authentic Kerala cuisine, from the legendary Onasadya served on banana leaves to the unique sweetness of local toddy.

At the revered Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, cultural aficionados can witness the mesmerising ‘Kalamezhuthu’ ritual art form, adding spiritual depth to their journey. Vaikom invites travellers to explore its natural beauty, delve into its cultural heritage, and engage in responsible tourism practices that preserve and celebrate Kerala’s distinct traditions.

No village life experience in Kottayam is complete without a tranquil cruise along the backwaters that weave through the countryside. Board a traditional wooden houseboat or a smaller canoe and glide along narrow canals shaded by overhanging coconut palms. Observe local fishermen casting their nets and women washing clothes on the banks, while colorful birds flutter overhead and gentle ripples create a soothing soundtrack to your journey. Awaken to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the promise of a hearty breakfast prepared with love and local ingredients. Village cuisine in Kottayam is a celebration of flavours, where traditional dishes like appam (rice pancakes), puttu (steamed rice cakes), and meen curry (fish curry) delight the palate. Join your hosts in harvesting fresh vegetables and aromatic spices from their organic garden, learning age-old culinary secrets passed down through generations. In in quaint villages like Kumarakom, Vaikom, and Ettumanoor amidst swaying coconut palms, lush paddy fields, and meandering backwaters, awaits an authentic and enriching experience that celebrates the essence of rural Kerala.

Religious Diversity
The district is also known for its religious diversity, with ancient churches, temples, and mosques dotting the landscape. The St. Mary’s Church in Kuravilangad, believed to be one of the oldest churches in India, attracts pilgrims from far and wide. The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, renowned for its exquisite mural paintings, and the Thazhathangady Juma Mosque, known for its architectural beauty, are other notable religious landmarks.

The Attuvela Mahotsavam, a much renowned water carnival is a major festival at the Elamkavu Bhagavathy Temple, located at Vadayar in Kottayam. Goddess Bhagavathy, the main deity here is believed to be the sister of Kodungalloor Bhagavathy. As per local lore it is believed that the festival is held annually to welcome the Goddess of Kodungalloor when she comes to visit her sister each year.

Kottayam is a multifaceted gem within Kerala’s cultural mosaic, celebrated for its literary legacy, serene backwaters, and economic resilience. Whether exploring historic printing presses, cruising along tranquil lakes, or witnessing the vitality of rubber plantations, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the timeless charm and contemporary vibrancy of Kottayam.  The land is indeed a testament to Kerala’s enduring allure.