Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east, the vembanad lake and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, kottayam is a land of unique characterestics.

Panaromic backwater stretches , lush paddy fields , highlands, extensive rubber plantations and totally literate people have given this district the title: the land of letters, latex and lakes.

Kumarakom (10 Kms from Kottayam)
A Voyage north of Alappuzha takes you to the rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarakom on the Vembanad lake. An enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, Kumarakom provides boating , fishing and sight-seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. An exclusive attraction of this much sought after backwater resort is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an orthithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberians stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to view the bird life.