KUMARAKOM: A short ride 10 Km to the west of Kottayam brings you at Kumarkom, on the vast Vembanad Lake, a well known bird sanctuary, parrots, egrets, herons, teal, larks, fly catchers, wood beetle and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Every year hundreds of Siberian cranes come across from far away Siberia to roost and breed before going back. A cruise on the Vembanad Lake, gently rocked by the waves rippling to the rhythm of the swaying coconut palms on the distant banks could be truly exhilarating. Preserving the old style, the beautiful bungalow of Albert George Baker at Kumarakom has now been modified into 'Taj Garden Retreat', a hotel of Taj group with modern living facilities.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary : A trip to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary what you shouldn't miss.  The best time for this is between November and March, when a range of migratory birds from Siberia make it their winter home. Some of the species include the Snake bird, Little Cormorant, Crow Pheasant, White-branded water Hen and Tree pie. Occasionally you can catch the native kingfishers setting the waters ablaze in a psychedelic flash of colours. The night herons, the Golden-backed woodpeckers are added delights. At the fourteen-acre bird sanctuary one can glimpse many a rare bird – some of which, sadly, may not be around forever.

Kettuvallams : Kettuvallams are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to cargo rice and other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels.

PATHIRAMANAL: A unique back water spot accessible by boat from here is 'PATHIRAMANAL' a lonely island in the lake ideal for the honeymooners and modern holiday tourists. Tourists come here in search of sun and water, tropical scenery and a change from the din of city life and Pathiramanal can provide all these in plenty.

ILAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA: Tucked away in the folds of lovely mountains, 'ELAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA', in the border of Kottayam-Idukki districts, is a picturesque stretch of land 3000 ft above sea level. During monsoon season, the water that gets accumulated over a wide area, looks like a placid lake. reflecting the rain clouds and the majestic mountains. The pristine beauty of nature is preserved almost intact in this small region.

Poonjar Palace: the palace is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. Within the palace walls is an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture.

Wagamon: it is another place to visit while going for excursion in and around Kottayam. The place is 60 km from Kottayam town. This place has good spots for trekking and so the place is called the trekkers' paradise.