Kottayam is located between the palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the western ghats to the east. Also called the Rome of the East, the city is renowned for its churches and houses built in the colonial style.

Most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, One of the country's primary commodities board. Kottayam, among the state's more mountainous districts, provides some of Kerala's finest natural scenes compressed between serene palm-fringed backwaters and the Western ghats.

Most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, One of the country's primary commodities board. Kottayam, among the state's more mountainous districts, provides some of Kerala's finest natural scenes compressed between serene palm-fringed backwaters and the Western ghats.

Important places to visit are Baker's mansion, Ettumanoor shiva temple, Kottayam backwater cruises, Syrian Christian centre and Mahadeva shiva temple.