Kottayam was the first in India to achieve total literacy. It is the home to Kerala's popular daily - Malayala manorama - with a circulation of more than 1.1 million. kottayam is 1.5 hour by bus from Alapuzha Rs 22).

Kumarakom is one of the top ten scenic places in the world listed by National Geographic traveller. It is located 16 km west of Kottayam (Rs 7, 30 min by bus) on the shore of Vembanad lake.

The bird sanctuary (Admission Rs 45)has a variety of domestic and migratory birds. Oct to Feb is the time for cormorants and ducks, Feb to July, night herons and Siberian storks. Early morning is the best time to watch birds. Kumarakom has some good resorts including one from Taj garden retreat.

Ettumanur : The Ettumanur Shiv temple is noted for it's superb woodcarvings and murals. The annual festival is in Feb/Mar with grant elephant processions (12 km from Kottayam).