The land of letters, lakes and latex also has many naturally beautiful spots that have not been explored enough by tourists. If you are in the mood to check out some offbeat spots in Kottayam, here are a few places you can add to your bucket list. If you plan well, you should be able to check out more than one of these spots a day. For the next vacation or list of holidays coming your way, see whether you can visit them.

Kattikunnu
The Palakkari Aqua Tourism Centre at Kattikunnu in Vaikom, managed by the Matsyafed offers special packages for evening outings. A speed boat ride through Vembanad Lake, a visit to the houseboat museum and a tour of the fish farm are included in the package. The visitors could click beautiful pictures in front of the Chinese fishing nets. The children’s park is also amazing. The visiting hours are from 3 pm to 6 pm. The ticket fares are Rs 200 – 350 per head. Besides, there are packages which allow you to spend the day at the tourism centre. The visitors can enter at 11 am and stay until 5.30 pm. After enjoying the beautiful sights at Palakkari until noon, the visitors could go visit the Tripunithura Hill Palace or Neendoor JS Farm. The package also includes tea and snacks in the morning and evening. The ticket costs Rs 750 per head. 

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The Shikari boat ride to the Pathiramanal Island is the highlight of another package here. This includes food and other refreshments too. The journey that begins at 7.30 am ends at Palakkari at around 2.30 pm. The visitors could then enjoy Palakkari until 5.30 pm. Interestingly, seafood festivals are often held at Palakkari to attract visitors.

Teecoy Marmala
The beautiful Marmala waterfall is just ten kilometres from Teecoy in Erattupetta if you take the Mangalagiri route. The water that cascades from a height of more than 100 metres is the highlight of this place, especially in the monsoon season. The serene lake and the rocks at the bottom of the waterfall exude positive vibes. However, the visitors need to be careful as there aren’t any safety features here. The water in the lake could be treacherous as it is extremely cold at the bottom. Besides, the rocks are slippery too, making it quite precarious.

Chennad Waterfalls in Vengathanam
Vengathanam is just 14 kilometres away from Erattupetta via Chennad Malika. The tall waterfall is the most alluring factor here. However, visitors should be careful as the rocks are quite slippery. Besides, there aren’t any features or facilities here to ensure the safety of the visitors. Interestingly, the Kattikayam waterfall is just a kilometre away from Erattupetta via Moonnilavu – Illikkal Kallu road. T

Pathambuzha – Aruvikkachal
The Aruvikkachal waterfall could be reached easily from Erattupetta via Poonjar – Pathambuzha road. The road that leads to the waterfall allows transportation; however, walking to the waterfall grants you a unique experience as there would be a sense of curiosity and anticipation. The grand view of the waterfall that cascades from a height of 100 metres is truly moving. Besides, there is a lake too that adds to its charm. Be cautious and take safety precautions.

Illikkal Kallu
The mesmerizing Illikkal Kallu is just 24 kilometres away from Erattupetta via Teecoy – Meladukkam route. The majestic gateway crafted in rock, which stands 3875 feet above sea level, is the highlight here. The adventure lover in you would be thrilled to cross the hell bridge which is a narrow bridge of stones connecting the lofty peaks. The verdant meadows and the mighty rock formation that is shrouded in mist are truly a sight to behold!

Ilaveezha Poonchira
The cool breeze that embraces the lush greenery of Ilaveezha Poonchira Hill could fill your heart with joy. The popular tourist spot is 30 kilometres away from Erattupetta via Melukavu road. The vast swathes of verdant meadows, the check dam and the pond are the attractions here. The road leading to the viewpoint was recently renovated and it lets tourists explore the spot easily, as compared to the past. The region also has a beautiful lake but you should be ready to walk a bit towards it through the narrow road.

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