Kottayam City Guide

The food here leans heavily on Kerala staples: coconut, rice, and fish. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. International food is limited, but you’ll find North Indian and Indian Chinese.

Kottayam has almost no nightlife. Most places close before 10 PM, and there are no real bars or clubs.

Coffee shops are gaining popularity, mixing with South Indian tea stalls. There are a few modern cafes, but most serve basic coffee and tea.

Tipping is optional but always appreciated. 5-10% is normal in restaurants, while a few rupees extra are fine for other services if you’re happy.

Get a SIM card from Airtel, Jio, or Vi stores in town. Bring your passport, visa, and a photo. eSIMs are only at main providers and usually need a visit to the shop.

Kottayam is usually cleaner than many Indian cities, but street waste and stray animals can be seen. Municipal cleanup is ongoing.

24/7 services are limited mainly to a few pharmacies, some minimarts, and a late-night café. Most things close before 11 PM.

Large supermarkets like Big Bazaar and Reliance Smart are reliable for staples. Fresh produce and spices come from local markets, but international products are rare. Bargaining is normal at small shops, not at supermarkets.

Cards and digital payments work at supermarkets and big shops, but most daily errands still need cash. Smaller businesses rarely take cards, so carry cash for markets and tuk-tuks.

ATMs from most Indian banks are easy to find. Expect a small fee if you use a different bank’s ATM after free transactions. NRI-friendly ATMs are at major branches.

Kottayam has many schools known for strong academics. Most teach in English or Malayalam, but international-style schools are rare.

No real digital nomad scene. You’ll mostly meet locals, with few coworking spaces and not much networking.

Public parks are limited, but there are some tree-lined streets and riverside stretches. For greenery, head out to villages or the hills.

Safe to run early mornings in quieter areas or along riverside roads. Main streets get busy and lack sidewalks.

Fitness centers are around town for basic workouts and classes. Some have AC, but hours are not 24/7.

Tennis courts are at some clubs and colleges. Membership is usually required, and equipment rental is not common.

Padel courts are not available in Kottayam.

Yoga and meditation are part of local wellness culture, with options for drop-in or longer term study. Ayurveda spas are common in and around town.

Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s native martial art, is taught at local centers. Karate, Taekwondo, and Kung Fu are also available in some gyms.

No skiing or snow sports in Kottayam or anywhere in Kerala.

Traditional boat rides and houseboats are the norm. Resorts in Kumarakom may offer kayaking. For anything more, go coastal.

No surfing options nearby. For waves, head toward Varkala or Kovalam.

No diving or snorkeling spots close to Kottayam. Options are in coastal Kerala or the islands.

Good mix of public and private hospitals, with private ones having better facilities and shorter waits. Staff at larger hospitals usually speak English. Pharmacies are everywhere and stock basic medicines.

Tap water is not safe to drink without filtering. Stick to bottled water or boiled and filtered water.

Kottayam works for families, with decent schools and medical care. Parks and playgrounds exist but are basic compared to major cities. Family outings usually mean visiting nature spots.

Public acceptance is growing but Kottayam remains conservative. Legal protections exist but visible community and safe spaces are limited.

Pets are allowed in some homes, but most cafes, hotels, and public spaces do not allow pets. Vet care and pet shops are available.