Illickal Peak
Located at a distance of around 52 kms from Kottayam, it is a group of three hills namely Illickal Mala, Illickal Kallu and Mankallu Mudikal, each rising to more than 4000 feet above the sea level. It will take about 3km by trek to reach the top of the hill and each of the hills has a peculiar shape. A medicinal herb, Neela Koduveli which is believed to possess supernatural healing powers, grows abundantly here. What make this place a favourite of the tourist, is its alluring landscape and the panoramic views it provide. 

Ilaveezhapoonchira
Ilaveezhapoonchira, spread across thousand acres of land, is an ideal picnic spot located at the foot of the hillocks of Mankunnu, Kudayathur Hill and Thonippara near Kanjar, around 55kms from Kottayam. These surrounding hillocks, each rising to about 3200 ft, make it a perfect place for trekking. Ilaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset. Some of the tourist destinations here are Malankara dam, Kannadipara and Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls. There is a cave here named Pandavart Guha which is believed to be occupied by Pandavas during their exile. Ilaveezhapoonchira is easily accessible from Pala. During monsoon, the valley laps up water and forms a scenic lake, unveiling another beautiful slice of nature. 

Kannadipara
Kannadipara is the the highest point in Ilaveezhapoonchira. This rocky mountain derived its name because of its mirror like surface that reflects the sunlight. 

Nadukani
Nadukani is a major picnic spot located about 55 km from Kottayam. It is a small hilly village at an altitude of 1000 ft above sea level. The place offers a magnificent view of the entire surroundings from this hilltop. Chamundi Hill Palace Ayurvedic Resort that offering traditional ayurvedic treatments is situated near Nadukani.

Vazhikkadavu
This hill station of rocky terrains is on the outskirts of Kottayam, around 60kms from the district. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall and steep rocks and on the other is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil River. During the months of December/January the landscape comes alive in a riot of colours with orchids and wild flowers.

Vagamon
The trekkers delight, Vagamon hill station at an elevation of 1100 metres about sea level, is on the Idukki - Kottayam border at a distance of 64 km from Kottayam town. It is one of the most beautiful places of tourist destination with a view of water falls, tea gardens, green fields and valleys. The vagamon hills are criss crossed with the series of 3 beautiful hills namely Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurisumala. The breeding centre of the Kerala Livestock Board is located here. More details....

Kottathavalam
The magnificent cave, Kottathavalam near Murugan hills at Kurushumala lies at a distance of about 70 km from Kottayam. The place was surrounded by hills on three sides like a fort and hence it got its name Kottathavalam. One can enter here through a series of rock cut steps and its interior is carved in the shape of chairs and couches. The molded figures of Madurai Meenakshi, Ayyappa, Muruga and Kannaki inside the cave are worth exploring. It is believed that the Pandya king of Madurai and his family camped at this location on their way to Poonjar.

Peermade
Peermade, a beautiful hill station located at an altitude of 915 meter above sea level in Idukki district, is 85 km east of Kottayam on the way to Thekkadi. It is surrounded by tea, rubber and cardamom plantations. The famous attractions here are Parunthupara, Peeru hills, Pattumala , Wagamon Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre, Periyar Wildlfe Sanctuary.