Located at about 49 km off Kottayam is the Vavarambalam at Erumeli which is a mosque dedicated to Vavar, a companion of the deity Lord Ayyappa of the Sabarimala Temple. The mosque enjoys a unique status in that the Hindu pilgrims pay their respects to Vavar at the Vavarambalam before embarking on their trek to Sabarimala. The festival here is the Erumeli Pettathullal held in the month of January.
The Pazhayapalli at Changanachery which figures among the famous mosques in Central Travancore is located 21 km from Kottayam. This 950 year old mosque is known for its annual festival Thangal adiyanthiram which is noted for the grand and sumptuous community feast it hosts. An impressive feast comprising of biriyani is prepared with the meat and rice offered by devotees. Another occasion that sees devotees arriving in droves is during the Chandanakkudam festival.
Located at Bharananganam, the St. Mary's Church is now a famous pilgrim centre. The mortal remains of St. Alphonsa are entombed in the church premises. The annual festival here is the feast of the Blessed Alphonsa held in July which sees thousands congregating at this holy shrine to pay their obeisance. Located 16km off Bharananganam is the Girls High School at Vakakkad where St. Alphonsa was a teacher.
Situated 3 km from Kottayam is the Dharmasastha Temple dedicated to Lord Dharmasastha. This famous temple at Pakkil is believed to be one among the eight temples established by Parasurama, the mythical founder of Kerala. Sankranti Vanibhyam, the annual festival of the temple is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Midhunam (June/July).
This festival or fair of household articles sees hordes of devotees coming from far and wide.
The St. George's Forane Church at Aruvithura, also referred to as the Aruvithura Church, is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. This church exudes religious prominence as it is believed to be one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas, one of the apostles of Christ. It also figures among those churches in Kerala which collect the largest monetary offerings during festival days. The annual feast of St. George is celebrated from 22nd to 24th of April here.
Situated near Erattupetta in Kottayam, Vallyachan Mala is a famous pilgrim hill revered by the Catholics. One of the main attractions here is the huge 170 feet high cross made of concrete which is considered as the tallest cross in Asia. Every Friday at five in the evening, the 'Way of the Cross' procession is held from the Aruvithura Church to the Vallyachan Mala. Once atop this sacred knoll, a striking sanctity can be felt. This hilly pilgrim centre which draws devotees in the hordes from far and wide is managed by St. George Forane Church in Aruvithura.
Located 8 km away from Kottayam town, the St. Mary's Church at Manarcaud is one of the most important churches of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christians. The ettunompu (8-day fasting) which is an annual event held between September 1st and 8th of every year sees devotees from far and wide thronging the church to participate in the prayers and rituals.
The Subramanya Swami Temple at Kidangoor popularly known as the Kidangoor Temple lies on the banks of the Meenachil River and is one among the biggest and ancient temples in Kerala. The deity here is Lord Subrahmanya. The Koothambalam in the temple stands apart from the rest of the temples in Kerala with its unique sculptural work. The exemplary sculpting work can be seen at the Ragamandapam of the Kuthambalam which bears scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. Art forms such as 'Koothu' and 'Koodiyattom' are performed inside the Koothambalam. Chakiyar Koothu is conducted regularly during the annual festival. The major festival in this temple is the ten day long Utsavam (annual festival) celebrated in Kumbham (February - March). The main offerings here constitute ottakavadi, panchamudra and pandradukavadi.