Kottayam, believed to be the seat of the Murinjanad Kings and later, the Thekkumkur Kings, is one of the most prosperous cities of Kerala. Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique traits.
Ilaveezhpoonchira, means the 'valley where leaves don't fall' and is so named because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness the sunrise and sunset. It is easily accessible from Palai in Kottayam district.
Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, exquisite churches, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate population, have given this district the enviable title. The land of letters, latex and lakes. The land also boasts of housing the first Malayalam printing press, established by a Christian missionary in 1820 AD. The beautiful valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira are spread across thousands of acres of the district of Kottayam. The place is surrounded by three enchanting hillocks: Mankunnu, Kodayathoormal and Thonippara, making the place ideal for trekking.
The verdant landscape punctuated by four gigantic hills, each rising to about 3200 feet above sea level is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature.

Kottayam is the ideal take off point for visits to Peerumede, Munnar, Idukki, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple city of Madurai. It is one of the industrially developed districts of the state.