Bordered by hills on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam has many unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, hills and hillocks, rubber plantations and places associated with many legends gives Kottayam District the enviable title: The land of letters, legends, latex and lakes. The district is 15.35% urbanised.