Magic of South India
Explore the Enchanting South
KKollam, known as the "Gateway to Kerala’s Backwaters," is a scenic coastal city located along the Ashtamudi Lake and the Arabian Sea. Steeped in history and natural beauty, Kollam is famous for its tranquil backwaters, vibrant festivals, stunning beaches, and ancient temples. Whether it’s houseboat cruises, exploring historic monuments, or trekking through lush forests, Kollam offers a variety of experiences for all kinds of travelers.
Overview: Ashtamudi Lake is the second-largest lake in Kerala and a prominent backwater destination. The lake’s name, meaning "eight coned," comes from its unique topography with multiple channels and waterways. Houseboat cruises on Ashtamudi Lake are a major attraction, offering a serene experience amidst the lush greenery and calm waters.
Activities: Houseboat cruises, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: Ashtamudi Lake is located about 2 km from Kollam town and is easily accessible by road. Houseboats can be hired from various points along the lake.
Entry Fee: Free (Houseboat rental prices vary based on duration and services).
Overview: The Thangassery Lighthouse, built in 1902, is a major landmark in Kollam. Standing 144 feet tall, it offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding coastline. The area is rich in historical significance, with nearby ruins of Portuguese and Dutch forts. Climbing to the top of the lighthouse is a must for panoramic views of the region.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays).
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
How to Reach: Located about 5 km from Kollam town, the lighthouse is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children.
Overview: Palaruvi, meaning "stream of milk," is one of Kerala’s most beautiful waterfalls, cascading from a height of 300 feet. Surrounded by dense forests, this waterfall is a perfect spot for picnics, trekking, and swimming in the natural pools. The scenic beauty and cool waters make it a popular destination for nature lovers and families.
Activities: Trekking, swimming, and picnicking.
Best Time to Visit:June to January.
How to Reach: Located about 75 km from Kollam, the waterfall can be reached by taxi or private vehicle. It is located close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.
Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children.
Overview: Kollam Beach, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The pristine sands, calm waves, and scenic sunset views make it a great spot for relaxation. The beach also features a children’s park and an aquarium, making it an ideal family outing destination.
Activities: Swimming, beach volleyball, picnicking, and evening walks.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: The beach is located just 3 km from Kollam town and can be easily accessed by local transport.
Entry Fee: Free.
Overview: Jatayu Earth’s Center is an adventure park and tourism center dedicated to the mythical bird Jatayu from the Indian epic Ramayana. The park features the world’s largest bird sculpture, which represents Jatayu, sprawled across a hilltop. It also offers rock climbing, zip-lining, and other adventure activities, along with a cable car ride to the top.
Activities: Adventure sports, rock climbing, trekking, and cable car rides.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: Located about 38 km from Kollam, Jatayu Earth’s Center can be reached by taxi or private vehicle.
Entry Fee: ₹500 for adults (including entry, cable car, and adventure activities).
Overview: Munroe Island is a beautiful cluster of small islands located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. The island is famous for its scenic backwaters, traditional coir-making, and fishing villages. Visitors can enjoy boat tours through the narrow canals and experience the slow-paced village life amidst coconut palms and mangroves.
Activities: Canoe tours, bird watching, and village walks.
Best Time to Visit:October to March.
How to Reach: Munroe Island is located 25 km from Kollam town and can be reached by train, bus, or taxi. The nearest railway station is Munroe Island Railway Station.
Entry Fee: Free (Boat tour prices vary).
Overview: Thenmala is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, located near Kollam. It offers a variety of eco-friendly activities such as trekking, boating, and cycling. The region is surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. The Eco-Tourism Center also features an adventure zone with rope bridges, a rock garden, and a sculpture park.
Activities: Trekking, boating, rock climbing, and zip-lining.
Best Time to Visit:October to March.
How to Reach: Located about 66 km from Kollam, Thenmala can be reached by taxi or bus. The nearest railway station is Punalur, about 20 km away.
Entry Fee: ₹30 for entry, adventure activities have separate charges.
Overview: Sasthamkotta Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, is a major source of drinking water for Kollam. Surrounded by lush hills and coconut groves, the lake is a peaceful destination for boating and bird watching. The nearby Sasthamkotta Temple adds to the spiritual and serene ambiance of the area.
Activities: Boating, bird watching, and sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit:October to March.
How to Reach: Sasthamkotta Lake is located 29 km from Kollam and is accessible by road. Local buses and taxis are available from Kollam town.
Entry Fee: Free
Overview: Thirumullavaram Beach is a quiet and lesser-known beach near Kollam, ideal for those seeking solitude and peace. The beach is famous for its shallow waters, making it safe for swimming. The nearby Thirumullavaram Mahavishnu Temple adds cultural significance to the area.
Activities: Trekking, paragliding, and sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: Located about 6 km from Kollam town, the beach can be easily reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Entry Fee: Free
Overview: Rameshwara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kollam. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and murals, which depict scenes from the Mahabharata. The historical and spiritual significance of the temple makes it a must-visit for those interested in Kerala’s cultural and religious heritage.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
How to Reach: The temple is located in Kollam town and is easily accessible by local transport.
Entry Fee: Free.
By Air:The nearest airport to Kollam is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), located about 70 km away. From the airport, travelers can hire taxis or take buses to reach Kollam. By Train:Kollam Junction (QLN) is a major railway station in Kerala, well-connected to major cities like Trivandrum, Kochi, Chennai, and Bangalore. Regular trains operate from various parts of India to Kollam. By Road:Kollam is well-connected by road through National Highways (NH 66) and state highways. Regular bus services operate between Kollam and cities like Trivandrum, Kochi, and Alleppey.
Kollam offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from luxury houseboats, resorts, and heritage hotels to budget-friendly homestays and guesthouses. Popular areas to stay include Ashtamudi Lake for its houseboats, Kollam Beach for scenic coastal views, and Munroe Island for a peaceful backwater experience.
The best time to visit Kollam is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities, houseboat cruises, and sightseeing.
Kollam’s cuisine is heavily influenced by traditional Kerala flavors, with seafood being a staple in the diet. Popular dishes include Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish), prawn curry, and kappa (tapioca) with fish curry. Traditional Kerala sadhya, served on a banana leaf with a variety of vegetarian dishes, is also a must-try.