Kollam that was earlier known as ‘Quilon’, is an old seaport and was once a major trade capital that saw the Romans, Arabs, Chinese and later Portuguese, Dutch and the British grabbing foothold into the regions spice and cashew crops. This old historic city that has attracted travelers from all around is today known to be the largest producer and exporter of cashew and has a thriving coir industry to boast of. A prominent tourist attraction at Kollam has been its backwaters and the calm waterways of Ashtamudi Lake that covers almost thirty percent of this historic town. Its traditional villages, palm-fringed beaches, and backwaters are sure to offer you a delightful and enchanting experience on your visit.

Tourist Places in Kollam

01. Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake is the second largest water body in the state next to the Vembanad Lake. Ashtamudi, which means ‘eight arms’ or ‘channels’ is the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Located in Kollam district, this 16 km long lake traverses into the sea through the Neendakara estuary. The Ashtamudi Backwaters offers tourists an opportunity to experience the serene backwater canals, coconut groves and water-bound villages surrounded with palm trees. One can take a houseboat cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha through this popular and longest backwater voyage in Kerala (an 8-hr journey). DTPC Kollam offers multiple cruise options for Houseboat and Canal cruises.

Distance: 71 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

02. Palaruvi Waterfalls

The Palaruvi Waterfalls in Kollam district is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Kerala that cascades down a height of 300 feet. Palaruvi which means ‘stream of milk’ is an ideal picnic spot located at a distance of 5 km from the National Highway (NH) 744 and 6 km from Aryankavu on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The journey to get to the falls looks so inviting passing through forests and teak plantations. There are ‘Mandapams’ at different heights of the waterfall which will allow you to enjoy the fall better. A PWD Bungalow and a KTDC Motel offer comfortable accommodation close to this place.

Timings: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm, Distance: 75 km from Kollam.

03. Thirumullavaram Beach

The Thirumullavaram Beach is a calm secluded beach located at a distance of 5 km from Kollam. The beach is clean refreshing and less crowded when compared to other popular beaches in Kerala. There is an old Vishnu Temple situated close to the beach. It is believed the Parasuram who had raised Kerala from the sea had established this temple by placing the idol of Vishnu in the sanctum sanatorium.

Distance: 5 km from Kollam Junction Railway Station.

04. Thangassery Light House

The Thangassery Light House is among the most splendid sights at Kollam. This famed lighthouse was built in 1902 and stands 144 ft tall. The 360-degree view from the top of the lighthouse is breathtaking, providing views of the 3 km long coastline and the view of the Pulimutt (a concrete pathway that leads into the sea). One can also see some ruins of the 18th century Portuguese and Dutch forts on the way to the lighthouse.

Timings: 3:30 pm – 05:30 pm

Distance: 5 km from Kollam

05. Munroe Island

Munroe Island in Kollam district is a beautiful small village surrounded by the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River. It was named after Colonel Munroe, a British citizen who was credited for having overseen the land reclamation efforts in this region. The island which is spread across an area of 13.4 sq. km is crisscrossed with water channels and is a haven for migratory birds. DTPC offers special cruise packages to this backwater village.

Timings: Morning Cruise: 09:00 am

Afternoon Cruise: 02:00 pm,

Distance: 27 km from Kollam.

06. Neendakara Beach

The Neendakara Beach is a famous fishing harbor that was once used by the Portuguese traders in the early 16th century. Most of the locals here are involved in fishing or marine-related exports. Other tourist attractions here in this place are St. Sebastian Church (an over 900-year old church) and the Chinese fishing nets.

Distance: 9 km from Kollam Railway Station.

07. Picnic Village

The Picnic Village at Ashramam is situated in a 48-acre Government Guest House Complex along the backwater front. Besides the 200-year-old Guesthouse, the tourist village also houses an adventure park, a boat club, a children’s traffic park, a museum and a budget hotel run by the KTDC. The Children’s traffic park is the largest traffic park in Kerala and the adventure theme park on the coastline of Ashtamudi Lake presents a stimulating experience. DTPC Kollam conducts backwater cruises in motorboats and houseboats from the boat club.

Timings: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Distance: 2 km from Kollam Junction.

08. Police Museum

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum at Kollam is the only such institution in the country that traces the history of the Police force. There are arms and ammunition on display from the 18th and 19th centuries along with various other exhibits that include medals awarded to policemen, pictures, guns, bullets, etc.

Timings: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm

Distance: 250 m from Kollam Junction Railway Station.

09. Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary

The Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is a tropical green forest in the southern part of the Western Ghats in Kerala. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1984 and is spread across an area of over 100 sq km of hilly terrain. The name ‘Shenduruny’ has been inspired by a widespread species of tree that grows in this forest called ‘Chenkurunji’ (Gluta Travancorica). Some of the species that are inhabitants here are elephants, Bisons, Sambar, Wild Boar, Lion-Tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langur, deer and other dwellers of the western coast. Besides the beautiful green surroundings, there has also been found a rock shelter that contains pre-historic engravings believed to be from the Mesolithic Age (5210-4420 BC).

Distance: 15 km from Sengottai Railway Station in Tamil Nadu.

10. Cave Temple

The Cave Temple at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district is a rare temple architecture where the entire structure has been carved out of a gigantic piece of rock. This rock-cut temple known as Kottukal Kal Thrikkovil Cave Temple is an architectural wonder and represents the feel of an ancient culture with traditional artistic excellence. The main deity of this temple is Lord Ganapathy.

Distance: 47 km from Kollam Junction Railway Station.

11. Oachira Temple

You will be surprised at your visit to the Oachira Temple in Kollam. No deities or idols are kept here for worship; the concept of worship is based on Parabrahma or the universal consciousness. This ancient sacred temple that is spread out in a 36-acre land is located in the town of Oachira, on the route from Kollam to Alappuzha on NH 47. The temple has an interesting aspect to its annual festival – Oachira Kali Where young men and old step into a soaked paddy field and indulge in mud fights. This temple is also known as Dakshina Kashi and is a famous pilgrimage center.

Distance: 11 km from Karunagappally.

12. Achankovil Temple

The Achankovil Temple in Kollam is one of the main temples of Lord Ayyappa. It is believed that the idol of this temple was consecrated by Lord Parasurama. The annual festival of this temple is celebrated from the 1st – 10th day of Malayalam month – Dhanu (December-January).

Distance: 87 km from Kollam.

13. Kollam Beach

Kollam Beach also knew the Mahatma Gandhi Beach attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The locals also find it a great spot to spend their evenings, as the beach is well maintained, has a children’s park and facilities such as boating. Though it is not suitable for a swim due to high waves and depth, the beach is a great attraction for its long coastline, white sand, and perfect panoramic views.

Distance: 4 km from Kollam Junction Railway Station.

14. Alumkadavu

Alumkadavu has a history that relates to the building of houseboats. This backwater village in Kerala is where the first houseboats in India were built.  Tourists often visit this little hamlet to watch skilled craft workers involved in the construction of Kettuvallam’s, which are later modified into luxury houseboats that cruise the backwaters of Kerala. Alumkadavu is also known for its coir industry and the famous coir products.

Distance: 28 km north of Kollam.

15. Sasthamkotta

Sasthamkoota is a village, situated about 29 km from Kollam Town. The village is identified by its ancient temple – Sree Dharma Sastha Temple which is also an important pilgrim center in Kerala. The place is surrounded by a freshwater lake known to be the largest of its kind in Kerala flanked by hills and valleys. Distance: 29 km from Kollam.

16. Thenmala

Thenmala is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination situated about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The destination has been gaining popularity and is attracting tourists for its unique offerings such as boat ride in Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, a visit to the Deer Rehabilitation Centre where you could spot the Sambar or Barking deer, children’s eco-park, riverside treks, and treetop huts. The Thenmala Eco-Tourism sector has been divided into three different zones with a particular theme – Cultural, Leisure & Adventure zone. One could also visit the Palaruvi Waterfalls, which is just 16 km from Thenmala on the way to Shenkottah.

Distance: 29 km from Shenkottah Railway Station and 66 km from Kollam.