Landmarks in Kollam
- 01
Ashtamudi Lake
The palm-fringed, eight-armed estuary on which Kollam sits, a Ramsar-listed wetland with Chinese fishing nets, mangroves and slow boat traffic. It is the reason most people come to Kollam.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours on the water; a full day for a longer cruise
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon; December to February for dry weather
- Tickets
- The lake itself is free to look at from its shores. Boat trips are priced by operator and type (government ferry, tourist boat, private houseboat or canoe); check current rates and timings at the Kollam boat jetty or with the district tourism office.
- 02
Kollam Beach
A long city beach, also called Mahatma Gandhi Beach, with a park, a clock tower and a lifeguard post. A relaxed evening spot rather than a swimming beach.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon to sunset; avoid monsoon months for the sea
- Tickets
- Free access to the beach. The adjoining park may have its own rules and timings; check locally.
- 03
Palaruvi Falls
A waterfall of about 91 m on the Kallada River near Aryankavu, in the hills of eastern Kollam. Best after rain and paired with Thenmala.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- After monsoon rains; check water flow and safety
- Tickets
- Entry rules and fees are set locally; check current details, bathing rules and any closures at the site.
- 04
Sasthamkotta Lake
Kerala's largest freshwater lake, inland from Kollam and an important drinking-water source. A quiet shoreline stop beside an old Sastha temple.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Mornings and evenings; dry months
- Tickets
- Access to the shore is generally free; the temple has its own customs. Check locally for any restrictions.
- 05
Thirumullavaram Beach and Mahavishnu Temple
A calmer beach north of the city, known for gentler water and for its temple and ancestral-rites tradition. A quiet alternative to the main city beach.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Mornings and evenings, dry months; July–August for the ritual (very busy)
- Tickets
- Free access to the beach. The temple has its own rules and timings; dress modestly and check locally.
Read the Thirumullavaram Beach and Mahavishnu Temple guide →
Experiences in Kollam
- 06
Jatayu Earth's Center
A huge bird sculpture and hilltop park at Chadayamangalam, tied to the Ramayana legend of Jatayu. Worth a morning if you like big landmarks and views.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Dry months, morning start
- Tickets
- Entry is ticketed and the cable car is a separate ticket; check current prices, timings and weather closures with the operator.
- 07
Kollam to Alappuzha backwater cruise
The long boat journey north from Kollam through Ashtamudi Lake and linked canals, roughly 55 km and a full day, ending in Alappuzha. A slow way to see Kerala water-life if you can sit for hours.
- Time needed
- A full day (about eight hours each way as a one-way journey)
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Dry months, December to February, when services are most reliable
- Tickets
- The cruise is run by the state water transport department with other operators in season. Departures, fares and the season it runs vary; confirm timings and book via the district tourism office or the department's official channels.
- 08
Thenmala Ecotourism
India's first planned ecotourism destination, in the hills east of Kollam, with a dam, boating, a butterfly park and walking routes. A cool, green change from the coast.
- Time needed
- A full day
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Dry months, December to March
- Tickets
- Individual attractions charge separate fees and some activities need advance booking; check current details with the ecotourism authority.
Culture in Kollam
- 09
Asramam Maidan and British Residency
Kollam's central open ground and creekside residency, famous for hosting Kollam Pooram, an elephant-and-parasol festival each April. Worth knowing even outside the festival.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours (a day for the festival)
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Day after Vishu in April for Kollam Pooram; otherwise mornings
- Tickets
- Free access to the open ground. The Kollam Pooram has its own crowd control; check police and temple advisories locally.
Day trips in Kollam
- 10
Munroe Island
A cluster of eight small islands where Ashtamudi Lake meets the Kallada River, known for canal-side villages, coir making and bird-watching. A calmer side of the backwaters than the main lake.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon; December to February
- Tickets
- No entry fee for the islands themselves. Canoe and boat rides are arranged through local operators or homestays; check rates, duration and safety gear in advance.
Temples in Kollam
- 11
Oachira Parabrahma Temple
An unusual northern Kollam temple known for open-air worship and two festivals: Oachirakali, a ritual martial display, and the Panthrandu Vilakku. Worth visiting for its character.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Mornings; festival days for the Oachirakali and Panthrandu Vilakku
- Tickets
- Dress modestly and follow local temple customs; photography and entry rules may vary, so ask at the gate.
Neighbourhoods in Kollam
- 12
Thangassery
The old European-era port quarter of Kollam, with a 1902 lighthouse, ruins of Portuguese and Dutch forts, an old church and a breakwater. Small, atmospheric and worth an evening.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Late afternoon into sunset; October to March is comfortable
- Tickets
- The lighthouse is ticketed with limited visiting hours; check current timings locally. The fort ruins, churches and breakwater can usually be seen from outside without a ticket.
