Places to Visit in Kollam

Ashtamudi lake situated in the Kollam district of Kerala is known as the gateway of backwaters. It is spread across a distance of 170 square kilometers and is known for its unique eight armed shaped structure. 

A special highlight is the traditional houseboat cruises called kettuvallams, which offer a tranquil journey through palm-lined waterways. The rich biodiversity of the lake includes birds such as kingfishers and herons. The annual boat race for the President’s Trophy on November 1 provides cultural variety.

The region was once a trading center and is still dominated by traditional industries such as coir-making. Visitors can also savour local seafood dishes around the lake such as karimeen pollichathu and prawn curry.

Climb up the 200 steps to enjoy the panoramic view of the Arabian sea and Kollam. Mounting grandly above the coconut trees, Tangasseri Lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse with a height of 140 feet on the coast of Kerala.

The red and white painted bands around the lighthouse make it marvelous and dignified. Moreover, witnessing the pleasant sunset from the top of the lighthouse is a breathtaking experience. Attracting tourists towards its enchanting beauty and calming view, an evening to the lighthouse is worth visiting among places to see in Kollam.

Things to do - Climb up and enjoy the view from the lighthouse, Relax at Thangassery beach, Pump the adrenaline rush with scuba diving and surfing, go fishing. 

Location - Kollam, district of Kerala

Price - INR 3 for children and INR 10 for adults. Extra charges are applicable for the camera.

Timings - Sunrise to Sunset.

Best time to visit - Visit in Winters i.e. between the month of November to March for cool and pleasant weather.

Located in Kollam, Kollam Beach, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach, is one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches in the region. It is known for its clear blue waters and golden sands, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and leisure activities. It stretches along the Arabian Sea and offers spectacular views of the horizon, making it an ideal place for sunbathing.

The nearby Mahatma Gandhi Children’s Park adds to the charm of the place with its lush green gardens and walkways making it ideal for peaceful strolls. The beach is perfect for swimming in shallow waters, picnics with family and exciting activities such as jet skiing and windsurfing. For foodies, the beach offers plenty of opportunities to sample delicious seafood such as fish curry and crab roast while enjoying the picturesque sea views.

Thirumullavaram Beach, located in Kollam, is a calm and serene beach perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. This Beach is unlike any other crowded beach, which makes it a perfect place to find your definition of peace and solace. This beach features golden sand and gentle waves, making it ideal for family picnics and morning walks. This beach is also famous for the Thirumullavaram Sree Maha Vishnu Temple, located just nearby. 

Additionally, you can also observe one of the key features of this beach, the rocky outcrop, which is about 1 km away from the shore. It is known as Nyarazcha Para, or Sunday Rock, and visitors can easily witness it during low tide, making it one of the magical sights in Kollam.

Located on the Ashtamudi backwaters, Adventure Park Kollam is a popular getaway that offers a perfect mix of nature and adventure to its visitors. The park hosts some of the exciting rides like Ferris wheels and water slides, making it a fun hotspot for adventure seekers and families. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the natural surroundings through the various boating options like pedal boats and row boats.

Besides, the park also has well-maintained hiking trails where guests can explore the vast lush green landscapes and local wildlife. Adventure Park Kollam is a popular destination for spending a fun-filled day with your loved ones.

South India is home to auspicious temples and religion, Anandavalleswaram temple, devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is one of them. Well-known among the tourists, this temple is nearly 1100 years old, located in the heart of Kollam district.

Sri Mahaganapathi Temple in Kottarakara, Kollam, is a famous spiritual site dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is known for its peaceful atmosphere, divine aura and is one of the must-visit temples in Kerala. It is famous for Unniyappam, which is the famous offering to lord Ganesha, and is believed to bring prosperity by the devotees. 

There are also shrines of Shiva, Parvati, and Nagaraja apart from the main deity in the temple complex. Pilgrims, tourists, and locals visit this temple regularly to seek blessings and find solace in the peaceful environment of this temple. For people visiting Kerala or on a religious journey, this temple is a must-visit offering a soul-soothing experience.

The Kumbhavurutty waterfalls are a picturesque and serene attraction in Kollam district of Kerala. Spread over two tiers, the waterfall offers a tranquil retreat in nature and is surrounded by the lush greenery of the Western Ghats and the Konni forest. 

The shallow pool at the bottom is ideal for a safe dip while eco-tourism initiatives like tree huts, nature trails and interactive areas enhance the experience for visitors. It is easily accessible by road and is an ideal destination for families, nature lovers and photographers.

Palaruvi Falls, located near Aryankavu in Kollam district, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala. You can witness the serene beauty of the water falling from a height of 300 feet at Palaruvi waterfalls. Its name, Palaruvi, means “Stream of milk”, which perfectly describes the milky appearance of the water as it passes through the rocks and falls down cliffs. This spot is located in the Western Ghats and is a must-visit for people searching for a natural escape and relaxation amidst the ghats.

This waterfall is not only a visual retreat but is also known for its herbal and medicinal plantation that surrounds the region. It is one of the famous spots for packing family picnics and natural escapes alike.

Thevally Palace, located on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, was built between 1811 and 1819 during the reign of Gowri Parvati Bai. It served as the royal residence for the kings of Travancore, who came to Kollam for administrative purposes. The palace is a blend of British, Dutch and Portuguese architectural styles. It also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Sastha, reflecting the cultural and spiritual values of the era .

Today, the palace is not open to the public as it houses the headquarters of the National Cadet Corps for Kollam district. It is maintained by the Public Works Department and continues to serve as the NCC headquarters of the district while preserving its historical heritage.

Surrounded by lush green palms and high-rising coconut trees, the Paravur Lake in Kollam is a perfect destination for you to visit and relax. The lake also has an estuary where it meets the Arabian Sea, providing scenic landscapes of the river and the sea. Home to many rare bird species and flora, you can also behold beautiful mangroves along the lake shore.

Visitors can also try experiences like canoeing and kayaking in Kerala backwaters, or just sitting by the bank, witnessing surreal sunsets. The Paravur Lake is surrounded by coconut groves and calm waters, offering a mesmerising view for visitors and photographers both.

St. Thomas Fort, also known as Thangassery Fort, is a historic coastal fort built by the Portuguese in 1518 in Kollam, Kerala. Strategically located on the Arabian Sea, it served as an important defense and trading post during the colonial period. Later, the fort fell into the hands of the Dutch in 1658 and then back to the British in the late 18th century. 

Although it is now in ruins, remains of the bastions, walls and arched gates have been preserved, illustrating Portuguese military architecture. The site, with its breathtaking Arabian Sea views and rich colonial past, is now managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and attracts history buffs and travelers.

A small magnificent island popularly known as the island of crows, it is a prime attraction for bird watchers. The beauty of the island enhanced by coconut trees and paddy fields is breathtaking and doesn’t miss a chance of enticing travelers, be it nature or food lovers. Speaking of food, the place serves a variety of food ranging from Kerala cuisine to seafood such as karimeen, crabs, and shrimp.

Furthermore, tourists enjoy the view of the setting sun and watching the sky hues, shifting its color from pale blue to crystal clear blue. The sole place in Kerala listed in Nat Geo's magazine for relishing the time of dusk.

Things to do - Broom making, Boating, Chinese net, Bird watching, Toddy tapping, Shinkari melam, Catnet fishing, Clam meat processing.

Location - 10 km from Kollam

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - open 24 hours

Best time to visit - Anytime of the year.

The museum represents the historical figure, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, famously known as the ‘Iron Man of India’. Tourists are fascinated to visit this museum to locate traces of the history and growth of the Indian police force. The museum holds arms and ammunition of the 18th and 19th century including bullets, guns, machines, and much more. Additionally, the place endures the unknown facts about Kerala Police force and information charts on DNA tests, human bones, fingerprints and snapshots of police dogs, etc.

Things to do - Walk down the trail of museum galleries to unreveal arts and crafts, antique masterpieces, artifacts, manuscripts, old oil paintings.

Location - 2 km from Kollam bus station.

Price - INR 10 for children and INR 20 for adults.

Timings - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, except Sundays.

Best time to visit - Anytime of the year.

The Chinnakada Clock Tower in Kollam, Kerala, is a historic landmark that showcases the city's rich heritage. Built in 1944 during British rule, it was dedicated to K. G. Parameshwaran Pillai, a former Chairman of Kollam Municipality. As one of the must-visit places in Kerala, this iconic structure stands as a proud symbol of the city's cultural and architectural legacy.

The Chinnakada Clock Tower is a quadrangular structure with four clocks, each facing a different main direction, symbolising the city's connectivity. Originally procured from Kolkata, these clocks still function flawlessly. As a prominent landmark, the tower remains easily accessible from various parts of Kollam, making it a must include in Kerala tour packages.

The Kottankulangara Devi Temple, located in Chavara, near Kollam, Kerala, is a unique Hindu shrine that is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwathy. The temple is famous for its annual festival, where the men dress as women to offer prayers to the Goddess. This festival is known as Chamaya Vilakku, which is believed to fulfil wishes and bring blessings to the devotees, making this temple a must-include in your Kerala tour package. Additionally, this temple features traditional Kerala-style architecture with wooden carvings, tiled roofs, and a courtyard that is filled with energy. 

Whether you are up for a cultural or spiritual escape, this temple will serve you with peace and positive energy. It is recommended for people visiting Kollam to include Kottankulangara Devi Temple in their itinerary.

The Infant Jesus Cathedral in Tangasseri, Kollam, is a historic church built by the Portuguese in 1614. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon which was the first diocese in India. Rich in tradition, the cathedral continues to be an active place of worship, attracting many devotees with its regular masses and peaceful spiritual atmosphere.

Architecturally, the cathedral is a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch, and British styles with high ceilings, arched windows and detailed wooden furnishings. The vibrant stained glass windows depict various biblical scenes with a unique depiction of Christ in a meditative lotus position. The cathedral offers a tranquil space for prayer, reflection, and a deep connection with centuries of tradition.

The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam is a dense green heaven that is a part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. It is a great biodiversity hotspot that houses over 100 species of birds, 30 mammals, and numerous butterflies. As you move forward to explore the sanctuary, you will observe vibrant flora and fauna, with beautiful trekking trails passing from the beautiful Kallar River. The sanctuary is covered with forests and sounds like sweet birds singing with their unique voices, leaving you with your eyes wide open and heart soothed. Shendurney is also home to the rare lion-tailed macaque, who are spotted jumping and playing around in the trees. 

Whether you are a solo traveller or travelling with family and friends, this sanctuary is a great place to visit and relax amidst nature's embrace. No matter you’re hiking through misty trails or cruising on a reservoir, Shendurney offers a truly immersive jungle experience to all.

Located in Paravur, Kollam district, the Puttingal Devi Temple is one of Kerala’s well-known temples, also known as the Goddess Bhagavathy Temple. A key destination in many pilgrimage circuits, it is known for its ancient lore and powerful spiritual presence and is one of the best. The temple gained national attention due to an unfortunate fireworks tragedy in 2016, but it still attracts numerous devotees from across the nation every year. It attracts many devotees, especially during the annual Meena Bharani festival, which is held in March-April with traditional prayer offerings and performance of cultural rituals.

The Puttingal Temple provides divine blessings and surroundings to its devotees and is a must-visit for people planning their Kerala trip.