Kollam: Waterways, Coast and Culture

Kollam offers a wide range of reasons to visit: Ashtamudi Lake and its network of waterways, as well as coastal scenery, waterfalls and historic buildings. Boatbuilding traditions and boat races are also part of the experience. When choosing your holiday rental, first consider whether water, nature or culture will be the main focus of your trip.

Lake, Island and Traditional Boats

Trips on Ashtamudi Lake are offered in traditional Kerala houseboats, known as Kettuvallams. Munroe Island, also called Munrothuruthu, lies where the lake and the Kallada River meet. There, backwater cruises and canoe trips follow a network of canals and waterways. This offers different kinds of boating experiences: a houseboat trip across the lake and tours through the canals.

Alumkadavu offers another connection to the Kettuvallams, as it is considered the birthplace of these iconic Kerala houseboats. Visitors can watch traditional boats being built from Aanjili and jackwood. This adds a glimpse into the craft to the experience of being on the water: the focus here is on types of wood and boatbuilding, not the tour itself. In the Alumkadavu-Sasthamkotta area, you can also explore the surroundings by canoe or boat, passing peaceful homes and shrines.

Boat Races and Historic Buildings

The President's Trophy Boat Race takes place on Ashtamudi Lake every year on 1 November, Kerala Piravi Day. The Kallada Boat Race is held annually on the 28th day of Onam on the Kallada River near Munroe Island; the date falls in August or September and follows the Malayalam calendar. If you want to plan your trip around either race, check the event date in advance: organisers may change it.

Buildings also tell stories of different eras. The Punalur Suspension Bridge is a 400-foot-long protected monument under the authority of the Archaeological Department of Kerala. The historic Thangassery Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1519 AD; the Thangassery Lighthouse is 144 feet tall. The cultural zone in Thenmala has an amphitheatre where traditional dance and music performances take place.

Jatayu Earth's Center pairs a striking image with a story: the site features the world's largest bird sculpture, as well as a museum and an audiovisual gallery about the story of Jatayu. Those interested in culture and storytelling traditions will find a different focus here than at the bridge, fort or lighthouse.

Nature, Activities and Coast

Thenmala is India's first planned ecotourism destination and is located in Kollam district. Nature walks in the Thenmala ecotourism zones are easy, informative and suitable for all age groups. Other activities include mountain biking, climbing and river crossings; the availability of these activities may vary operationally. Thenmala is part of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot with a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Palaruvi Waterfall offers another way to experience the landscape: it plunges 300 feet over rocks and lies amid hills and valleys. It is considered a popular day-trip and picnic destination. In Thenmala, the 20-hectare Adventure Zone also offers several activities, including climbing, rappelling, ziplining, paintball, archery and valley crossing. Operational availability may vary. If you are travelling with children, the nature walk—which is explicitly suitable for all age groups—offers a different consideration from the choice of activities in the Adventure Zone.

At Kollam Beach, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach, golden sand and gentle waves shape the coastal landscape. Swimming and wading are possible in the shallow water; follow local safety guidance. Alongside the waterways, nature destinations and historic sites, the beach offers another possible focus. Tailor your search for a holiday rental to whichever of these interests matters most for your trip.

For Thenmala, the nearest railway station is Thenmala station, located 1 km away. Check the train details before travelling. Discover more destinations: Kollam, Panayam, Munroe Island, Chavara, Kottarakkara, Kottara, Thazhuthala, West kallada.

For the wider travel overview: Kerala.