Kollam: Backwaters, Coast and Heritage

There are several ways to discover Kollam: backwaters lead across the water to Alappuzha, beaches and promenades meet along the coast, and museums and historic buildings tell the story of the town and region. When planning your trip, it helps to first consider whether you would like to focus on boat experiences, days by the coast, or cultural and nature destinations in the district.

Backwaters, islands and boat races

A backwater cruise runs from Kollam to Alappuzha along a 61-kilometre-long lake. Traditional Kerala houseboats, known as Kettuvallams, are available for trips on Ashtamudi Lake. On Munroe Island, also called Munrothuruthu, Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River meet. Backwater trips and canoe tours there wind through a network of canals and waterways; village tours through the backwaters are also available. Check the current availability of these tours before your trip.

On Munroe Island, you can also observe the traditional production of coir products, from extracting the fibres to weaving mats and ropes. Alumkadavu is considered the birthplace of the Kettuvallams. You can also watch traditional houseboats being built there from Aanjili and Jackwood timber. Visitors can explore the Alumkadavu-Sasthamkotta region by canoe or boat, passing peaceful homes and shrines.

Two boat races are among Kollam’s recurring events. The President's Trophy Boat Race is held every year on 1 November, Kerala Piravi Day, on Ashtamudi Lake. The Kallada Boat Race takes place annually on the 28th day of the Onam festival on the Kallada River near Munroe Island; Onam falls in August or September. As event dates may be adjusted by the organisers and the date of Onam follows the Malayalam calendar, it is worth checking the latest dates before your trip.

Coast and culture in and around Kollam

Kollam Beach, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach, is a coastal destination in Kollam district with golden sand and gentle waves. Swimming and wading in the shallow water are possible; follow local safety advice. Mahatma Gandhi Park is next to the beach and offers walking paths and seating areas. At Neendakara Fishing Harbour, seven kilometres from Kollam, visitors gather after the monsoon to observe the “chaakara” phenomenon off the coast. The exact seasonal timing is not specified.

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum displays 18th- and 19th-century weapons and ammunition, including rifles, bullets and old machinery. Thankasseri, about five kilometres from Kollam, is home to the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches dating from the 18th century. The historic Thangassery Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1519 AD; Thangassery Lighthouse is 144 feet tall. The Punalur Suspension Bridge in Kollam district is another landmark of the region’s heritage: it is 400 feet long and a protected monument under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Department of Kerala.

In the area around Kollam, Ashramam Picnic Village is home to a 200-year-old Residency Bungalow that once served as a residence for Lord Muroe. There is also an Adventure Park and a Children's Traffic Park. Choosing between cultural and park destinations like these and a day on the coast can help shape the character of your stay.

Nature and active experiences in Kollam district

Thenmala is India’s first planned ecotourism destination and is located in Kollam district. The site is part of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The nature walks in the Thenmala ecotourism zones are easy, informative and suitable for all age groups. Other activities include mountain biking, rock climbing and river crossings. The culture zone includes an amphitheatre where traditional dance and music performances take place. Thenmala Railway Station is the nearest station to Thenmala, one kilometre away; check railway information before your trip.

Jatayu Earth's Center also brings together different themes: it features the world’s largest bird sculpture, as well as a museum and an audiovisual gallery that tells the story of Jatayu. Its 20-hectare Adventure Zone offers rock climbing, rappelling, ziplining, paintball, archery and valley crossing. The availability of individual activities may vary, so it is worth checking before your trip. Another natural attraction, Palaruvi Waterfalls, plunges 300 feet over rocks. Hills and valleys surround the falls, which are considered a popular excursion destination.

Choosing the right focus for your holiday rental

When searching for a holiday rental in Kollam, it helps to first decide which experiences matter most to you. If you want to focus on waterways and crafts, compare the options around Ashtamudi Lake, Munroe Island and Alumkadavu. The coast, walking paths and museum offer a different focus, while Thenmala, Palaruvi and Punalur are other destinations in the district.

Discover more destinations: Kottara, Thazhuthala, Panayam, Kottarakkara, West kallada, Chavara, Munroe Island.

Go to the main travel overview: Kollam.