Discover Panayam on Ashtamudi Lake

Panayam is located on Ashtamudi Lake. This specific connection to the waterscape makes the place a distinct option if you are looking for a holiday rental and the lake is one of the reasons for your trip. Start by asking yourself this question when choosing a location: Should the lake help shape the character of your stay? Panayam’s location gives you a clear point of reference.

Water and craftsmanship in the wider destination of Kollam

In the wider destination of Kollam, other water, culture and nature themes feature alongside Ashtamudi Lake. Munroe Island, also called Munrothuruthu, lies where Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River meet. Backwater rides and canoe trips through canals and waterways are offered on the island. Visitors can also observe the traditional production of coir products there, from extracting the fibre to weaving mats and ropes.

Houseboat trips on Ashtamudi Lake are offered aboard traditional Kerala houseboats, known as kettuvallams. These trips and the canoe tours on Munroe Island offer different experiences: here, the focus is on the houseboat on the lake; there, the tours take you through a network of canals and waterways. Visitors can also watch traditional houseboats being built from Aanjili and jackwood in Alumkadavu, a place considered the birthplace of the kettuvallams.

Festivals and history in Kollam

The President's Trophy Boat Race takes place every year on 1 November, Kerala Piravi Day, on Ashtamudi Lake. The Kallada Boat Race is held annually on the 28th day of the Onam celebrations, in August or September, on the Kallada River near Munroe Island. The dates may be adjusted by the organisers; in addition, Onam follows the Malayalam calendar. So check the dates if you want to plan your trip around one of the races.

Historical buildings in the wider destination of Kollam include the Punalur Suspension Bridge, a protected monument that is 400 feet long. The historic Thangassery Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1519 AD. Thangassery Lighthouse is 144 feet tall. These places give your trip a different focus from the water excursions and craft experiences.

Nature and activities in Thenmala

Thenmala is India’s first planned ecotourism destination and is located in Kollam district. It is part of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The nature walks in Thenmala’s ecotourism zones are easy, informative and suitable for all age groups. Mountain biking, climbing and river crossings are also offered there; availability may vary, so check these activities before making plans. The cultural zone includes an amphitheatre where traditional dance and music performances take place. This allows you to weigh up different interests for a trip in the wider destination of Kollam, from water and crafts to history and nature activities, while Panayam itself is defined by its location on Ashtamudi Lake.

Discover more destinations: Munroe Island, Thazhuthala, Kottara, Chavara, Kottarakkara, West Kallada, Kollam

Back to the wider travel overview: Kollam.