Tourist Places to visit in Kollam (2024)

  • Post last modified:6 April 2023
  • Reading time:16 mins read
  • Post category:Places to Visit

Formerly known as Quilon, Kollam is one of the 13 districts of Kerala. Situated near the district of Trivandrum and the town of Varkala, Kollam is a paradise for those who love greenery, water bodies, solace, and clean air. You can feel the magnificence of this beautiful district the moment you step your foot on its soil. In this blog, we take a look at some of the top places to visit in Kollam for couples, families, as well as solo travellers.

Bordering the Laccadive Sea, Kollam is situated on the Malabar Coast. Quilon is one of the country’s oldest seaports, which was frequented by the Portuguese and the Arabs in large numbers. Desinganadu, Koolam, and Coulão are some of the former names of Kollam. This beautiful district is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Kerala.

10 BEST Places to Visit In Kollam

Ashtamudi Lake

Known locally as Ashtamudi Kaayal, this is one of the largest backwaters in Kerala. Tourists worldwide flock to this beautiful destination to enjoy a boat ride and take in the stunning views. In addition, one can relish local cuisine at one of the many small family-run restaurants dotted across the villages surrounding the lake.

You can spend a night at one of the many luxurious hotels, homestays, and eco-villages during your visit to Ashtamudi lake. Spending a night by the serene waters of this magnificent lake is an experience that will stay with you for a long time. The clear skies with thousands of stars above the lake is a treat to the eye of the beholder. Ashtamudi Lake is one of the best tourist places in Kollam.

  • Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
  • Major Attractions: Country boats and houseboats
  • Ideal Duration To Explore: 3 to 4 Hours
  • Things To Do: Relish local cuisine and spend a night by the lake

Kollam Beach

You cannot visit the Malabar Coast and not go to a beach. The beaches dotted across the Malabar Coast are among the cleanest and prettiest beaches in the country. Kollam Beach is one such fine example where many domestic and international travellers visit in large numbers throughout the year. Watching the sunset at Kollam Beach should be on the itinerary of those visiting Kollam.

This spectacular beach is also known as the Mahatma Gandhi beach and is home to a sprawling park. The Mahatma Gandhi Beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kollam. In addition, this beach is one of the first beaches to play host to couples’ destination weddings from across the country.

  • Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
  • Major Attractions: The Park
  • Ideal Duration To Explore: 2 Hours
  • Things To Do: Watch The Sunset

Thangassery Light House

Thangassery Lighthouse is arguably one of the most famous places in Kollam. The imposing structure of this lighthouse is capable of captivating absolutely anyone’s interest and attention. This spectacular lighthouse is named after the seaside neighbourhood that it is located in. This historic lighthouse has been in operation since 1902, making it one of the oldest functioning lighthouses in Southern India.

Over the years, Thangassery Light House has undergone many renovation projects to ensure its sustenance. One of the most important additions made to the structure was the installation of elevators in 2016. As one of the most-visited lighthouses in the state, having an elevator is a great help for tourists of all ages to get to the top of this lighthouse and enjoy sweeping views.

  • Opening Timings: Sunrise to sunset
  • Major Attractions: The sweeping views
  • Ideal Duration To Explore: 1 Hour

Munro Island

Munro is a quaint island situated by Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. The narrow canals that the locals explore in small country boats lead to broad and magnificent backwaters. The small mangrove islands that tourists stop at to click pictures is one of the major attractions here. Exploring the backwaters and the island on country boats, shikhara boats, or motorboats is a must while at Munro Island.

Locally known as Mundrothuruthu, it is a combination of eight small islets. The lush greenery and pristine water bodies make this place a natural haven. The spectacular Munro Island is a great escape for those seeking solace away from the hustles and bustles of a city. Situated at the confluence of Kallada River and Ashtamudi Lake, Munro Island is one of the top places to visit in Kollam.

  • Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
  • Major Attractions: Mangrove island
  • Ideal Duration To Explore: 4 Hours
  • Things To Do: Enjoy amidst the nature

Jatayu Earth Center

This wonderful attraction perched on a hilltop is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. This magnificent tourist attraction is named after the vulture that is mentioned in the epic Ramayana. While the demon king Ravan of Lanka was abducting Goddess Sita, wife of Lord Sri Ram, Jatayu the vulture, tried to stop Ravan and lost his life while doing so.

Jatayu Earth’s Center features the world’s largest bird sculpture. To reach the top of the hill where the bird sculpture is situated, you can take a cable car or the long, winding stairways. The view from the cable car and the hilltop is equally mesmerising. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Ram on top of the hill.

  • Opening Timings: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: Bird sculpture and the cable car
  • Ideal Duration To Explore: 2 Hours
  • Things To Do: Enjoying the sweeping views

Jatayu Adventure Center

If you are an adrenaline junkie who seeks excitement during every trip, Jatayu Adventure Center is the place for you. Situated nearby the Jatayu Earth’s Center, Jatayu Adventure Center is one of the most exciting places to see in Kollam. Here, you will find everything from zip lines and paintball to Burma rope and free climbing facilities.

Bouldering, valley crossing, side jhoola, jumaring, and log walking can also be done during your visit to this exciting adventure centre. As the name suggests, this place offers adventure in its purest form. You can make a day out of visiting both Jatayu Earth’s Center and Jatayu Adventure Center since they are both located nearby each other.

  • Opening Timings: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: Adventure sports
  • Ideal Duration To Explore: 3 Hours
  • Things To Do: Ziplining, bouldering, and other adventure sports

Paravur Lake

Situated in the quaint neighbourhood of Paravur in Kollam, Paravur Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Southern Kerala. This beautiful lake is the endpoint of the Itthikara River and is used extensively for water transportation. A large number of locals and tourists visit this lake throughout the year to spend some time in nature’s lap.

Taking in the stunning views is one of the must-do things at this lake. Activities like boating, kayaking, and adventure water sports can be done at Paravur Lake at reasonable rates. This lake is well connected to neighbouring areas like Edava and Varkala, making it an emerging tourist spot and one of the top places to visit in Kollam for families.

  • Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
  • Major Attractions: Serene Waters
  • Ideal Duration To Explore: 2 Hours
  • Things To Do: Watch the sunset

Thevally Palace

Also referred to as Thevally Kottaram locally, this magnificent palace sits by the mesmerising Ashtamudi Lake. This palace’s grandeur and historical importance attract tourists from across the country in large numbers. Built during the early 19th Century. Thevally Palace is one of the most important historical destinations in Kollam and Southern Kerala. This iconic palace was built during the reign of Gowri Parvati Bayi of the Travancore Kingdom.

Now owned by the Public Work Department, this historic building serves as the headquarters of the National Cadet Corps, Kollam Division. The architecture of this opulent palace is a mixture of British, Dutch, and Portuguese designs. This palace is also home to a temple dedicated to Lord Sastha. Thevally Palace symbolises the power that once the Travancore Royal Family held.

  • Opening Timings: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: The architecture
  • Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour

Tangassery Fort

Originally St Thomas Fort, it is also referred to as Tangassery Fort because it is located in the seaside neighbourhood of Tangassery. Built by the Portuguese, and later controlled by both the Dutch and the British, this fort was crucial for protecting trade posts of the aforementioned colonial powers. Today, only ruins remain of the fort that was once an imposing structure with tall, strong walls

The remaining brick exposed walls that stand facing the Arabian is a vestige of its glorious past that should be explored by tourists while in Kollam. History buffs and fort enthusiasts should make visiting Tangassery fort the top priority while in Kollam. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that St Thomas Fort is among the best places to visit in Kollam.

  • Famous For: Historical Portuguese fort
  • Tickets: Free
  • Opening Timings: 24 Hours
  • Ideal Time To Explore: 30 minutes

Sardar Vallabhai Police Museum

Located bang opposite the Kollam Junction Railway Station, Sardar Vallabhai Police Museum is a fascinating attraction that should be on the itinerary of all tourists visiting Kollam. This museum is one of the must-visit places in Kollam without a doubt. This interesting museum, as the name suggests, is entirely dedicated to the Indian Police Force. Sardar Vallabhai Police Museum is named after India’s first home minister.

This museum first opened its door to the public in 2000. In the year 2005, a large statue of Sardar Vallabhai Patel was unveiled here. The exhibits include weapons and ammunition from the previous two centuries. The many photographs that adorn the walls of this museum display uniforms of the Indian Police Force over the year.

  • Opening Timings: Monday to Saturday from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: Arms & ammunitions from the 18th & 19th centuries
  • Ideal Duration To Explore: 2 Hours
  • Things To Do: Learn about the Indian Police Force’s history

From this blog, it is pretty evident that Kollam is a beautiful paradise situated in Southern Kerala. You cannot truly explore the Malabar coast without spending a few days in Kollam. This district is situated near the state capital Thiruvananthapuram as well as the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Kollam has excellent rail, road, and water transport connectivity. Tourists from across the world can be seen enjoying the backwaters, nature, and the many attractions of Kollam


FAQ

How many beaches are there in Kollam?

There are numerous pristine beaches in Kollam that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. At beaches in Kollam, you will find people of all ages swimming and getting a tan on. Beaches in Kollam are known for their cleanliness and beauty.

What is special in Kollam?

Beaches, backwaters, lakes, and islands are some of the most special places in Kollam that should not be missed. Kollam is a haven for couples, solo travellers and those travelling with familie

Is Kollam a good place?

Yes, Kollam is a good place for spending a few days in nature’s lap. Kollam is one of the cleanest and most beautiful places in Kerala. The living standard index is high in Kollam making it one of the most visited places in Kerala.

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