Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kollam

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.

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.

Thangassery Lighthouse in Kollam is one of Kerala’s tallest lighthouses, being 144 feet tall, built in 1902 by the British. This landmark is famous among visitors for its beautiful, serene views and seaside location, where visitors can explore the coastal charm of Thangassery, and is a must-include in your Kerala tour package. This lighthouse has a staircase that takes you to the top and offers you a view where the Arabian Sea meets the sky in every direction.This lighthouse’s location is historically rich as it is surrounded by colonial ruins, old churches, and remains of the port town. Being perfect for photography and evening visits, this location is a must-include in your Kollam plan when visiting Kerala.

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.

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 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.