Places to Visit in Kollam

The incredible beauty of Kerala, Ashtamudi lake has eight branches that coincide with the Arabian sea after converging into one channel, hence the name Ashtamudi, where Ashta means eight and mudi means branch.

Spell-binding the travelers with its inarticulate and persuasive charm, this second largest lake in Kerala is one of the most popular places to visit in Kollam. Beautifying the banks of this lake, palm and coconut trees, intensifies the fascinating experience of calm and lush green waterways.

Thriving harmoniously in Kollam district of Kerala, Ashtamudi lake immerses the tourists with tremendous pleasure by granting them an experience of houseboat cruising.

Things to do - Backwater Cruising, Fishing, Experience unimaginable stay in a houseboat, Island visit.

Location - Kollam, district of Kerala

Price - Coasting by houseboat will start from INR 2500.

Timings - Welcome travelers 24 hours preferred timing by travelers from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Best time to visit - To enjoy most of it, visit between November to March for cool and pleasant weather.

Climb up the 200 steps to enjoy the panoramic view of the Arabian sea and Kollam. Mounting grandly above the coconut trees, Tangasseri Lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse with a height of 140 feet on the coast of Kerala.

The red and white painted bands around the lighthouse make it marvelous and dignified. Moreover, witnessing the pleasant sunset from the top of the lighthouse is a breathtaking experience. Attracting tourists towards its enchanting beauty and calming view, an evening to the lighthouse is worth visiting among places to see in Kollam.

Things to do - Climb up and enjoy the view from the lighthouse, Relax at Thangassery beach, Pump the adrenaline rush with scuba diving and surfing, go fishing. 

Location - Kollam, district of Kerala

Price - INR 3 for children and INR 10 for adults. Extra charges are applicable for the camera.

Timings - Sunrise to Sunset.

Best time to visit - Visit in Winters i.e. between the month of November to March for cool and pleasant weather.

The beauty of Kollam beach makes it a vantage point to unwind and relish its picturesque landscape. The mysterious view of natural blue waters blending with the infinite bright sky bequeaths the sightseers amazed. The Kollam beach calls to rejuvenate the mind and body, energising the tourists with its cultural and spiritual aura.

This beach is famous among some travelers with the name of Mahatma Gandhi Beach and soothes wanderers with lush green, calm backwaters, and endless water activities.

Things to do -  Beach fun activities, Swimming, visit nearby Mahatma Gandhi Park. 

Location - Kollam, district of Kerala

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Best time to visit - The most pleasant time to visit is from October to February.

An unexplored beach of Kerala where golden sand surrounds clear blue water and the serene seashore is embellished by coconut and palm trees. The delightful view of sun-soaked sand, soothing blue sea, and lush green palm never fail to attract tourists.

Holding a place in the list of places to see in Kollam, tourists visit this place to get immersed in the calm and peaceful surroundings. Being one of the isolated beaches of Kerala, the beauty of the beach is still unimpaired. Just like any other beach, travelers relax and enjoy swimming and sun-bathing.

Things to do - Sit back and relax, Swimming, Sun-bathing, Visit nearby Vishnu temple. 

Location - 6 km north of Kollam, district of Kerala

Timings - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Best time to visit - The most delightful time to relax is from October to March.

The center of leisure activities for people with no age limit. A must-go-to place for luxurious boating, picnic, and the art museum among other tourist places in Kollam.

The park encloses a place possessing numerous rides and impressive scenery that makes it ideal for a family picnic. With the alluring backwaters, travelers can enjoy houseboat cruises, deluxe boats, and speedboats in the midst of serene waters. Apart from the boat club, children’s park, this place covers enticements such as a 200-year-old government guest house and Yatri Nivas.

Also, on the establishment is the art museum, where painting lovers seizes a chance to admire exhibit paintings collected from different parts of the country. And the fun doesn’t end here, a nature dweller can visit the mangroves close to the park to spot endangered species of bushes.

Things to do - Boating, Art Museum, yatri Nivas, and vintage guest house, fun activities and rides at the park. 

Location - Behind guest house, Asramam, Kollam

Price - INR 30.

Timings - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Best time to visit - The playful time is from October to March.

South India is home to auspicious temples and religion, Anandavalleswaram temple, devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is one of them. Well-known among the tourists, this temple is nearly 1100 years old, located in the heart of Kollam district.

This temple is one of the famous pilgrimage spots in Kollam, popular among worshipers as the center of spirituality and devotion. The architecture of this centuries-old temple attracts most of the tourists admiring its charming design. The most interesting fact about this temple, where the family of shiva resides is that, even non-Hindus are allowed to visit here.

The idol of Lord Ganapathi symbolises the presence of this temple but it also has idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The god devotees worship the lord with the offering of Unniyappam Udayasthamanapooja, Maha Ganapathi Homam, and Pushpanjali.

Things to do - Visit to Worship the Lord and nearby Kottukal Cave Temple.

Location - 25 Km from Kollam 

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - 4:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Best time to visit - You can visit at any time of the year.

A sight for enduring the magnanimous waterfall and a variety of wild animals. Located in the vicinity of the Konni forest area, the waterfall is popular among the travelers for its scenic and breathtaking sight. The sound of falling water and chirping birds will make you fall in love with the surrounding landscape. For such a pleasant and delightful experience, this place is worth visiting among other places to visit in Kollam. The cascade startles the sightseers with its colorful hues of descending stream from an altitude of 25 meters.

Things to do - Trekking, Visit nearby falls such as Manalar falls and Palaruvi falls, Konni forest area.

Location - Achankovil-Shencottah Road of Kollam district.

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Best time to visit - The most suitable time to visit is after monsoon i.e. from September to February.

The whitestream waterfall descending from the height of 300ft resembles the shape of a horse’s tail.

The stream of milk names the cascade as Palaruvi, which rushes down the mountain, giving a glorious view and is one of the top places to visit in Kollam. This enchanting surroundings breathes of the lush green forests, Kallad river, and some other minor watercourses. The roaring sound of the stream echoes in the quietness of the encircling forest, making this site incredible. The tourists experience the freshness of its water from the lower pool generated by a massive storm of the waterfall. Along with admiration of its alluring beauty, Palaruvi Falls also holds a sacred significance and is worshipped by local people.

Things to do - Palaruvi trek, Kurishumala Trek 

Location - Achankovil-Shencottah Road of Kollam district.

Price - Below 13 years of age - free; Above 13 years INR 10.

Timings - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Best time to visit - July to October.

An architectural wonder located on the banks of Ashtamudi lake, it is a blend of British, Dutch, and Portuguese architectural style. This heritage center reflects the glory of the princess reign and attracts tourists from different parts of the country. The beauty of this palace holds a magnificent view because of the lush green coconut plantation and palm trees' surroundings. Dwellers of the historical palace and scenic beauty must add this destination to their list of places to visit in Kollam route. Apart from the picturesque landscape, tourists are fascinated by the ecstatic experience of the nearby pristine lake and refreshing breeze.

Things to do - Picnic on the lawns of the palace, trekking to Sankhili forest.

Location - Kollam - Elamballoor Road, Palace Nagar, Thevally, Kollam

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Best time to visit - The most suitable time to visit is from March to May and October to February.

Paravur town in the Kollam district bears a small lake that merges with the backwaters of Kerala. Attracting a number of travelers, this lake embellishes the Keralan backwaters with perfection and serenity. Another real fascination in the region of Paravur lake is the Priyadarshini watercraft club. This watercraft club uncovers immense boating choices in the realm where the Arabian Sea, river, and the Kappil backwater merge. Travelers can fancy shopping at the stretch of Paravur-Edava-Varkala street, running along the bank of Paravur Lake.

Paravur Lake is additionally exceptionally famous Paravur Lake is around 4 kilometers far from Paravur town. Paravur-Edava-Varkala Street goes through the banks of Paravur Lake.

Furthermore, the mangroves standing along both sides of the lake intensifies its beauty, making it more attractive. Additionally, to admire the wide-ranging view of the lake, climb on to the mountains situated on the north and east of the place. This lake is popular and significant as it connects as a part of the Trivandrum-Shornaur Canal System to the Edava and Ashdamudi Kayal.

Things to do - Canoeing, Swimming.

Location - Paravur town, 13 km from Kollam.

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - 12:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Best time to visit - September to December.

The trading center of pepper, also known as Tangasseri fort, this heritage center of Kollam has a rich trade history and culture. Situated in East Tangasseri on the banks of the Arabian sea in Kerala, the fort is 50 feet high and faces the beach. The fort remains as one of the most important archaeological sites in Kollam, attracting tourists to visit this monument and unwind its historical trading link.

The rustic appearance and lush green surroundings of the fort makes it an excellent point for photography and mesmerises the travellers with its exquisite architecture. If you are a history lover, visit this fort to learn about the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British rulers.

Things to do - Photography, Unreveal the trading history.

Location - 8 km from Kollam

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Best time to visit - Explore the old-aged fort from September till the end of February.

A small magnificent island popularly known as the island of crows, it is a prime attraction for bird watchers. The beauty of the island enhanced by coconut trees and paddy fields is breathtaking and doesn’t miss a chance of enticing travelers, be it nature or food lovers. Speaking of food, the place serves a variety of food ranging from Kerala cuisine to seafood such as karimeen, crabs, and shrimp.

Furthermore, tourists enjoy the view of the setting sun and watching the sky hues, shifting its color from pale blue to crystal clear blue. The sole place in Kerala listed in Nat Geo's magazine for relishing the time of dusk.

Things to do - Broom making, Boating, Chinese net, Bird watching, Toddy tapping, Shinkari melam, Catnet fishing, Clam meat processing.

Location - 10 km from Kollam

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - open 24 hours

Best time to visit - Anytime of the year.

The museum represents the historical figure, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, famously known as the ‘Iron Man of India’. Tourists are fascinated to visit this museum to locate traces of the history and growth of the Indian police force. The museum holds arms and ammunition of the 18th and 19th century including bullets, guns, machines, and much more. Additionally, the place endures the unknown facts about Kerala Police force and information charts on DNA tests, human bones, fingerprints and snapshots of police dogs, etc.

Things to do - Walk down the trail of museum galleries to unreveal arts and crafts, antique masterpieces, artifacts, manuscripts, old oil paintings.

Location - 2 km from Kollam bus station.

Price - INR 10 for children and INR 20 for adults.

Timings - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, except Sundays.

Best time to visit - Anytime of the year.

The symbolic clock tower is considered as the heart of the city Kollam. The name Chinnakada is derived from China-Kada, meaning China bazaar. The tower faces four directions of the city with clocks on all sides, and the fascinating architectural design of the colonial era attracts the tourist to take a glance at the landmark of the city.

The clock tower has become a non-official symbol of Kollam and is the busiest part of the city where roads from Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Downtown, Sengottai, Ashramam, Kollam Beach, and the City bus stand meet.

Location - 0.5 km from Kollam railway station.

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - Open 24 hours.

Best time to visit - Anytime of the year.

A Hindu temple, devoted to goddess Durga Bhagavathy or Aadi Shakthi- popularly symbolised as the supreme mother of power. The tourists are attracted by its unique architecture, where the temple has no roof above the sanctum. The sole temple in India that holds a unique ritual of men getting dressed in female attire at the Kottankulangara Festival. The cross-dressing is encouraged not only by the local people but also by the tourists visiting during the annual festival. You can encounter men dressed as women who will be marching to the sanctuary holding traditional lamps as the lamp holds great significance in this temple. Devotees visit the sanctuary to look for the attributes of the goddess and give the offerings of payasam, aravana, iratti madhuram and ornaments, silks etc.

Location - 17 km from Kollam city center.

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - 5:00 am to 8:30 pm.

Best time to visit - Anytime of the year, Visit in mid of March to join the annual function.

The historic Roman Catholic church established by Portuguese in the city of Kollam is another tourist attraction point. This magnificent church endures spellbinding interiors, a vast compound and beautifully glass painted windows depicting the life of jesus. The main attraction of this church is one of the glass window paintings that showcases Christ sitting in the lotus position and meditating. The quiet abundance of the church besides its panoramic beauty is what makes a traveler's visit to this Roman Catholic church worth it.

Location - 8 km from Kollam city center.

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - Open 24 hours.

Best time to visit - Anytime of the year, Visit during christmas to enjoy the eve.

An adrenaline-rushing place for adventure-seeking travelers. The wildlife sanctuary tempts tourists with its scenic beauty and authentic nature’s aura. Kollam houses only this wildlife sanctuary, which is renowned for its biodiversity and beautiful landscape . It encloses activities such as jungle camping, trekking, jeep safaris, bird watching, etc. Travelers can hike to the trails of evergreen forest and camp at any one of the five camping sites within. Moreover, travelers come across a rare tree species called Chenkurunji while wandering across the forest.

Things to do - Trekking, bird watching, camping, boating and Jeep safari.

Location - 2 km from Kollam bus station.

Price - INR 7500 for 2 person.

Timings - Open 24 hours .

Best time to visit - October to February.

An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavati is situated in Paravur village on a small ant hill, known as Puttu. This temple in Kollam is one of the most sacred destinations for worship and celebrates the birth of the goddess every year in the month of Meenam- March or April. The story behind the temple fascinates travelers pulling them during the festive celebration to experience a massive firework show and a series of rituals.

Location - 20 km from Kollam railway station.

Price - No entry fee.

Timings - 5:00 am to 8:30 pm.

Best time to visit - Anytime of the year, Visit in the month of March or April to celebrate the festival.