Kollam, formerly known as Quilon, is one of the oldest port cities located in the southern state of Kerala, India. It is famed for its rich history, trade culture, natural beauty, and the majestic Ashtamudi Lake that converges with the Arabian Sea. If you are planning a visit to Kollam, here is a detailed guide on the places to visit and experiences to cherish.
Ashtamudi Lake
Spanning a vast area, Ashtamudi Lake is the second-largest and deepest wetland ecosystem in Kerala. It is named after its unique 8-armed shape. A houseboat cruise on Ashtamudi is one of the most serene and picturesque experiences you can have in Kollam. You can witness the daily life of the locals living along the banks, glimpse a variety of birds, and enjoy the tranquility of the backwaters.
Thangassery Light House
Standing tall at 144 feet, the Thangassery Light House, built by the British in 1902, offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the city's coastline. The area around the lighthouse is sprinkled with remnants of Portuguese and Dutch architecture, reflecting the colonial history of Kollam.
Thirumullavaram Beach
A serene and less crowded beach compared to other beaches in Kerala, Thirumullavaram is an ideal spot for those seeking peace and solitude. It’s a perfect place to witness the sunrise or sunset, and the shallow waters here make it suitable for swimming.
Palaruvi Waterfalls
Literally meaning "stream of milk", Palaruvi is one of Kerala’s most beautiful waterfalls. It cascades down from a height of 300 feet and is a great spot for picnics and trekking.
Munroe Island
Named after Colonel John Munroe, the island is located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. It’s famous for its canal cruises where one can navigate through narrow waterways, see traditional coir making, and experience the quiet rural life.
Jatayu Earth’s Center (Jatayu Nature Park)
Though slightly outside of Kollam, this park is home to the world’s largest bird sculpture, which depicts Jatayu, a mythical eagle from the Indian epic Ramayana. The park offers a range of adventurous activities like paintball, laser tag, archery, and rifle shooting.
Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
A part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, this sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot. It offers a wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna and is a great spot for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Rameshwara Temple
This ancient temple showcases Pandyan architectural style and is adorned with impressive carvings and murals. The temple is a significant cultural and religious spot in Kollam.
Kollam Beach
Also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach, this is a favorite among locals and tourists for its beautiful location and park adjacent to the beach. The Kollam Beach also features a marine aquarium.
Adventure Park and Picnic Village
Located along the shores of the Ashtamudi backwaters, this park provides entertainment for families with boat rides, a children's traffic park, and a playground.
Thevally Palace
Thevally Palace is an architectural marvel from the period of the Travancore Kingdom. It’s located on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake and holds a great historical significance.
Sasthamkotta Lake
Also known as the Queen of Lakes, Sasthamkotta Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is situated on its banks.
Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple
This temple is an example of rock-cut architecture from the 6th or 7th century. It houses deities such as Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman and is surrounded by paddy fields, adding to its allure.
Kulathupuzha
Renowned for the Sastha Temple on the banks of the Kulathupuzha river, this place is also known for its fish hatchery and is part of the Thenmala ecotourism project.
Mayyanad
It is noted for its shrines and temples, the most important of which is the Subramanya Temple said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya.
Paravur
It’s known for its beautiful lakes, beaches, and backwaters. Paravur is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of beach and backwater experiences.
Kollam Fest
If you're visiting during the festive season, Kollam Fest is an event that showcases the culture, heritage, art, and cuisine of the region.
Local Cuisine
While in Kollam, you should indulge in the local cuisine, especially the seafood. The town is known for its fresh catch and traditional Kerala dishes.
Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple
This temple is famous for its unique depiction of Lord Ganapathy and the origin place of the classical art form Kathakali.
Picnic Spots
There are several picnic spots around Kollam, such as Thenmala, which is India’s first planned ecotourism destination, and Alumkadavu, where you can see the traditional construction of Kettuvallams (houseboats).
Cultural Centers
To experience the rich cultural tapestry of Kollam, visiting cultural centers like the Kathakali clubs and the Kollam Performing Arts Centre is a must.
Shopping in Kollam
For shopping enthusiasts, the markets in Kollam offer a variety of goods from spices to gold and silver articles. Cashew nuts, an important local product, can be bought from the many outlets around the city.
Ayurvedic Treatments
Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic treatments, and Kollam has several authentic Ayurvedic centers offering wellness treatments and massages.
Religious Harmony
Kollam is also a place where different religions harmoniously co-exist. Visiting the various mosques, churches, and temples will give you a sense of the cultural diversity of the place.
Kollam’s charm lies in its natural beauty, quiet backwaters, untouched beaches, historical significance, and cultural vibrancy. Each of these places adds a unique flavor to the Kollam experience, catering to a wide range of interests from nature lovers and history buffs to spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts. When planning a trip to Kollam, make sure to allocate enough time to truly soak in the splendor of each location and engage with the local culture for an unforgettable experience.
Kerala
Kerala is a state located in the southwestern region of India. Known as "God"s Own Country," Kerala is renowned for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse cuisine. The state is known for its palm-lined beaches, backwaters, and network of canals, which make it a popular destination for tourists. Kerala"s capital is Thiruvananthapuram, and its official language is Malayalam.The state"s economy is largely driven by agriculture, tourism, and remittances from Keralites working abroad. The state has a high literacy rate and is known for its progressive social policies, including the implementation of the first democratically elected communist government in the world in 1957.
Wayanad
Wayanad, a very beautiful district in The State of Kerala, India, is shining a west-ghato-decorated Wayanad, where after a visit you feel stress relief and a healthy body being agile. It is also a famous tourist destination because of its geographical location.. Wayanad is one of the tourist destinations in India where you must go. Paddy cultivation is the highest here. People also call it 'Green Paradise'