Kollam Attractions

Sometimes, making a choice often turns out to be the most difficult thing one ever has to do, especially if there's a lot to choose from. And the spectacular town of Kollam will do the same to you once you land here or even read about it. But it's a problem you'll love facing because there's lots to see and marvel over. From the Thangassery Beach with water sports facilities to boating, trekking, cycling, and a tree house stay in Thenmala; from a tranquil ride in the backwaters of Alumkadavu to the beautiful village of Mayyanad and much more, Kollam has it all and is sure to provide the visitors with fun aplenty. Read through the lines below to know more about the spellbinding and awesome tourist attractions in Kollam.

Thangassery Beach & Lighthouse
Thangassery Beach, located 5 km from Kollam in a seaside village of historical importance, is one of the major attractions to visit. Near the beach are the leftovers of the Old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. However, the 144 m high Thangassery lighthouse, built in 1902, remains the centre of attraction and is open to visitors every day. Water sports, like scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, and catamaran riding are also present to delight adventure lovers.

Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi, derived from 'Ashta' meaning 'Eight' and 'Mudi' meaning 'Branch', is a lake known for merging of eight backwaters. In the 14th century AD, the Ashtamudi Lake was considered one of the five important ports used for Chinese trade. Today, it is known as the stairway to heavenly backwaters of Kerala and is a hub of houseboat cruises. The scenic beauty, coupled with sightings of animals, birds, and butterflies attracts thousands of visitors year around.

Police Museum
Sardar Vallabhai Patel Museum situated in Kollam district is a one-of-a-kind in India. The museum displays the developments of the police force in our country. Arms and ammunitions used in the 18th and 19th centuries - various guns, bullets, machines, and other weapons are to be spotted here. Apart from this, the museum houses various details and charts about the fingerprints, DNA tests, snaps, and medals awarded to policemen.

Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum
Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum, located in the Kollam district, was established in the memory of the father of Kathakali, Kottarakkara Thampuran. Dedicated to the popular art form Kathakali, various models of it, like costumes, ornaments, musical equipments, sculptures, and many other things are kept here on display.

Sasthamkotta Lake
Sasthamkotta Lake, situated 19 km from Kollam in the beautiful village of Sasthamkotta, is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala and serves the drinking water needs of about half a million people of the Kollam district. Surrounded by hills on all sides, Kollam is home to the popular Sasthamkotta Dharmasastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, which serves as an important pilgrim centre drawing many devotees on a daily basis.

Neendakara
About 8 km north of Kollam, Neendakara is the headquarters of Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community Project, established in 1953. The boat building yards at Sakthikulangara, the fishermen's training institute, the ice factory, and the refrigeration plant are the important institutions that come under this project. Also, located here is the hub of fishing activities, the Neendakara port.

Punalur
Situated 45 km north of Kollam, Punalur is the second largest town of the district and is one of the important industrial towns in Kerala. The 400-feet long concrete suspension bridge, built in 1877 by Albert Henry across the Kallada River, is the only one of its kind in the entire South India.

Alumkadavu Backwaters
Located about just 23 km from Kollam along the lakeside of Kollam-Alappuzha National Waterway is an ideal place to take a quiet and relaxing houseboat cruise with blue green stretches of backwaters and breezy green expanse of coconut and palm groves. And with hundreds of artisans seen working together to build a traditional houseboat, it is one of the definite places to pay a visit!

Mayyanad Village
Mayyanad is a beautiful village, situated 10 km south of Kollam District along the banks of Paravur Lake and along the coastal line of Arabian Sea. The village is an important fishing as well as pilgrim centre with several temples and shrines like Umayanallor, dedicated to Lord Subramanian, Valiyavila Temple, three churches, and a mosque. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Shankaracharya of Kaladi.

Thenmala
Boating, trekking, mountaineering, cycling, butterfly safari, gardens, musical dancing fountain, and sculpture garden - all packed in one fabulous destination, Thenmala. Thenmala is the first planned eco-tourism destination of India and attracts locals and foreign tourists alike. However, a tree house stay in the deer rehabilitation centre that's nearby is the focal point of places to be at.