You can choose from backwaters, beaches, waterfalls, wildlife and temples based on your interest. The ten places to visit in Kollam below span the district’s coast, hills and heritage.
1. Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi Lake is the second-largest lake in Kerala after Vembanad and covers about 61.4 sq km. It was designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance on 19 August 2002 and is the main gateway to Kollam’s backwaters.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Backwater lake, houseboat cruises and birdlife |
| Location | Kollam district, Kerala |
| Timings | Open through the day; houseboat operators set their own slots |
| Entry | No entry fee for the lakefront; boat and houseboat rides are charged |
| Things to do | Take a houseboat or canoe ride and watch backwater birdlife |
| Tip | Combine a lake cruise with a Munroe Island visit |
2. Thangasseri
Thangasseri is a coastal quarter of Kollam with Portuguese, Dutch and British history. Its lighthouse has operated since 1902 and stands about 41 metres (135 feet) tall, among the tallest on the Kerala coast.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Colonial-era lighthouse, fort ruins and beach |
| Location | Thangasseri, Kollam city |
| Timings | Beach open through the day; lighthouse has limited public hours |
| Entry | No fee for the beach; check the current lighthouse tariff |
| Things to do | Visit the lighthouse, fort ruins and Thangasseri beach |
| Tip | Time it for sunset over the Arabian Sea |
3. Kollam Beach
Kollam Beach, also called Mahatma Gandhi Beach, runs along the Arabian Sea near the city centre. It is a common spot for evening walks and sunsets.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Arabian Sea shoreline and sunsets |
| Location | Kollam city, near the town centre |
| Timings | Best in the late afternoon and evening |
| Entry | No entry fee |
| Things to do | Walk the shore and watch the sunset |
| Tip | Carry water, as there is limited shade at midday |
4. Palaruvi Waterfalls
Palaruvi Waterfalls drops about 91 metres (300 feet) in the Western Ghats at Aryankavu, in the district. Its name means stream of milk in Malayalam.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Western Ghats waterfall and forest setting |
| Location | Aryankavu, Kollam district (about 75 km from the city) |
| Timings | Daytime; strongest flow just after the monsoon |
| Entry | Check the current official tariff before visiting |
| Things to do | View the falls and walk the forest paths |
| Tip | Check water flow and safety after heavy rain |
5. Jatayu Earth’s Center
Jatayu Earth’s Center at Chadayamangalam holds the world’s largest bird sculpture, about 61 metres (200 feet) long, and opened in 2018. It sits at about 350 metres (1,150 feet) above sea level and has the only cable car in Kerala.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | World’s largest bird sculpture and hilltop views |
| Location | Chadayamangalam, Kollam district (about 38 km from the city) |
| Timings | Open daytime; check current park hours |
| Entry | Check the current official tariff and cable-car charges |
| Things to do | Ride the cable car and explore the sculpture and park |
| Tip | Allow half a day and book cable-car access on busy weekends |
6. Achankovil
Achankovil is a forest pilgrimage site in the district, home to the Achankovil Sastha Temple. It sits by the Achankovil river in the Western Ghats.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Forest temple and river setting |
| Location | Achankovil, in the district |
| Timings | Morning and evening darshan; check current hours |
| Entry | No entry fee |
| Things to do | Visit the temple and the riverside |
| Tip | Roads are forested and remote, so travel in daylight |
7. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary spans about 100 sq km in the Western Ghats near Thenmala. It sits within the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve and records elephants, birds and other Western Ghats wildlife.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Western Ghats forest and wildlife |
| Location | Thenmala, in the district |
| Timings | Daytime, subject to forest-department rules |
| Entry | Prior permission from the Kerala Forest Department is required |
| Things to do | Take guided nature and boating activities |
| Tip | Arrange permits and guides in advance through the forest department |
8. Paravur Lake
Paravur Lake sits where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea in the south of the district. It is used for boating and fishing.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Backwater lake near the sea |
| Location | Paravur, southern district |
| Timings | Open through the day |
| Entry | No entry fee; boat rides are charged |
| Things to do | Take a boat ride and watch the shoreline |
| Tip | Pair with a coastal drive along the southern district |
9. Rameshwaram Mahadeva Temple
Rameshwaram Mahadeva Temple in Thangasseri is an old Shiva temple in the city. It draws devotees for regular worship.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Shiva temple in the old quarter |
| Location | Thangasseri, Kollam city |
| Timings | Morning and evening worship; check current hours |
| Entry | No entry fee |
| Things to do | Attend darshan and see the temple |
| Tip | Combine with a Thangasseri lighthouse and beach visit |
10. Munroe Island
Munroe Island is a cluster of eight islets where Ashtamudi Lake meets the Kallada river, in the district. It is known for its backwater canals and coir-making villages.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Backwater islets, canals and village life |
| Location | Munroe Thuruth, near Ashtamudi Lake |
| Timings | Best in the morning for canal canoe rides |
| Entry | No entry fee; canoe and boat rides are charged |
| Things to do | Take a canal canoe ride and watch coir-making and birdlife |
| Tip | Reach by the Munroe Island railway halt or by road |
