10 Best Places to Visit in Kollam
10 Best Places to Visit in Kollam with your family or friends or for couples. Kollam, a charming coastal district in Kerala, is renowned for its scenic backwaters, especially the beautiful Ashtamudi Lake, which attracts lakhs of visitors for houseboat cruises. Kollam also very famous for cashew industry, Cashew continues to be exported to countries such as the USA, the UK, Netherlands, the UAE, France, Canada, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Japan and so on. Kollam is the ideal place to see the cashew industry at close and ecotourism destinations like Thenmala, making it a popular spot for travelers.
1. Ashtamudi Lake
The Ashtamudi, the name derived from 8 channel, ashta means eight. Known for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises, offering scenic views and a peaceful experience. It is the entrance to the famous backwaters of Kerala and the houseboat rides here are extremely famous. The Kollam to Alappuzha route is considered among the best houseboat routes.
2. Kollam Beach
A popular beach known for its golden sands and calm waters, perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset. The magnificent Arabian Sea that stretches unendingly to the horizon makes for a beautiful sight and walk along the coast to explore the nearby fishing hamlets. The park near the beach offers many thrilling rides for kids. Kollam beach also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach.
3. Thangasseri Light House
Thangasseri, locally known as ‘gold village,’ was once a flourishing trade centre. This sea- side town was called ‘Dutch Quilon’ by the British. A historic Thangasseri lighthouse provides panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding coastline, it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in Kerala. The lighthouse was built in 1902, stands 144 ft. high.
4. Thenmala
Thenmala is for those who love to explore nature. This is the first planned eco-tourism destination in India. It spreads over ten eco-tourism spots that cover the hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts. Trekking, boating, tenting, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling and river crossing are some of the activities for adventure enthusiasts.
5. Palaruvi Waterfalls
Palaruvi, Pal means milk, as its name suggests, the waterfall resembles a milky stream gushing down a rocky terrain. The site of the waterfall serves as a perfect picnic spot with the surrounding lush green forest. It offers a view of the pictorial mountains, and provides a chance for a refreshing dip in the waters.
6. Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, the only wildlife sanctuary in Kollam is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, located near Thenmala, this sanctuary is rich in biodiversity and offers trekking trails, a lake, and the opportunity to spot various animals and birds. The endangered lion-tailed Macaque can be seen in these forests. Idimuzhanganpara, Pallivasal, Rockwood, Kurunthottivalavu, and Lake View and Kalamkunnu are the five camping sites in the sanctuary.
7. Jatayu Earth’s Center
A unique adventure park featuring the world’s largest bird sculpture, depicting the mythical bird Jatayu, popular belief has it that the vulture-king mentioned in the epic Ramayana fell on this rocky hill when Ravana sliced off its wing during an aerial combat as Jatayu tried to prevent the abduction of Sita. The 60ft tall, 150 ft. broad and 200 ft. long figure of the fallen bird stands as a symbol of valour and sacrifice.
8. Munroe Island
Munroe Island is located about 27 km from Kollam town. The island, formed by the backwaters of the Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River, offering canoe tours, village walks, and backwater cruises and also known for its mangrove forests and lagoons. The island is named in honour of Resident Colonel John Munroe, a native of Scotland, who served as the Diwan of Travancore. Munroe Island is composed of a cluster of eight islands, each of them separated by small water channels and lakes.
9. Alamukadavu
Alumkadavu in Karunagapally is the birthplace of Kettuvallam (traditional barge with overarching roof), If you are lucky, you can see Kettuvallams being constructed using wood and coir fibers. The boat manufacturing unit is believed to have been set up here for very long time. To spend an holiday head to Alumkadavu, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
10. Neendakara Port
A major fishing harbor and scenic spot to watch fishing boats and enjoy fresh seafood. The port offers insights into Kerala’s vibrant fishing industry. Its is 8 kilometer from Kollam. From Neendakara bridge, one gets a beautiful vantage point to view the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the sea.
