World India Kerala Kollam

Kollam , Kerala

Type of Destination
Beaches, Backwaters, Scenic, Ayurveda, Adventure, President's Boat Race
Languages Spoken
Malalayam, English
Ideal Trip Duration
1-2 Day
Kollam Altitude
16m

Best time to visit Kollam

Nearby railway stations

Airports near Kollam

India Kerala Kollam

About Kollam

"Once you see Kollam, you will not need your home anymore." - This is an old tag attached to Kollam, a coastal city of Southern Kerala.

Swarms of tourists come down to the palm-shaped Ashtamudi Lake of Kollam every year. With luxury houseboats, traditional Chinese fishing nets, lofty coconut trees and thatched toddy shops along the banks, the brackish backwaters are bound to give you warm fuzzies.

Kollam has a diverse history as a port city. It was important in the Chera regime until the 9th century. From 825 AD, it became the capital of Venad. There were trade links with China and Marco Polo who visited in 1292. During colonial times, both the Portugese and the British had an influence on Kollam. Since 1949 the city has been a major hub in Kerala. It is one of those cities that have been mentioned in the famous traveler Ibn Batuta.

Kollam occupies the biggest portion of backwaters, streams, rivers, lakes, mountains, plains, forests, fields and tropical crops in Kerala. The people's main livelihood comes from cashew processing and coir production. It is also famous for its clay tile manufacture.

Thenmala, a pristine ecotourism destination, 62 km from the town centre, offers trekking, boating, mountain biking, rock climbing, river crossing and other adventure activities. Kollam beach, Monroe Island, Tangasseri Light House, Portugese Cemetery, Njarazhcha Para and Paravur Lake are some of the other attractions that you don't want to miss. The local cuisine spiced with pepper, cinnamon and ginger and pepped up with coconut is a must try.

Incidentally it is also the only city to have a water sport competition where the President sponsors the trophy. The President's Trophy Boat Race is an annual affair where large numbers of snake boats participate in a race on the Ashtamudi Lake. One should and see this magnificent event in Kollam, it is a lifetime experience!

The best time to visit Kollam is from August to March when the climate is relatively cooler and less humid.

3.5 ( 1 )

Location & Places to Visit on Kollam Map

View destinations and attractions nearby Kollam, on an interactive map.

Show on Map

Freedom to make your own trip!

What you want, when you want and how you want.

Request a trip

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kollam

Between 0 to 100 kms of Kollam
All Categories
Adventure
Hills
Jungle
Beaches
Art & History
Religious
Total Attractions: 25
Sort by

Kollam Tours & Activities

Total Activities: 4

Kollam travel tips & reviews

Rate this destination

Got an insider’s tip that might help a fellow traveller? Do share it.

Post a Kollam Tip or Review
POST

Other travellers left Kollam reviews and tips for you

Be the first to give a tip or leave a comment

Get trip inspirations, offers and more.

In The News