Top Tourist Attractions in Kollam (Quilon), Kerala – Beaches, Backwaters & Temples

Kollam, also known by its historic name Quilon, is one of Kerala’s oldest port cities. Located on the Malabar Coast, this scenic destination is rich in backwaters, beaches, temples, and colonial-era history. Known as the gateway to Kerala’s magnificent backwater tourism, Kollam offers a blend of natural beauty, spiritual centers, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism.

Here’s a complete guide to the top tourist attractions in Kollam, ideal for families, solo travelers, and nature lovers alike.

---

🌊 1. Ashtamudi Lake

• The second-largest lake in Kerala, Ashtamudi is the soul of Kollam’s backwater tourism.

• Enjoy a houseboat cruise or canoe ride through coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets.

• The lake flows into the Arabian Sea, creating a unique lagoon ecosystem.

---

🏖️ 2. Kollam Beach (Mahatma Gandhi Beach)

• A clean and peaceful stretch of golden sand along the Arabian Sea.

• Ideal for evening walks, sunsets, and beach photography.

• The nearby Tangasseri Lighthouse adds colonial charm and panoramic views.

---

🛕 3. Thirumullavaram Beach & Temple

• A serene beach perfect for swimming and local rituals.

• Famous for the Thirumullavaram Sree Maha Vishnu Temple, one of Kollam’s ancient temples.

---

🌿 4. Thenmala Eco-Tourism

• Located about 66 km from Kollam, Thenmala is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination.

• Activities include:

  • Forest trekking

  • Butterfly safari

  • Suspension bridge

  • Boating and adventure parks

---

🚢 5. Adventure Park, Ashramam

• A beautiful riverside park near the lake with boating, gardens, and kids' play areas.

• It also hosts the Kollam Boat Race and various cultural events.

---

🕌 6. Jatayu Earth’s Center (Jatayupara)

• Located about 38 km from Kollam.

• Home to the world’s largest bird sculpture of Jatayu from the Ramayana.

• Adventure zone includes rock climbing, ziplining, and rope activities.

---

🌴 7. Munroe Island

• A hidden gem formed by the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River.

• Known for its canal cruise, rural Kerala life, and coir-making heritage.

---

🏞️ 8. Palaruvi Waterfalls

• "Stream of Milk" in Malayalam, this 300-ft tall waterfall is a picturesque monsoon wonder.

• Ideal for trekking, swimming, and family picnics.

---

🛕 9. Sree Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple

• A spiritually significant Hindu temple known for its Ganapathy Vada.

• Located in Kottarakkara, a key pilgrimage stop near Kollam.

---

🌅 10. Sasthamcotta Lake

• Largest freshwater lake in Kerala, surrounded by hills and palm trees.

• The lake is sacred and supports a monkey sanctuary at the nearby Sastha temple.

---

🏛️ 11. Rameshwara Temple

• One of the oldest temples in South India, with inscriptions from the 12th century.

• A rare blend of Kerala and Dravidian architecture.

---

🚆 How to Reach Kollam

• By Air: Nearest airport is Trivandrum (around 70 km away).

• By Train: Kollam Junction is a major railhead with good connectivity.

• By Road: Well-connected via National Highway 66.

---

📅 Best Time to Visit Kollam

• October to March is ideal for sightseeing, boat rides, and nature tours.

• June to September (monsoon) is best for waterfall lovers and greenery.

---

🛍️ Shopping in Kollam

• Buy coir products, cashew nuts, traditional Kerala lamps, and handloom textiles.

• Visit Pullichira Church, an ancient Portuguese church, if you enjoy colonial history.

---

🙋‍♂️ Top 10 FAQs about Tourist Attractions in Kollam (Quilon)

1. What is Kollam famous for?
Kollam is known for its backwaters, Ashtamudi Lake, cashew industry, temples, and eco-tourism.

2. Is Kollam worth visiting?
Yes! Kollam offers a mix of beaches, lakes, waterfalls, temples, and heritage.

3. What are the best places to visit in Kollam for families?
Kollam Beach, Adventure Park, Ashtamudi Lake, and Thenmala Eco-Tourism.

4. Can I take a houseboat ride in Kollam?
Yes, Ashtamudi Lake offers stunning houseboat cruises.

5. What is the best time to visit Kollam?
October to March for pleasant weather and activities.

6. What is Thenmala famous for?
India’s first eco-tourism project, known for nature walks, boating, and rope adventures.

7. Where is Munroe Island located?
About 27 km from Kollam, it’s a scenic island village ideal for canal cruises.

8. Are there good beaches in Kollam?
Yes. Kollam Beach, Thirumullavaram Beach, and Tangasseri Beach are popular.

9. How far is Kollam from Trivandrum?
Approximately 70 km by road or train.

10. Are there waterfalls near Kollam?
Yes. Palaruvi Waterfalls is around 75 km from Kollam and a must-visit.

---

📝 Conclusion

Kollam (Quilon), Kerala, is truly a complete travel destination, offering everything from pristine backwaters and palm-lined beaches to ancient temples, waterfalls, and eco-tourism adventures. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, spiritual connection, family outing, or nature exploration, Kollam has something for everyone.

So, when you plan your next Kerala holiday, don’t forget to include Kollam – the coastal treasure trove of God’s Own Country.

Quilon (Kollam) Tourism - An Exciting Kerala Vacation

 Quilon (Kollam) Tourism - Is Meant For Exciting Kerala Vacation 

Kollam's ancient name is Thondis and it is the headquarters of the Kollam District. It also known as Quilon is the fourth largest city of Kerala. This popular tourist destination is the capital of erstwhile Venad and forms the southern gateway of the Kerala backwaters. It is situated 71 km from the capital of Kerala, 

Thiruvananthapuram, and lies on the shores of Ashtamudi Lake. The city has been a focal trading point since the Chera Monarchy in southern Kerala and today it is world renowned for the occupations of cashew processing and coir manufacturing. The name of the city has been derived from the Sanskrit word Kollam that means pepper. It is also a major business and commercial centre in the region of central Travancore, Kerala. 

The Kollam Port also known as the Thankasseri Port, which is the second largest port of Kerala is situated here. Along with this, there are also two fishing harbours present in the city namely Neendakara and Shakthikulangara, out of which the Neendakara is one of the busiest fishing harbours of South Kerala. Kollam is a major sea trading destination since ancient times due to the presence of the Kodungallur Seaport on the Malabar Coast. It obtained its reputation of a commercial hub since the days of the Phoenicians and Ancient Rome.

'Pliny the Elder' mentions that Greek ships imbedded at Muziris and Nelcynda. Along with these ports, a land route also led from the Western Ghats of the city that together with the ports was used for trading spices, pearls, diamonds and silk. The city is also a centre of learning and culture and has been a home to several scholars from different parts of Sothern India. The famous literary works namely Leelathilakam and Unnuneeli Sandesam are a contribution of the literary work of Kollam, of the 14th century. The Kathakali dance as well as its new version, the Ramanattam is also the creation of Kottarakkara Thampuran that has been translated from Sanskrit to Malayalam. The famous poet and playwright, K.C. Kesava Pillai also composed a musical play in Malayalam through his work Sadarma.

The boat rides through the backwaters of Kollam are the most popular attraction. The Ashtamudi Lake surrounds the Kollam town. Another popular attraction is the Thangassery Light House, which is 144 feet high and was built in 1902. Ananda Valleswaram Temple, Mahatma Gandhi at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram Beach and Ashramam Picnic Village are other popular places. There are numerous churches and mosques in Kollam including Pullichira Church built in 1700 AD and Chinnakkada Palli. 

What to See....

Amritapuri: It is the main headquarters of the Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram, is a major pilgrimage centre of the district. The Sastha temple at Achencoil, Aryankavu Sastha temple, Rameshwara temple, Subramanya temple at Mayyanad and Mahavishnu temple are other major pilgrimage sites.

Kulathupuzha: Kulathupuzha on the main Thiruvananthapuram-Shencottah Road is also famous for an ancient Sastha temple.

Vishnu Mahotsavam celebrations during the months of April and May, is very popular at the temple. Another attraction in the district is the Thangassery, a seaside village with an Old Portuguese Fort and ancient churches constructed in the 18th century.

How to reach....

Nearest Airport - The nearest airport from Kollam is Trivandrum International Airport, situated about 71 km from the town of Kollam.

Road Connectivity - Kollam is on the well serviced Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam-Alappuzha-Ernakulam bus route. You can also take the KSRTC service.

Boat - There are public services across Ashtamudi Lake to the villages of Guhanadapuram, Muthiraparam or Peruman. The daily ATDC and DTPC tourist boats to Alappuzha can be booked at various hotels around town.

Lakes in Kerala, Kerala Lakes,Ashtamudi Lake, Punnamada Lake, Vembanadu Lake

Lakes in Kerala 

Lakes in KeralaThe rivers, streams and lakes flowing through Kerala make the state a paradise on earth. A number of small streams make water bodies locked from all sides. Such water bodies slowly transform themselves into big lakes. Lakes in Kerala flow quietly and stagnate at a place. However, these are always streamed in with fresh water from small rivulets or by the rains. These lakes almost touch the soul of every visitor, with their serene placidity. These lakes are bounded on all sides with fringes of palm and coconut trees and a number of other types of vegetation.

Kerala can be denoted as a land of lakes and rivers, as it is blessed with 34 lakes which are always filled with sparkling water, which is sapphire or bright green in color. Along with lakes, the state also boasts of having 49 rain-fed rivers with tributaries and distributaries curving through the land each traversing their own path. It is desired by every visitor to take a houseboat and leisure on these tranquil waters. Water sports are common to be found on these lakes. These are also famous because of numerous boat races held during the annual festivals.

Lakes in Kerala

Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam is one of the largest and deepest wetland ecosystems. The lake is shaped like a palm tree or as it is referred mostly by the locals as an octopus. Ashtamudi literally means eight coned in Malyalam. The name of the lake points towards the branched topography of the lake.

Punnamada Lake
Punnamada Lake is a part of the Vembenad Lake which is India’s longest lake and the biggest lake in Kerala. The lake spans to a number of districts in Kerala. Hence, it is called by different names at different parts of Kerala for e.g. Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, Kochi Lake in Kochi etc. The Port of Kochi is located around two islands the Willingdon Island and Vallarpadam which lie in this lake, but the lake is called Kochi Lake in this part of Kerala.

Vembanadu Lake
Vembanadu Lake has the privilege to be called the longest lake in India and the largest in Kerala. The lake is such big that it spans to a number of districts, the lake is such big that it is even called by different names at different localities and districts. As this is the longest lake in Kerala the much celebrated Nehru Trophy Boat Race is also conducted on a major portion of this lake. The race is conducted at Kuttanad region where the Lake is known as Punnamada Lake.

Akkulam Lake
Akkulam Lake is a serene and peaceful picnic spot in Kerala. The splendor of the lake is enhanced when it is added on with the scenic beauty of the surrounding Western Ghats. Water sports are a good option to relax yourself if you are visiting this lake. Boating is the most popular water sport which can be enjoyed in Akkulam Lake. This is a prime picnic spot for both domestic and international tourists.

Mananchira
Mananchira is a manmade freshwater lake, which is situated at the centre of the city of Kozhikode (Calicut). It is rectangular in shape and is watered by a natural spring. The lake was earlier built as a bathing pool by Zamorin Mana Vikrama, who used to be the feudal ruler of Kozhikode in 14th century. The laterite which was obtained after excavating the pool was used to build two palaces at the east and west end of the pool. The water of the lake is kept entirely for drinking purpose.

Veeranpuzha
Veeranpuzha Lake is located in Cochin district of Kerala. This is a part of the northern extension of Vembanad Lake. Vembanad Lake itself is called Veeranpuzha in Vyppen Island. The place is devoid of any human habitation. The main reason behind its being devoid of human settlement is the non-availability of fresh water.

Vellayani Lake
Vellayani Lake, or Vellayani Kayal as it is better known in Kerala, is the largest fresh water lake in Trivandrum. It is best to visit the lake on moonlit nights, as the rays of the moon are reflected from the surface of the placid water of the lake. One must visit the lake during the festival of Onam to witness the boat race which is organized in many parts of Kerala, including here.

Paravur Kayal
Paravur Kayal is comparatively a much smaller lake than its other counterparts in Kerala. It occupies an area of just 6.62sqkm. The lake is the end point of the Ithikkara River, and is watered by the river too. The lake was linked to Edava Kayal and Ashtamudi Kayal as division of the Trivandrum - Shoranur canal scheme since the late 19th century.

Sasthamkotta Lake
Sasthamkotta Lake is also categorized by the modern geologists as a wetland ecosystem. This is considered as the largest fresh water lake in Kerala. The lake caters to the drinking water needs of the half a million people of the Quilon district and also doubles as providing fishing resources to the people here. The lake is a habitat for a large number of Avifauna and Aqua Fauna.

Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake is one of the largest lakes of Kerala. The lake is nestled between the lush greens of the forests, which surround this lake. There have been recent modernizations to beautify this place. The natives sell natural hand made items here which are made up of fibers like jute or bamboo.