Tourist Places in Kollam

South India's Kollam is a lovely location with a wide variety of tourist attractions that will fascinate you. The spice and cashew crops of the area were in high demand, and traders from many cultures including the Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British were eager to acquire some. Kollam was once such a thriving commercial hub. Visit some of the most popular Kollam tourist destinations for a wonderful journey to Kerala, God's Lovely Region.

• Kollam is most enjoyable to visit from October to
• December through January and May through June are Kollam's best seasons.
• Kollam Weather: Kollam's minimum temperature is 20°C, and its highest temperature is 36°C.

1. Jatayu's Earth Centre:

One of the many well-known locations in Kollam is Jatayupara Nature Park, which features the biggest bird sculpture in the world as its major attraction. The 65-acre rock-themed park Jatayu Earth's Center promotes mythology and adventure. There includes:

• A theatre.
• A computerized audio-visual room.
• A cable car.
• The Siddha Cave Healing Center.
• Timings: 30 am to 5.30 pm.

In this museum, visitors may utilize virtual reality to study Jatayu's history. Several adventure sports are present, including zip-lining, trekking, rappelling, valley crossing, paintball, laser tag, archery, bouldering, rock climbing, and air rifle shooting.

2. Thangassery Lighthouse:

The Thangassery Lighthouse, also known as the Tangasseri Light House, believes to be the second-highest on Kerala's whole shore and is one of the popular tourist destinations in Kollam. As a result, one of the most popular lighthouses in the state. The tower was built in 1902, is 41 meters (135 feet) tall, and has been used ever since. The massive tower stands out and is visible thanks to its painted red and white oblique stripes. It looks wonderful in all its splendour and majesty.

• Times: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; closed on Monday.

3. Palaruvi Falls

The English name for Palaruvi Waterfalls is "Stream of Milk." The shape of the white-stream waterfall, which is 300 feet in height and flows very rapidly, From June to January is the best time to visit this destination. It is India's 32nd-highest waterfall and is reputed to provide Ayurvedic benefits. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kollam because the surrounding forests and mist-covered mountains' peacefulness contrasts dramatically with the fall's thunderous sounds.

• Times: 8 am to 4 pm.

4. Sasthamkotta Lake:

The biggest lake and the first in Kerala is called Sasthamkotta, and a historic Sastha Temple is believed to have given the lake its name. Hills surround the primary source of drinking water for Kollam residents on three sides. The lake water is a freshwater supply because of the larva chaoborus (insect) in the water, which is in charge of eliminating germs from the lake water and making it safe for drinking. There is 27 type of fish that live in the lake. In this lake, you can go swimming and boating.

• Times: 24 hours, but 10 am to 6 pm is preferable.

5. Kollam Beach:

Kollam Beach doesn't need any introduction; it was chosen as Kerala's first "Beach Wedding Destination." There are many things to do in Kollam, but this beach is one of the prettiest and most attractive. This beach, known to some travellers as Mahatma Gandhi Beach, calms travellers with its lush greenery, peaceful backwaters, and various water sports. The Tangasseri Lighthouse, another prominent feature near the beach, is a lighthouse. The spiritual and cultural atmosphere at the beach is amazing and gives visitors fresh energy and motivation.

• The timeframe is from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

6. Ashtamudi Lake:

The words "Ashta," which means "eight," and "Mudi," which means "branch," are combined to form Ashtamudi Lake, a spectacular natural feature in Kerala. This name indicates that the lake has eight branches. It is Kerala's second-largest lake, and There are dense coconut and palm trees along the lake's shoreline. Chinese fishing nets are another well-known feature of the lake's shoreline. On Ashtamudi lake, backwater trips are another choice between Kollam and Alappuzha. The boat ride to the Munroe Islands is a fantastic adventure. Many resorts located around the lake provide a variety of water activities.

7. Thenmala:

The Western Ghats' foothills in the Kollam district, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are home to Thenmala, India's first planned eco-tourism destination. The name Thenmala translates as Honey Hill. The Parappar Dam crosses the Kallada River and is located in Thenmala. Thenmala forest honey is famous for its medicinal benefits. This location offers attractions such as winding walkways, the Sway Bridge, a theatre, musical fountains, boats, and more. On a mountain railway track to the east is the 13-arched Pathimoonam Kannara Bridge. Thenmala also has Deer Park as an attraction.

8. Mayyand:

Mayyanad is one of the top tourist destinations in Kollam since it is the centre of numerous well-known Hindu and Muslim temples and shrines. It is situated along the Arabian Sea's shoreline and the Paravur Lake's shores. It is 10 kilometres from Kollam and home to nine significant temples. The Subramanya temple in Umayanallor, which is reported to have received a blessing from Shri Shankaracharya of Kalladi, is the most significant of the nine temples there. An old mosque and numerous old churches are also available nearby. From Kollam to Mayyanad, buses run regularly.

9. Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls:

The Kumbhavurutty Waterfall, one of the well-known tourist attractions in Kollam, located in southern India, is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters that fall from tremendous heights. The Achankovil River contains a waterfall. The Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls, which are close to the Konni Forest Area, are among Kerala's most magnificent and stunning waterfalls. This beautiful location never fails to mesmerize tourists with its beautiful views and the beauty of the water falling from a height of 25 meters.

10. Sri Mahaganapathi Temple:

One of the popular pilgrimage sites in Kollam, this temple is famous among worshippers as a place of devotion and spirituality. Even though Lord Siva is the temple's main god, people often call it the Lord Ganapathy Temple because it is located in Kottarakkara, 25 kilometres from Kollam. The Kottarakkara Unniappam, a rare delicacy served as Prasadam, is the temple's claim to fame. Most visitors are attracted to this centuries-old temple by its attractive architecture. Even non-Hindus are welcome to enter this temple, where the family of Shiva lives, which is one of its most amazing features.

11. Thirumullavaram Beach:

An undiscovered beach in Kerala with golden sand surrounding crystal blue water is decorated by coconut and palm trees, creating a quiet and shaded area. The annual Karkidaka Vavubali tradition is what makes this beach so well-known. This beach, on the list of tourist attractions in Kollam, is great for morning and evening strolls while providing a stunning view of the sunsets. Swimming and sunbathing are both great activities at this beach. Near the shore lies the Mahavishnu Temple, which is worth visiting. The granite outcrop, known as the Sunday Rock, is another well-liked feature in this area.

12. Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary:

Do you want to spend some time with the creatures of nature? Visit the Shenduruny Wildlife Refuge. One of the best sites to visit in Kollam is in the Western Ghats of Kerala's Kollam district. Only this wildlife sanctuary, known for its vast range of animals and plants and stunning environment, is located in Kollam. It includes bird watching, vehicle excursions, walking, and camping in the bush. The Agasthyamalai biosphere reserve includes the sanctuary, and the sanctuary is located on a 26-square-kilometre artificial lake created by the Thenmala Dam.

13. Punalur:

Punalur, one of Kollam's most unique tourist destinations, provides a reviving experience and an Old World charm. Two words in Tamil and Malayalam are the source of the name Punalur. Punalur, which means "place of water," is named after the Tamil word "punal," which means "water," and the Malayalam word "ooru," which means "place." The iconic suspension bridge hangs over the Kallada, which runs directly through the city's centre. The "Pepper Village of Kerala" is Panalur. Shenthruni Forest, Palruvi, Courtallam Waterfalls, and the historic Pattazhi Devi Temple are some of the area's tourist attractions.

14. Kakkathuruthu:

The Kakkathuruthu Island in Alleppey's Vembanad Lake is small and beautiful. It is also referred to as the "Island of crows." It's a beautiful place to see birds. Some unique features that make Kakkathuruthu special are coconut trees, paddy fields, toddy tapping, fish farming, coir production, and traditional Kerala cuisines like appam, puttu, crab roast, shrimp fry, duck and hog meals with fresh catch from the backwaters. Additionally, tourists enjoy the sunset and the changing colours of the sky.

The only location in Kerala that National Geo magazine recommends for enjoying the sunset. Activities include creating brooms, boating, using Chinese nets, fishing using catnets, and processing clams.

15. Rameshwaram Temple:

This Kollam temple was built in the Pandian style architecture and is believed to have been there since the 12th century. The Natukotta Chettiar, a famous merchant caste and devotees of Lord Shiva, constructed four Shiva temples; this one is one of them. The statue of the mythical monster Vyala is an intriguing aspect of this temple. These inscriptions, which range from the 12th to the 16th century, are written in Tamil on many occasions. Every year in January or February, the annual temple celebration is held. One of Kollam's top tourist attractions is this one.

16. Munroe Island:

Munroe Island, 26 kilometres from Kollam and located at the intersection of the Astamudi Lake and the Kallada River, is named after the British resident of Travancore, Colonel Munroe. Munroe Island, sometimes referred to as Mundrothuruthu, is a beautiful and majestic inland island well recognized for its unique beauty and stunning views. This undiscovered gem consists of eight islands in total, each of which is divided by a lake or a tiny waterway. By boat, Munroe Island can be reached from Pattomthuruthu and Pezhumthuruthu Islands. Twice daily boat excursions are offered to the island. It is among the best of the well-known locations in Kollam.

17. Kollam Adventure Park:

The vast tourist area famous as Picnic Village has the 200-year-old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, the Tourism Boat Club, the Children's Traffic Park, and the Yatrinivas. The centre of entertainment for people of all ages is next to the government guest house in the Asramam Picnic Village, also known as Adventure Park. Because of the area's picturesque backwaters, tourists may enjoy picnics, luxury boating, and the art museum in Kollam, among other tourist attractions. The adventure park's major attractions include sculptures, an outdoor gym, a mangrove forest, boating, and a British residency.

18. Kottukkal Cave Temple:

On the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam MC Road, in the Kotthukkal village, is the stunning and tranquil Kottukkal Cave Temple, a rock-cut sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kottukal refers to a carved rock, also known as Kothiya Kallu. In Malayalam, the temple is also referred to as Kaltrikkovil. There are two caverns in this temple, the larger of which contains the Nandi Bull and the smaller one, Lord Hanuman. One can observe the idol of Lord Ganapathy between these caves. The temple, a superb example of the rock-cut building common during the sixth and eighth centuries (CE), is revered by both religious worshipers and historians of design.

19. Paravur Lake:

One of the well-known lakes in Kollam is Paravur Lake, also known as Paravur Kayal. The shimmering waters are a wonderful sight. Relatively a small lake, it is a great place for visitors to go for a day trip and enjoy the natural beauty. The mangroves that line the lake's edges increase its beauty and attraction. The Priyadarshini Watercraft Club is another prominent site in the Paravur Lake area. The most popular sports around here are swimming and surfing, followed by fishing, which needs permission from the local government. The Puthenkulam Elephant Village and neighbouring Puttingal Temple are the other top attractions in addition to the waters.

20. Kottankulangara Devi Temple:

The goddess Durga Bhagavathy, an embodiment of Ma Parvati, is worshipped in the Hindu temple Kottankulangara Devi Temple in Chavara. Its distinctive construction, in which the temple has no ceiling above the sanctuary, fascinates tourists. At the Kottankulangara Festival, the only temple in India executes a special ritual in which males dress as women (annual festival). Many young ladies enter the temple at night in a lengthy procession while holding lit lamps, offering payasam, aravana, and iratti madhuram, as well as jewellery, silks, and other items. This special ritual is known as "Chamaya Vilakku." St. Andrews Church, Kovilthottam Beach & Lighthouse, and other attractions can be found in and near Chavara.

21. Thevally Palace:

On the shores of Ashtamude Lake stands Trevally Palace, a location of significant historical significance. Its most distinctive feature is the palace's unique combination of Dutch, English and Portuguese architectural traditions. It will take you to the quaintness of the past. The surrounding lush green coconut plantation and palm trees give this palace's splendour a stunning look. One of Kollam's top historical attractions in this architectural marvel.

22. Oachira:

The Oachira, a tourist destination recognized for attracting many tourists, is located on the Kollam-Alappuzha route. The famous Parabrahma temple, devoted to global awareness, is the only deity or idol at this well-known pilgrimage site, making it special. The two biggest yearly festivities are Oachira Kali in mid-June and the twelve-day Panthrandu Vilakku in November/December. The Puranas claim that this magnificent temple is among the most respected and well-known locations in Kerala or even the entire nation.

23. Pathanapuram:

Pathanapuram is one of the important trading locations in the Kollam District. Pathanapuram, situated on the edge of the river Kallada, is one of Kollam's well-known tourist destinations. The Chandanakkudam Mahotsavam festival, held in the neighbourhood throughout February and March, is its biggest attraction. Pathanapuram is known for its industrial operations, including brick making and bamboo weaving, as well as certain livestock activities like dairying, poultry, goat, and chicken farming. The real attraction of this location is the growth of rubber and spices.

24. Aryankavu Sastha Temple:

One of the 108 Sastha temples in the Indian state of Kerala is the Hindu temple called Aryankavu Sastha Temple. It is one of Lord Ayyappa five Sastha's significant temples in Kerala. The temple is called Ariankavu or Aryankavu because Lord Ayappa is worshipped here in his teenage avatar as Tiru Aryan. The two biggest holidays celebrated here are Mandala Pooja and Tirukalyanam in December. The mural paintings that are hung on the pillars and walls excite visitors. In addition, tourists may visit the Palaruvi waterfalls, which are located 5 kilometres from Aryankavu.

25. Thomas Fort:

St. Thomas Fort, commonly known as Thangassery Fort, is situated on Thangassery Beach along the Arabian Sea Shores in the city of Kollam. It is a famous pepper trading hub with a long commercial tradition. The fort remains one of Kollam's most significant archaeological sites, attracting tourists to see the structure and learn more about its earlier commercial relations.

The fort is a great location for photography because of its rustic look and lush surroundings, and tourists are mesmerized by its superb creation. Visit this fort if you enjoy history and want to learn more about the Portuguese, Dutch, and British kings.

26. Anandavalleeswaram Temple:

One of the well-known temples in Kollam is the Anandavalleswaram temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. One of Kerala's oldest temples, it's a fantastic tourist destination.

The temple is called "Anandavalleswaram" because Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are delighted, according to the tradition behind its name. The worshippers find calm here, while tourists are entranced by its beauty and tranquillity.

27. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum:

The Kerala police forces are honoured, and their history and progress are traced in the Sardar Vallabhai Patel Police Museum. The museum has a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, famous as the "Iron Man of India".

The Martyrs Gallery, which houses police collections of weapons and ammunition from the 18th and 19th centuries, including bullets, firearms, machines, and much more, is one of this city's most well-known sights. The location also has informational charts on DNA testing, human bones, fingerprints, photographs of police dogs, and untold secrets about the Kerala Police force.

• The museum is open daily except for Sundays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

28. Chinnakada Clock Tower:

The Clock Tower is a well-known landmark in Kollam town and is situated near Chinnakada. The centre of the city of Kollam is recognized as being here. The tower faces the city's four directions and has clocks on every side, attracting tourists because of its unique colonial-era architectural style.

The city's busiest area is where the highways from Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Downtown, Sengottai, Ashramam, Kollam Beach, and the City bus station connect. The clock tower has become a non-official icon of Kollam.

29. Kollam Pooram - Sri Krishna Temple:

Every April, Sri Krishna Temple celebrates the well-known 10-day Kollam Pooram festival. The event begins with raising a flag, and the deities of local temples are taken to the Krishna Temple upon 58 gorgeously dressed elephants to offer honour to Lord Krishna. Cherupooram is the name of this ceremony.

Every day of the event has a Kathakali performance. The Kudamattam event is luxuriously celebrated on the festival's final day. Thousands of devotees gather on the temple grounds to see this magnificent spectacle.

30. Rosemala:

Rosemala is a well-kept secret in Kerala and is kept in the charming, natural forests of the Shenduruney forests. The valley, situated in the Aryanvaku neighbourhood of the Kollam district, resembles the expanding flowers of a rose, therefore the name.

The place's unique selling point is that you can only get there after a 10-kilometre forest adventure. A lake and a watchtower are the key features in this region, which has beautiful surroundings. It truly is one of Kollam's most picturesque locations. The lovely valley is a mesmerizing destination to explore and is abundant with nature's wealth.