Top Sights

Based on traveller visits and local insights
Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi Lake

Peaceful backwater lake with houseboats

Ashtamudi Lake, in the Kollam District of the Indian state of Kerala, is the most visited backwater and lake in the state. It possesses a unique wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped water body, second only in size to the Vembanad estuary ecosystem of the state. Ashtamudi means 'eight braids' in the local Malayalam language. The name is indicative of the lake's topography with its multiple branches. The lake is also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is well known for its houseboat and backwater resorts. Ashtamudi Wetland was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. Along both banks of the lake and its backwater canals, coconut groves and palm trees interspersed with towns and villages are seen. Kollam, is an important historic port city located on the right bank of the lake. Boat cruises are operated by the Kollam Boat Club from Kollam to Alappuzha providing transport access to many other towns and villages along this route. Luxury houseboats also operate on the lake. Wikipedia

Kollam Beach
Kollam Beach

Hangout with fishing boats & a park

Kollam Beach, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach, is a beach at Kollam city in the Indian state of Kerala. Kollam Beach is the first 'Beach Wedding Destination' in Kerala. The beach also features a park of international standard, the Mahatma Gandhi Park, which was inaugurated on 1 January 1961 by the then Vice President of India, Zakir Hussain. Kollam beach is one among the few beaches in Kerala with a lifeguard outpost. Lifeguards were stationed at the beach from 2005. As of July 2015 Kovalam, Kollam is one among the three beaches in south Kerala with lifeguard outposts. Wikipedia

Thirumullavaram Beach
Thirumullavaram Beach

Peaceful beach with coconut palms

Thirumullavaram Beach, is one of the popular beaches in the city of Kollam and a tourist destination in the state of Kerala. The beach is situated at Thirumullavaram, an important neighbourhood of Kollam city. The beach is very famous for conducting the Karkidaka Vavubali rituals. Thousands of devotees arrive on the beach to perform the Vavubali Tharpanam every year. It is one of the most attractive beaches located in South India. Wikipedia

Thangassery Light House
Thangassery Light House

Lighthouse and beach

Tangasseri Lighthouse or Thangassery Lighthouse is situated at Tangasseri in Kollam city of the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the two lighthouses in the Kollam Metropolitan Area and is maintained by the Cochin Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships. In operation since 1902, the cylindrical lighthouse tower painted with white and red oblique bands has a height of 41 metres, making it the second tallest lighthouse in Kerala coast. Tangasseri Lighthouse is one of the most visited lighthouses in Kerala. Wikipedia

Thevalli Palace
Thevalli Palace

Architecture and palace

Thevally Palace or Thevalli Palace is a popular heritage Palace situated at the banks of Ashtamudi lake, in Thevally, Kollam city. It is an important historic monument in the state of Kerala in India. Thevally Palace was built in between 1811 and 1819 the reign of Gowri Parvati Bayi. It is considered as a Hallmark of Kollam City. Now the palace is used as the NCC Group Headquarters of Kollam district. The palace and its premises are now owned by PWD Wikipedia

Paravur Lake
Paravur Lake

Serene getaway for fishing & boating

Paravur Kayal is a lake in Paravur, Kollam district, Kerala, India. Although it is small, with an area of only 6.62 km², it is the end point of the Ithikkara River and part of the system of lakes and canals that make up the Kerala Backwaters. It has been connected to Edava and Ashtamudi Kayal as part of the Trivandrum - Shoranur canal system since the late 19th century. Wikipedia

St Thomas Fort
St Thomas Fort

Fort Thomas or St. Thomas Fort or Fortaleza da São Tomé also known as Tangasseri Fort, is a ruined fort located in the beach town of Tangasseri on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the city of Kollam, Kerala, India. It is located around 5 kilometres from the city center of Kollam and 71 kilometres from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Wikipedia

Kakkathuruthu
Kakkathuruthu

Sardar Vallabhai Patel Police
Sardar Vallabhai Patel Police

Historical exhibits on law enforcement

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum is a museum that traces the history and growth of the police force in India. It is located just opposite the Kollam Junction Railway Station in Kollam, India. The museum is dedicated to barrister and statesman, Vallabhbhai Patel. Wikipedia