Kollam (Quilon) is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, extending from Kollam to Alleppy and further. "Kollam kandavanillam venda" is an old saying in Kollam which means the spectator gets so mesmerized by the glamour of the town that he doesn’t return home!

Many foreign travelers had visited and been awestruck by the beauty of Kollam in the early medieval period. It was one of the earliest centers of Christian activity in Kerala. It is said that the present town of Kollam was built by the Syrian merchant Sapir Iso in the 9th Century A.D.

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The popularity of Kollam has been established by the time-honored proverb that once you see Kollam, you will not want to live anywhere else. Kollam is an important commercial, industrial, and trading center and the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Surrounded by the serene waterways of Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam is a tranquil tapestry of canals, cashew plantations, rustic villages, and paddy fields.

There are several charming tourist attractions in Kollam that you must check out when you're here.

Kollam Tourist Attractions

-> Jatayu Nature Park: This rock-themed eco park housing the world’s biggest bird sculpture is the highlight of Kollam tourism. It’s among the best Kollam tourist places complete with a 6D theater, digital audio-visual room, cable car, and an Ayurvedic cave retreat.

-> Karunagapally: Situated 23 km away from Kollam town, this town boasts boundless natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and luxurious resorts.

-> Palaruvi Falls: Known to be the 32nd highest waterfall in India, this 300-foot-tall Palaruvi Falls is a massive cascade of milky white water set in untouched green environs.

-> Pathanapuram: A major commercial hub known for its rubber and spice plantations, Pathanapuram is set in the surreal Western Ghat mountains.

-> Ashtamudi Backwater and Lake: The crown jewel of Kollam tourism, this charming lake is the gateway to Kerala backwaters and is popular for its houseboat tours and eco-resorts.

-> Munroe Island: This majestic island is also called Mundrothuruthu and is a beautiful spectacle in the Kollam district. It is where the Kallada River meets Ashtamudi Lake in the most alluring fashion.

-> Thangassery Lighthouse: The second-tallest lighthouse on the Malabar Coast offers breathtaking views of the vast Arabian Sea, the fascinating Kollam city, and the ancient ruins of the Thangassery Fort. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and sunrise over the ocean.

-> Kottukkal Cave Temple: Connected with interesting folklore, this revered Hindu shrine of Lord Shiva and Nandi in Kottukal Village is known for its brilliant masonry and stunning rock-cut structure.

-> Sasthamkotta Lake: This crystal-clear freshwater lake is believed to have been named after the ancient Sastha Temple that once stood on its banks. It is also the primary source of Kollam’s potable water.

-> Kulathupuzha: A charming little hamlet near Kollam famous for the river Kulathupuzha that runs through it and the variety of fish that thrive here thanks to its abundance of rubber trees.

The city is awash with temples and sites of cultural significance, many of which are beautifully decorated and celebrate festivals throughout the year. Thangassery Lighthouse is also worth a visit. This one-hundred-and-twenty-year-old structure is the tallest lighthouse in Kerala and has a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea and the Malabar coastline.

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The star of the show is the Kollam Beach. This famous beach is also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach and is the first ‘Beach Wedding Destination’ in Kerala. Dotted with the atmospheric ruins of Dutch and Portuguese trading forts, eighteenth-century churches, and the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi Park, Kollam Beach is a truly unique destination.

Traditional Chinese fishing nets, Chinese water pots, and sampan-like boats still ply Kollam's waters to this day, making Kollam Beach a coastal Heaven!

Kollam offers a variety of activities and outdoorsy adventures for people to engage in. The town edges with the famous Ashtamudi lake, adding a serene and scenic touch to the cityscape.

With several exciting activities, Kollam is the perfect place to explore in God’s Own Country. Here are some top things to do in Kollam while exploring Kollam tourism.

-> Canoeing on Munroe Island

-> Paddlesports and kayaking in Paravur backwaters

-> ATV riding and bike tours

-> Houseboat cruises in Ashtamudi backwaters

-> Paragliding in Kollam and Varkala

-> Wildlife sighting in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

-> Shopping in Kavanad Market

Make sure you add these places and experiences to your list when you make your Kollam tourism itinerary and plan your Kerala trip.