Kollam is at a distance of about 70 km from the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. The coastal town is renowned for its splendid beaches and extraordinary historical architecture. Kollam is such a crucial holiday destination in the region; however, many find it difficult to decide where to visit and what to do there. Here is a concise list of the best Kollam tourist places to help you plan your visit on your trip to the city.
When to visit Kollam
Although the temperature is acceptable in Kollam, the same can not be asserted of the humidity of the region. If you are looking to avoid sweating your socks off, you may want to visit Kollam in the winter. Therefore, the best time to visit Kollam is between November and December, when the weather is pleasant, and you can avoid both the hot, humid air and the heavy monsoon.
How to reach Kollam
By air: The nearest airport to Kollam is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The airport is located at a distance of 51 km from the city of Kollam which can be travelled by road.
By train: Travelling to Kollam via train is probably the most economically efficient way of travelling to Kollam. The Kollam Junction (QLN) is very well connected with the rest of the country’s railway system. From there, you can take a taxi to the main city.
By road: If you want to reach Kollam by road, you can take a private or government bus to the Kollam City Junction from Thiruvananthapuram to cover the distance of 70 km from there. Alternatively, you can also drive via private cab or shared taxi.
See also: 10 best tourist places to visit in Kerala
11 tourist places in Kollam you must visit
Amritapuri
Located at an approximate distance of 25 km from the city centre, Amritapuri is the birthplace of the head figure of Amma’s worldwide mission, Amma herself. It is believed that she met every single one of her disciples in person. Not only that, the building itself is elegantly designed and is open to disciples of Amma and tourists alike. All of these factors make Amritapuri one of the highly recommended places to visit in Kollam.
Source: Pinterest
Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park
A well-known favourite picnic spot among the people visiting Kollam and locals alike, Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park is a great spot for sightseeing. You can watch the sunset at the seashore and take a walk along the beach enjoying the feeling of the fine sand between your toes. The beach is located at a distance of 2 km from the main city that can be travelled via local public transport.
Source: Pinterest
See also: Top 15 tourist places in Idukki
Jatayu Earth’s Centre
There is a lot to experience at Jatayu Earth’s centre in Kollam. The rock-themed park has become one of the most popular tourist places in Kollam. Along with a 6D theatre and a state-of-the-art audio-visual digital room, the park has a resort where you can stay and enjoy the stunning view of the city of Kollam. The park is 38 km from the main city which can be covered by taxi or local transport. The entry fare to the park is Rs 250 per head and you can visit the park between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM every day.
Source: Pinterest
Thevally Palace
The former residence of the Maharaja of Travancore, the Thevally palace today is a symbol of the rich historical background of Kollam. At the palace, you can explore and learn fascinating trivia about the kings and queens of the past in the region and their lives. It helps in giving you a more insightful look at the daily life and culture of the people of Kollam. Although located about 26 km from the main city of Kollam, you can reach Thevally palace easily if you use local transportation. It takes about 3-4 hours to fully explore the palace so you can visit the palace any day of the week between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mayyanad
Mayyanad is sometimes referred to as the ‘unity centre’ of the city, because here, you can find shrines and places of worship from all the three major religions of the region coexisting peacefully. Surrounded by water and lush greenery, Mayyanad is a good spot to spend a leisurely evening exploring the cultural beats of the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Punalur
Punlur is located at a distance of 30 km from Kollam. You can reach Punalur via road on a bus or a private taxi. The town is fittingly named because the River Kallada cascades through the town centre. Punalur also has the oldest suspension bridge in Kerala, dating back to the time of British rule in India. The town is also famous for its bio-reserve known as Agasthyamalai. Although the town is a considerable distance away from the town centre, Punalur is one of the must-visit Kollam places.
Source: Pinterest
Palaruvi Waterfalls
Spend a relaxing evening in the lap of nature at Palaruvi Waterfalls. Surrounded by lush greenery, the clear water here looks even more beautiful than in general. The breathtaking natural waterfall is a place of serenity and peace to clear your mind off of the hubbub of daily life. The waterfalls themselves are located at a distance of 81 km from the main city. There are minimal entry charges of Rs 25 for adults to the waterfall that you can visit any day of the week between 8 AM and 4 PM.
Ashtamudi Lake
At Ashtamudi lake, you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the still river. Moreover, you can also visit Thavelli Placa, which is very close-by to the lake. A guided tour of the lake by boat is just the thing to help you explore the natural beauty of Kollam. The lake is located about 11 km from the city and can be travelled by road on local transport.
Pathanapuram
The trading hub of the region, Pathanapuram is closer to Punalur than it is to Kollam. Nevertheless, if you travel to Pathanapuram, you can shop for some traditional South-Indian goods that you may not find unprocessed in other parts of the country. The 150-km distance between Pathanapuram and Kollam can be covered by road in about 3 hours via bus or taxi.
See also: Places to visit in south India for a thrilling excursion
Thirumullavaram Beach
A beautiful beach with large waves and even larger palm trees, Thirumullavaram Beach is a fantastic way to spend some time. You can simply spend your time strolling across the beach or sitting and enjoying some quality time with loved ones listening to the gently crashing waves of the ocean. Located 6 km from the city centre, Thirumullavaram Beach can be reached within minutes by car.
Source: Pinterest
Thangassery Lighthouse
The Thangassery lighthouse was built in the time of British rule over India and still stands today as an important landmark of the city. Due to it being the second tallest lighthouse in Kerala, it is also one of the most popular places to visit in Kollam. Although you can see the lighthouse from various places in the city, it is located 5 km from the city centre and can be reached easily by car.
FAQs
What is the ideal duration of a Kollam vacation?
The ideal duration of your visit to Kolam should be 3D2N so you can explore all things the town has to offer.
What are the best places to eat in Kollam?
Wok & Grill, Chef Stop and Allspice Restaurants are local recommendations to find the best food in Kollam.
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