Discover Kollam: A Journey Through Kerala's Hidden Gem

Surrounded by the Arabian Sea and very close to the famous Vembanad Lake, Kollam or Quilon as it is also called is a hidden tourist destination that could give any fun lovers a good time. This is one of those unnoticed gems well-known for charming backwaters, rich nature, and so much history.

 

Kollam is also known as the ‘Gateway to the Kerala Backwaters’ and rightly so. Probably the biggest and most beautiful backwater here is the Ashtamudi Lake which is quite popular among tourists. Therefore, irrespective of the type of visitor whether a frequent traveller or a mere tourist, Kollam offers a unique encounter.

How to Reach Kollam?

This dainty town is geographically blessed with a National Highway, Railways, and Airways network with communication links to different parts of the country. Here’s a guide for you to plan your journey:

1.    By Road

Kollam is transportation linked by road, and bus facilities are available from the nearby cities like Trivandrum is 70 km, Cochin is 140 km, and Bangalore, which is 670 km. Kollam has a National Highway number 66, private taxis are also available and rental car services in Kollam are easily accessible.

2.    By Train

Kollam Junction (QLN) is an important railway station in Kerala from where rail connections are available with Trivandrum, Kochi, Bangalore, and Chennai. The station is well connected to the city by taxi, auto, and local transport facilities including buses. Travel by train also is an excellent way to see Kerala’s green countryside on a trip between the two cities.

3.    By Air

The airport closest to Kollam is “Trivandrum International Airport”, only 70 kilometres from Kollam. The connection is pretty well with the rest of the major Indian cities and some Middle Eastern and Southeast Asia international airport terminals. It was one and half to two hours’ drive away from Kollam, both by taxi or bus when coming from the airport.

4.    By Water

For those desiring to get a different kind of experience, Kollam can be accessed by taking a ride through the backwaters from Alleppey. Known as the backwater cruise and run by the Kerala State Water Transport Department, this is an eight-hour water cruise trip to capture the real beauty of Kerala.

 

Best Time to Visit Kollam

1. October to March (Winter Season)

The right time to visit Kollam is in the winter, that is between the months of October and March. The climate is fairly cool with temperatures fluctuating between 68 and 86 F, it is ideal for going on boat rides, visiting the beaches, etc. This season is also a good season for outdoor activities such as houseboat and trekking activities.

 

2. June to September (During the Monsoon Season)

Kollam is beautiful all year round but for visitors who like the monsoons, there is the period from June to September when Kollam becomes greener than ever. Although there are sometimes restricted movements because of the rainfall, the environment becomes beautiful. This is the best time if one wants to take Ayurvedic treatments or if one wants to spend time in a calm environment surrounded by nature.

 

3. April to May (Summer Season)

Kollam has hot and humid weather during April and May with maximum temperatures touching 35°C. Thus, it is not suitable for tourists who seek to have nice vacations and spend time sightseeing but those who like travelling in the offseason would find walking around the town quite enjoyable.

 

Top Places to Visit in Kollam

• Ashtamudi Lake:

Ashtamudi is a major freshwater lake in Kerala, which is the pride of Kollam town and a gateway to the famous backwaters of Kerala. A ride in a houseboat on this calm water is an experience of a lifetime as one is able to view coconut plantations and local dwellers’ houses besides enjoying ushering of sunset in the lake.

• Mata Amritanandamayi Math:

Visitors receive opportunities for meditation, introspection, and spirituality in the ashram, which is located in the countryside. Every day, prayers are conducted, and the public can participate. Songs called Bhajans are sung, and meditation can be led either by Amma or any of her followers.

• Thangassery Lighthouse:

Boasting an iconic height of 144 feet, it’s an ancient lighthouse that will provide breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Safari to the summit for what should be an incredible feel, better still on an early morning or evening sun.

• Thirumullavaram Beach:

It is an ideal location for a beautiful, quiet, and clean strip of sand ideal for a day at the shore. Because of its golden sand and shallow water, families will flock here for picnicking and evening strolls.

• Munroe Island:

Munroe Island is situated near Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River as well making it a perfect destination for close culture and nature lovers. And what can be more exciting than kayaking along these canals and learning about traditional village architecture?

• Thevally Palace:

Overlooking Ashtamudi Lake, this monument palace adds to the cultural flavour and architecture of Kerala. A visit here takes anybody back into the past.

• Palaruvi Waterfalls:

The “Stream of Milk” Palaruvi waterfall is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by trees which is attractive for tourists as a place for picnicking and enjoying a long walk on the neighbouring trails.

• Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary:

Affording great appeal to wildlife lovers, this sanctuary offers a unique chance to view exotic plant species and animal species. It also has trekking and bird-watching interests.

• Sasthamcotta Lake:

Located in Kottiyarkulam Taluk of Kerala, Sasthamcotta Lake is the biggest freshwater lake in the state and is circuited by hills and huge tracts of greenery. This one is probably one of the most quiet places that is recommended if you decide to take a holiday and be alone with your thoughts.

• Jatayu Earth’s Center:

An amusement park and an adventure centre that is entirely built based on rocks, this park has the largest bird sculpture, the Jatayu of the Ramayana.

• Alumkadavu:

Most famous for its houseboat building, this beautiful village would attract most tourists, especially those who would love to see and learn Kerala’s art of construction.