Kerala is well known as God’s Own Country around the world. Kerala owing places where you can go in any season of the year. Along with Natural wonders like beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and rivers, Kerala is known for its culture, temples, festivals, and traditional architecture. These are the things which make Kerala a famous holiday destination. Tourist Places of Kollam are just worked as icing on the cake.

If you’re looking for hidden tourist places in Kollam for one day trip, there are several unexplored gems that can offer a peaceful and refreshing escape from the usual crowd.

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The beautiful coastal city of Kollam or Quilon and Desinganadu (as formerly known) sits on the banks of the serene Lake of Ashtamudi. Kollam city holds the prestige of being one of the oldest ports and trading centers for ages. The essence of its decade long commercial expertise still exists as the exquisite trading skills of the present city.

Apart from its commercial and administrative importance, the city also makes a remarkable mark in the maps of the country as a prominent holiday destination and the least polluted city of the country. Kollam is famous for cashew production and is known as the cashew capital of the world!! Yes, you heard that right; the town produces and exports tons of cashew nuts every year around the globe. Besides being the cashew capital, Kollam is also home to many hidden tourist places in Kollam that remain less crowded and rich with natural beauty. Many of these scenic spots are among the best Kollam tourist attractions for visitors exploring the region.

How to Reach Kollam:

• You can reach Kollam by air. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) is the nearest airport. Kollam is 51 km far from Thiruvananthapuram airport.
• You can reach using the railways. The nearest railway station is Eravipuram (IRP), Kollam Junction (QLN). There are many Kollam tourist places near railway stations.
• Tourists can reach Kollam by bus that connects major cities. Kollam city Junction is the nearest bus station.

Insider Tip: If you’re traveling from Thiruvananthapuram, consider taking a local taxi or a scenic train ride through the lush greenery to enjoy Kollam’s landscapes.

16 Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in Kollam:

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Kollam is one of the best places to visit in Kerala during the winter season (October to March) as the city is at the peak of its charm during these months. Among the many Kollam sightseeing places, we recommend the following places to see in Kollam and keep on top of your itinerary.

1. Amritapuri – Picturesque Village of Vallikavu:

Amritapuri aka Parayakadavu, is a most revered religious destination for Hindus. The place is famed for holding Ashram of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, the world-famous saint. This place also serves as their International Headquarters. The Ashram is home to hundreds of disciples and students.

This spiritual saint has thousands of disciples all over the world, who visit this place for days in order to attain peace of mind and find the purpose of life. It is a must-visit place if you have the spiritual inclination and even if you want to witness this huge organization, its inclusions, and workings. Amritapuri is a spiritual gem that many overlook while searching for Kollam’s hidden places that offer inner peace and calmness.

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Pro Tip: If you’re interested in a deeper spiritual experience, try staying for a meditation session at the ashram, which is peaceful and rejuvenating.

• Things to do in Amritapuri: Visit Mata Amritanandamayi Devi Ashram, Photography.
• Best time to visit Amritapuri: During the months of October to march.

2. Munroe Island – Famous Boating Place in Kollam:

This beautiful little island makes its place at the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. The famous Dutch church, one of the beautiful churches in Kerala, makes a prominent place to visit in Kollam. Munroe Island is not just famous but also considered one of the best hidden spots in Kollam, giving visitors a peek into the untouched beauty of Kerala.

Local Tip: For a more authentic experience, join a local canoe tour to explore the backwaters and catch a glimpse of the local tribal lifestyle.

• Things to do in Munroe Island: take a Canoe tour to the island through the backwaters and peep into the local tribal lifestyle
• Best time to visit in Munroe Island: Indian winters (November- February).

3. Kollam Beach – One of the Best Beaches in Kerala:

Aka Mahatma Gandhi beach is a must-visit place at Kollam. This famous beach of Kerala is famed for its natural beauty and the picturesque sunrise and sunset views. The Tengasseri lighthouse here adds to its beauty. The place is also known for its prestigious marine aquarium project. You may also encounter a beach wedding taking place here frequently.

Photography Tip: The best shots are during the golden hour—early morning or just before sunset for vibrant colors in the sky and sea.

• Things to do at Kollam Beach- visit Mahatma Gandhi Park nearby, indulge in water activities, Photoshoot.
• Best time to visit Kollam Beach – The place looks best during the months of October to February.

4. Palaruvi Waterfalls – Amazing place in Kollam:

The milky streams of Palaruvi waterfalls fall from 300 feet. Tourists come for picnic spots. It is one of the cherishable Kollam tourist destinations. The 32nd waterfall of India is open for tourists from 8 am to 4 pm. It is a photographer’s paradise. The site offers Ayurveda properties. This scenic place is also considered a Kollam hidden spot for nature lovers.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget your swimwear! The waterfall area is perfect for a refreshing dip.

• Things to do in Palaruvi Waterfalls: There are many activities to do at the waterfall as bathing in the waterfall, sightseeing, picnic spots, swimming, and photography.
• Timings: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Ticket Price: Rs 70 for Indian Adults, Rs 30 for Indian Children, Rs 200 for Foreign Adults, Rs 200 for Foreign Children, and Rs 35 for Students
• Best time to visit Palaruvi Waterfalls: The best time to visit is between June to January.

Read Also: Most Famous Waterfalls in Kerala You Can’t Miss on Your Next Trip!

5. Punalur – One of the Most Important Industrial Centers in Kerala:

This beautiful hill town in Kerala is famous for its places and activities pertaining to water. In fact, the name of the town itself means ‘place of water’. The town sees a calm Kallada River flowing through its land and also flaunts South India’s first motorable bridge- The Suspension Bridge. The mesmerizing Western Ghats at the backdrop make this place a piece of paradise on earth.

• Things to do in Punalur: visit Suspension Bridge, KG Convention center, Junkle park, malls, and theatres.
• Best time to visit in Punalur: plan your trip during the months of October to February to enjoy the fullest.

6. Karunagappally – One of the Beautiful Places of Interest in Kollam:

This small town in Kerala has earned a good name because of its numerous religious places including temples, mosques, and church which attracts lots of devotees from over the country all year round.

The most revered place here is the Krishnapuram Palace. The Palace holds an idol of Lord Buddha, which was recovered from a local tank. The town is also frequented by nature lovers to enjoy the virgin beauty of this place. Lined by the Coconut, Paddy, Tapioca, and Banana plantations, the town offers natural scenic beauty, which makes this place must visit Tourist place in Kollam. Karunagappally, with its religious importance and scenic surroundings, can be one of the perfect tourist places in Kollam for one day trip with family, especially if you’re seeking a peaceful atmosphere.

• Things to do in Karunagappally: Houseboat stay, drive across the green fields untangling the beauty of nature.
• Best time to visit in Karunagappally: the place can be enjoyed to the fullest during the season of winters (October- February).

7. Jatayu Earth’s Centre – Largest Bird Sculpture in the World:

It is the newest Tourist place in Kollam which is seeking much tourist attention ever since its construction. Deriving its name from the attraction it holds, it is a beautiful rock-themed park. The Jatayu earth’s center park holds a massive rock sculpture of the epic bird from Ramayana – The Jatayu. The sculpture holds the prestige of being the world’s largest bird sculpture till date. Isn’t that amazing!!

According to the Hindu mythology, the bird god Jatayu tried to save Goddess Sita from the clutches of Ravana, and gave his life after a fight with Ravana, here. Themed on this courageous deed of the bird to save the purity of a woman and to advocate the world the same, this sculpture was created.

The place also holds an 18 ft high statue of Lord Rama and a nature park surrounding the massive Jatayu sculpture. This world-famous hilltop structure makes this place one of the prominent one-day trip places in Kollam.

Pro Tip: Ride the cable car for panoramic views of the hills and the massive sculpture, perfect for capturing breathtaking photos.

• Things to do at Jatayu Earth’s Centre – the park offers numerous adventurous and fun activities like a 6D theatre (an audio-visual digital room), a cable car ride, a stunning panorama of surroundings for photography, etc.
• Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (Mon-Fri) and 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (Sat-Sun)
• Ticket Price: Rs 400 per person
• Best time to visit Jatayu Earth’s Centre– October to February.

8. Mayyanad – Sacred place to visit in Kollam:

If you are looking for spirituality and want to seek divine blessings, Mayyanad is one of the hidden tourist attractions in Kollam. It has nine significant temples, and Lord Subramaniam Temple is one of them.

• Things to do in Mayyanad- You can visit churches, mosques, and temples. You can offer prayers.
• Best time to visit Mayyanad- You can see Mayyanad any time of the year. There are no better days to seek blessings than a day you want to visit.

9. Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls:

These falls are known for breathtaking views and picnic spots. Tourists looking to visit tourist places in Kollam for one day trip can take a halt at this place. Kumbhavurutty Falls is also ideal for people searching for one day trip places in Kollam, especially nature lovers and families wanting a quiet time together.

• Things to do in Kumbhavurutty Falls – You can bathe under the falls, sit on the rocks, enjoy the waterfall falling onto you, have a photography session, have picnic spots, and swim.
• Best time to visit Kumbhavurutty Falls – The best time to visit is from June to January.

10. Thirumullavaram Beach:

Thirumullavaram Beach is one of the famous historical places to visit in Kollam. It is a golden beach with sapphire water. There is a line of vegetation on the beach. It entices tourists and is a bucket list of places to visit in Kollam in 1 day. The beach hosts the Karkidaka Vavubali ritual. It is famous for its cashew plantations.

• Things to Do in Thirumullavaram Beach – You can swim, sunbathe, massage, relax at the beach, host a picnic, photograph, sunset, Fort viewing, boat viewing, Chinese fishing nets, and enjoy Kerala delicacies under the shack.
• Best time to visit Thirumullavaram Beach –The best time to be there at Thirumullavaram Beach is from June to January.

11. Thangassery Beach – Amazing Place for Couples:

Thangassery beach is a small beach, 3 km only. These kinds of beaches are apt places to visit in Kollam for couples. Apart from golden sandy beaches, you will get to see handicrafts from seashells, coconuts, and coir. The lighthouse is a famous spot to watch.

Local Tip: Perfect for romantic evenings—bring a picnic and enjoy a quiet sunset with your loved one.

• Things to do at Thangassery beach – Water activities like catamaran rides, scuba diving, speedboat, surfing, and swimming; enjoy the Kerala food offered under the shacks of the beach.
• Best time to visit Thangassery beach – You can see it any time of the year. It is preferable to go from June to January as summers are too hot to be on the beach.

12. Ashtamudi Lake – Second Largest Lake in Kerala:

Lines by the fringes of coconut and palm trees, the Ashtamudi lake is one of the most popular lakes in Kerala and considered among one of the peaceful Kollam tourist places. Boating through the pleasant greenery and the soothing calm water makes the experience even more blissful and memorable.

The lake is famed globally for hosting President’s Trophy boat race on the 1st of November each year. Visiting Kollam during this time makes it a lifetime memorable experience to hold. The lake also offers houseboat journeys in a variety of packages.

One can experience the joy of staying overnight on the houseboat, making way through the stunning canals, unwinding the true beauty of Kerala and its village lifestyle through these cruises. While Ashtamudi Lake is well known, the surrounding villages and backwaters often hide hidden tourist places in Kollam that you can explore via local boat rides.

Must-Do: Make sure you stay at least one night in a houseboat for a truly unique and authentic experience of Kollam.

• Things to do at Asthamudi Lake – Taking a boat cruise, houseboat stay
• Best time to visit Asthamudi Lake – November during the boat race.

13. Pathanapuram – Well-known City for Plantation:

The city of Pathanapuram is famed for its industries like dairying, poultry, goat rearing, brick making, bamboo weaving, spice and rubber plantation, etc. Apart from its commercial importance, the place is also a love of the tourists because of its scenic location and tranquil beauty.

The world-famous Chandanakkudam Mohotsava (February-March) held here, attracts a lot of tourists every year.

• Things to do in Pathanapuram – Enjoy the picturesque locations with the Western Ghats on the backdrop, visit dairy farms.
• Best time to visit Pathanapuram – Months of October to March witnesses the maximum flow of tourists.

14. Kulathupuzha – Scenic Village in Kollam:

Kulathupuzha is a beautiful town in Kollam famed for its religious temples and serene natural beauty.

The Sastha temple, Kulathupuzha reserve forests, Indo Swiss dairy farms, Kattilapara, and Bharatheepuram oil palm plantations are the prominent places to be visited here.

• Things to do in Kulathupuzha – trekking and exploring wildlife are the must-do activities here.
• Best time to visit Kulathupuzha – The Vishnu devotees many flocks here during the months of April/May to attend the grand celebration in the temple. But the place looks best during the Indian winter season (October- February).

15. Sasthamcotta Lake – Largest Fresh Water Lake in Kerala:

Adorned with the mighty and beautiful hills on the backdrop, Sasthamcotta Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. The place is frequented by tourists seeking a peaceful and one of serene spots to visit in Kollam. Sasthamcotta Lake is not just a peaceful spot but also close to several Kollam hidden places that make for great offbeat travel stories.

Popularly famed as the ‘Queen of Lakes’, the place is refreshing and rejuvenating at the same time. One can also spot people shooting and filming for their films or personal albums here.

• Things to do at Sasthamcotta Lake – Boating, photography
• Best time to visit in Sasthamcotta Lake – October to March.

16. Sambranikodi Island:

Kollam district’s Sambranikodi Island stands as a small, mysterious island which marks the southern point of Ashtamudi Lake. A combination of peaceful waters together with green mangroves creates an ideal place for relaxing retreats. During a visit to Sambranikodi Island, people can go boating and observe the island itself while trying fishing along with touring local fishing communities. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a charming natural experience in Kerala’s divine environment.

Things to Do in Kollam:

Being in this beautiful city is a unique experience in itself. Apart from admiring its commerce and trade, one can indulge in a handful of activities here.

• Being a coastal town, it offers a great array of water activities and also innumerable varieties of seafood to burp upon.
• This beautiful town is adorned with the abundance of stunning natural beauty, beautiful and pristine beaches, admirable and tranquil lakes, and mind-boggling ancient architecture.

If you’re short on time, don’t worry, there are many tourist places in Kollam for one day trip with family where you can enjoy culture, food, and nature all in one day. Exploring hidden spots in Kollam can make your journey even more special.

Explore Kollam Like a Local:

Along with all these amazing places, Kollam also gives you some beautiful small experiences that many travellers miss. If you want to explore like a local, you can try watching traditional fishing at Neendakara harbour early in the morning. The experience of slow coastal life with fishermen bringing their fresh catch is truly heartwarming. You may also see Chinese fishing nets in action.

Kollam is also famous for coir (coconut fibre) and cashew industries. You can visit small coir workshops or cashew processing units where local women hand-process cashew nuts. These are not mainstream tourist spots, but they show you real Kollam lifestyle.

You can also enjoy toddy (local palm wine) tasting in authorized toddy shops along backwater areas. Have it with spicy Kerala seafood for a delicious local meal.

Kollam Climate Guide – Travel in the Right Season

Kollam is pleasant mostly during winter months (October–February). Summers are hot but beaches are still enjoyable in early morning or late evening.
Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain, so waterfalls are beautiful but slippery. Carry proper footwear.

If you visit during November, you may watch the President’s Trophy boat race at Ashtamudi Lake, an unforgettable experience.

Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for Kollam:

Kollam is naturally very green and peaceful.
So, travellers are requested to:

• Do not throw plastic waste near backwaters
• Support local food stalls and homestays
• Respect temple rules while visiting
• Avoid loud noise in silent places

Eco-friendly travel keeps nature safe for your next visit.

Conclusion,

Kollam city has been a dream destination for many for ages. Its exotic locations, authentic south Indian food, adventure activities, shopping sites, and the mouth-watering seafood give traveling goals to many. Hope we have given you enough reasons to backpack and make Kollam tourist places your next holiday destination.

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