All set to explore Kollam? Well, and these are the other tourist places near Kollam that could explore. Kollam, located 64 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital of Kerala, has some extremely exquisite regions. This port on the Malabar Peninsula has dozens of sandy beaches, making it a major trading hub. Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta both referred to its significance to the spice trade in the ancient world. City has wonderful lakes, beaches, waterfalls, etc. You can have a surreal vacation in the God Own Country of Kerala by discovering the best places of interest in Kollam.
Table of Contents
Tourist Places Near Kollam
1. Jatayu’s Earth Centre
Paragliding is the best place for Kollam sightseeing in the park, which is a stone-packed and significantly recent structureThe Jatayu Nature Park. Other attractions of the park include a 6D theatre, an audio-visual digital room, a cable car, etc. It is built to foster myth and adventure tourism. Which demonstrated the enormous bird statue on the hilltop which is 200 feet long. This bird sculpture is made in honour of Jatayu who was the one who fought Jatayu when Jatayu tried to save Sita as per Ramayana.
- Distance from Kollam:
Kollam 38Kms approx from this property. The drive is picturesque, with views of Kerala’s verdant landscapes.
How to Reach:
Driving Directionswith respect toMunnar| Take theKollam-Ayoor RdtoJatayu Nature Park Rdinkannankode. It would take you there approximately an hour.
Things to Do:
Focus on the Giant Sculpture: Gaze at an enormous Jatayu, the bird from Ramayana — the world’s largest bird sculpture
Experience Adventure Activities: Go for Paint ball, Rappelling, Free climbing, Zip-lining, Archery
Virtual Reality Museum: Book a virtual reality will take you to the storyline of Jatayu.
Take the Scenic Route: The scenic views are breath taking at the Hilltop.
Ayurvedic Cave Resort: Get healing therapies in the Ayurvedic and Siddha cave resort.
Hotels Nearby:
Best Western Plus Pastures Hotel: Offers modern amenities in Mexborough including free WiFi and an onsite restaurant.
Doncaster A1 (M) JCT Holiday Inn 36: Easily positioned between Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham.
Timings and Entry Fee:
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (Monday to Friday) and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Cost: ₹400 per head for Indians, and for foreigners, it is ₹600 per head.
2. Paravur Backwaters
Reaching to the destination, you will find Paravur Backwaters in southern Kerala. He does very well known for its secure waterbody with less influence of tidal. It is safe and hard to get lost as the lake has a depth of no more than 10 feet and an area of no more than a kilometer. Motorboats are prohibited from this area to prevent wake or noise pollution Paravur Backwaters is also a part of the West Coast Canal System, which is connected to the NW3 National Waterway connecting Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.
- Distance from Kollam:
Near the town of Paravur, around 4km from the town.
How to Reach from Kollam:
By Road: Drive from Kollam to Paravur Backwaters. Distance from Paravur Bus Stand (Approx): 2.1 Kms
By Rail: Nearest railway station: Kollam Railway Station: 16.4Km.
By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (55.5 kilometers away).
Things to Do:
Kayaking: Take a Kayaking ride through the magical backwaters & Mangrooves in Paravur.
Black Devil Snail Sandbar Island: kayak to this sandbar for swimming, relaxation and breathtaking sunrise/sunset views.
Discover Mangrove Forest: Make a boat tour through small channels in the green mangroves, while looking for local fauna.
Hotels Nearby:
Another option: Hotel All Season – Comfort near Paravur
Hotel Sea Pearl: An affordable choice with decent amenities.
Hotel Sudarsan: Another easy option for your stay.
Timings and Entry Fee:
Timings: Open all day, best appreciated in the early mornings and evenings
Outdoor Activities Entry Fee: No specific, but charges for boating, kayaking, etc.
3. Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi Lake is among the best spots in entire Kerala’s tourism and it draws many tourists from distant cities. The name refers to its eight arms, or channels, which lead to the famous backwaters of Kerala. This is one of those routes which is considered the best in backwaters between Kollam to Alappuzha. A cruise here will give you a deeper view of the backwaters.
- Distance from Kollam:
Ashtamudi Lake is the nearest destination from Kollam city which is around 16 kilometers.
How to Reach:
By Road: It is a drive through the coconut groves and palm-lined canals from Kollam to Ashtamudi Lake.
You can travel by boat: Boat rides are beautiful, especially the long one from Kollam to Alappuzha or a luxury houseboat for the experience.
Things to Do:
Cruising on Houseboat: Relax with a cruise to the lake watching tranquil backwaters and local life
Explore Sambrani Island: A scenic island in the lake known for birdwatching and photography.
Visit Munroe Island: A boat ride away, this island is known for its lush greenery and traditional clay-making.
Stunning Sunset: Watch the sunsets over the lake with reflective charms.
Birds: Ashtamudi Lake hosts various kinds of birds so you can carry binoculars for a good experience.
Hotels Nearby:
Ashtamudi Lake Garden Resorts: The accommodation which is situated near Thangassery is equipped with some comfortable rooms that offer direct views of the garden.
Timings and Entry Fee:
Hours: All day.
Entry Fee: Ashtamudi Lake is a natural attraction and generally does not charge a specific entry fee.
4. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top places to visit in Kollam, up in the Western Ghats area. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is the controlling agency for the sanctuary. The semievergreen tropical rain jungle is home to elephants, leopards, bison, sambars, wild boars, Lion-tailed macaques, langurs, deer and most of the regulars of wild, tropical evergreen forests.
Distance from city: About 75 kilometers from Kollam city
How to Reach:
By Road: An 2-hour drive on NH744 and SH2.
By Train: The closest Railway Station is Kollam Junction. Take a taxi or a bus and head to the destination.
By Air: The closest airport is Trivandrum International Airport.
Things to Do:
Nature trails: walk among the greenery and the quiet.
Birdwatch: 267 bird species, including migratory and endangered
Trekking – Scenic forest trails
Boating: Go to the artificial lake inside the sanctuary.
Flora and Fauna: Photography.
Hotels Nearby:
Golden Peak KTDC: Cozy Rooms with beautiful views in Thenmala.
Hotel Amban Heritage : Budget friendly with decent facilities
Hotel Sudarsan: A decent choice for a comfortable stay.
Timings and Entry Fee:
Hours: Open 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Ticket Price: ₹25 Indian national and ₹300 Foreign tourist
5. Sambranikodi Island
Sambranikodi Island is a place that you should cover when you plan a trip to Kollam. Ashtamudi Lake is on the south coast of the island and offers fishing, clam picking, and an excursion to surrounding mini fishing islands. But for nature lovers, it is a heavenly abode with wonderful aqua fauna here consisting of molluscs, fishes, algae, birds, etc.
Distance from Kollam: About 13 km
How to Reach:
By Boat: DTPC (Kollam) has arranged for a boat.
By Train: The closest railway station is at Kollam.
By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, approximately 75 kilometers away.
Things to Do:
House Boat ride 🌊🌊: Experience a beautiful backwater cruise in a houseboat. Departure from Tourist Reception Centre, DTPC, Kollam (with packages available on request).
Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the peaceful waters.
Oyster Collection: Visit a manmade island to collect oysters andLearn about the marine ecosystem where the oysters live.
Outdoor stroll around the Shallow lake: Enjoy a 2 to 4 kilometer walk on the shallow lake.
Witness Tides: Observe the alteration of biological diversity as changing sea levels bring land in and out of the sea and reveal submerged land
Hotels Nearby:
Sambranikodi Lagoongate Resorts: Situated in Perumanseri, this resort provides a tranquil experience with complimentary private parking. It is 12 km away from Kollam Railway Station and Thangasseri Light House.
Timings and Entry Fee:
Entry Fee: Free.
Backwater Cruise Timings: 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM.
6. Palaruvi Waterfalls
Palaruvi the natural tourist places near Kollam means “milky streams”. This magnificent waterfall is situated just a couple of kilometers away from the Kollam-Shencottah Road. The recommended visiting period of this place is June — January. Even during the off season it is one of the best sightseeing places to visit in Kollam and it serves as a picnic spot too. This falls is not only the 32nd highest waterfall in India, it also has ayurvedic properties and thus, becomes one of the eco-friendly tourist places near Kollam for couples.
Distance from Kollam: 75km approx.
How to Reach:
By Road: Drive approximately 75 km from Kollam. By Tenkasi: The alternate way you can access from Tenkasi (29 km) or Trivandrum (86 km)
Hence, it further take a taxi services to reach destination By Train: The closest railhead is Kollam, which is located nearly 75 km from that point.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Trivandrum International Airport, 72 km away.
Things to Do:
A good place for swimming: A dip in the small pool of the bottom of the falls.
Picnic: Sit back and have a picnic in the greenery around.
Nearby Attractions: Thenmala Dam (11 km), Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary (31 km).
Sunset Watching: Some of the most peaceful sunsets you will ever see.
Ayurvedic Bath: Locals believe it has health benefits to bathe in the water of the falls.
Hotels Nearby:
Laughing Waters Fine Stay: 10 km, 8.4/10
Hotel Ambai Grand: 44 km from Hotel, 8.2/10.
Timings:
8 AM to 4 PM.
7. Thangassery Lighthouse
One of the most popular tourist places near Kollam, Thangassery Lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in the whole of Kerala’s coastline. As such, it is one of the most popular lighthouses in the state. The lighthouse is 41 meters (135 feet) tall and has been in operation since 1902. The tower is painted in oblique red and white stripes, and stands out in all its splendor.
Distance from Kollam: Approximately 7.5 kilometers.
Distance from Kollam: About 7.5 km.
How to Reach:
BY ROAD: One can also reach Tangasseri through car or taxi from Kollam. You can reach the lighthouse from Thangassery Beach Road.
By Train: Kollam Junction is the nearest major station. You can then either hire a taxi or take a local bus to the lighthouse.
Things to Do:
See for yourself: Climb the lighthouse for sweeping views of the coast and the Arabian Sea.
Discover Tangasseri: Nearby places of interest are St. Thomas Fort, the Portuguese Cemetery, and the Ancient Port of Quilon.
Take stunning pictures of the lighthouse and the sea.
Roam History: Explore The Colonial Heritage Of Tangasseri
Chill at the Beach: Spend some time in the adjacent Thangassery Beach.
Hotels Nearby:
We could prepare a list of hotels based on short term stay duration.
Regant Lake Palace Hotel — for a calm get away alongside Ashtamudi Lake
Timings and Entry Fee:
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays.
Costs: ₹10 (adults), ₹3 (children)
8. Kollam Beach
Kollam Beach is indeed Kerala’s first “Beach Wedding Destination”. This beach was once frequented by freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi when protests against the British were carried out. The beach is famous for its verdant foliage, tranquil backwaters, and countless water sports. Unique resorts some of the best beach resorts in Kerala to stay and enjoy beach activities. Another famous landmark close to the beach is the Tangasseri Lighthouse. The beach environment is spiritually and culturally immersive, and it always inspires and refreshes tourists who visit.
Distance from Kollam: Kollam Beach is also called as Mahatma Gandhi Beach and is situated in the city of Kollam, Kerala. The beach stretches about 2,300 meters in length.
How to Reach:
By Bus: 3.1 kilometres from Kollam Bus Station.
By Train: Nearest Railway station is Kollam Railway Station which is located about 2.4 km away.
By Ferry: 3.1km from the Ferry Terminal.
Things to Do:
Beach Walk for sunset: Walk the beach and enjoy the sunset.
Explore the Lighthouse: Nowhere is it more so than at the 144-foot Tangasseri Lighthouse built in 1902.
Check out historic monuments: The ruins of Portuguese (and later Dutch) forts are spread throughout the island, as are 18th-century churches that tell of the area’s colonial past.
Explore the Fish Market: Go to the local fish market on the harbor.
Breathe and Get in the zone: Listen to sound of the waves
Hotels Nearby:
Hotel All Season: Decent stay with proper facilities
Sunsea Beach Resort: Provides sea-facing rooms and a good stay.
Hotel Sudarsan: Famous for its hospitality and closeness to the beach.
Timings and Entry Fee:
Hours: Open during the day.
Entry Fee: Free for visitors.
9. Thenmala
Thenmala from Western Ghats foothills in the Kollam, recognized by the UNESCO a natural World Heritage Site. Honey Hill is famous for being the first planned ecotourism destination and the interesting part about this name is that it itself describes the naturalness. Parappar Dam giving out here which is built across the Kallada River.
Thenmala is also known for its in-demand forest honey, which is well-known for its therapeutic effects. Are winding paths, Sway Bridge, Theatre and musical fountains, boats and other attractions for visitors. Towards east, the 13-arched Pathimoonam Kannara Bridge over a mountain railway line.
How to Reach from Kollam:
By Train: Trains from Kollam Junction to Tenmalai are available thrice a day, taking around 1 hour and 52 minutes to cover the distance.
By Taxi / Car: Travel from Kollam to Thenmala, approximately 66 km, 1 hr. 2 min.
Things to Do at Thenmala:
Jungle SafarisExplore the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary
Walk the treks: Walking on the forest trails of the area.
Species: The dam is surrounded by forests and species, offering a 2km boating experience at One Rupees.
Adventure Zone: Skywalk, rock climbing and zip-lining.
Relax: Go to the sculpture garden, then take a stroll across the Thenmala hanging bridge.
Hotels Nearby:
Thenmala Ecoresort 10/10 Please note this was an amazing stay.
Kandamath Heritage Resort: 8/10 and a comfortable stay.
Timings and Entry Fee:
Timing: The Thenmala Ecotourism is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day.
Entry fees: ₹480 (including boating), ₹360 (excluding boating)
10. Mayyanad
Mayyanad is one of the most famous tourist attractions around Kollam, which has numerous reputed Hindu and Muslim temples and shrines. It is situated along the Arabian Sea and Paravur Lake. Mayyanad has nine important temples and the most prominent among them is the Subramanya temple at Umayanallor which was blessed by Shri Shankaracharya Kalladi. Some of the ancient churches and mosques are also found in this area.
Distance from Kollam: 10 Kms south of Kollam.
How to Reach from Kollam:
Road: Kollam and Mayyanad are well connected by frequent bus services. There are buses, too, from Kollam and Kottayam.
By Train: Mayyanad has a local railway station connected to the cities of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.
Things to Do:
Scenic Beaches: Go to lovely sandy beaches great for swimming. The lagoon meets the sea in a beautiful place.
Temples & Churches Abound: Umayanalloor Sri Balasubramanya Swami Temple, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church.
Coastal views and fishing The Arabian Sea coastline for fishing
Hotels Nearby:
Hotel All Season: Hotel in Padamathitta, 10 km from Mayyanad — Comfortable Stay
Hotel Sea Pearl – Another good option near Mayyanad with decent facilities.
Kollam Beach Hotel: This one is slightly closer to Kollam and is a good option for those visiting Mayyanad.
Conclusion
So, here are the top 10 tourist attractions near Kollam that are a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure to make your trip memorable. It is a part of the unexplored )Optional Why to spend your searching within conventional tourist places)| Whether you are travelling for stunning lakes and backwaters, nature reserves or historical landmarks,here there is something for every traveller & It is an beautiful travel destination of Kollam. These colourful gems with their characteristic sceneries are another must-cut for India tours in God Owns Country!
