Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, Kollam (formerly Quilon) is a beautiful backwater destination with a rich history, stunning beaches, and lush green landscapes. Often referred to as the “Gateway to Kerala’s Backwaters,” Kollam Tour covers one of the oldest ports in India, famous for its cashew industry, Ashtamudi Lake, and serene houseboat cruises.
From exploring ancient temples and churches to relaxing on pristine beaches and cruising through backwaters, Kollam offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and culture. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or cultural explorer, Kollam has something for everyone.
This Kollam Tour covers everything you need to plan your trip, including how to reach, the best time to visit, accommodations, must-visit places, travel routes from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, distances from major cities, and local cuisines.
How To Reach Kollam? 🚗🚆✈️
Kollam is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible from major cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Bangalore.
By Road 🛣️
Kollam is located along NH 66, making it easy to reach by road.
- From Thiruvananthapuram (66 km) – A 2-hour drive via NH 66.
- From Kochi (140 km) – A 4-hour drive via NH 66.
- From Alappuzha (85 km) – A 2.5-hour drive via NH 66.
Regular KSRTC buses and private taxis are available from Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Alappuzha.
By Train 🚆
The Kollam Junction Railway Station (QLN) is a major railway hub in Kerala, well-connected to Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore, and Chennai. Major trains include:
- Rajdhani Express (Trivandrum–Delhi)
- Kerala Express (Trivandrum–New Delhi)
- Trivandrum–Mangalore Express
By Air ✈️
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (70 km). From the airport, take a taxi or bus to Kollam.
Best Time To Visit Kollam ☀️🌧️
Kollam enjoys a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination, but some seasons offer a better experience than others.
| Season | Months | Weather | Best Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | November – February | Pleasant (20°C–30°C) | Houseboat Cruises, Sightseeing, Beaches |
| Summer | March – May | Hot & Humid (25°C–35°C) | Beach Walks, Cashew Factory Visits |
| Monsoon | June – September | Heavy Rainfall (22°C–30°C) | Backwater Cruises, Waterfalls, Photography |
Best Time to Visit: November to February is ideal for comfortable weather, sightseeing, and backwater cruises.
Kollam Hotels & Resorts 🏨🌿
Kollam Tour offers a variety of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, budget stays, and heritage homestays, ensuring a comfortable stay for every traveler.
Luxury Resorts & Boutique Stays 🌳
- The Raviz Ashtamudi – A luxury backwater resort with houseboat experiences and Ayurveda spa.
- Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa – A peaceful retreat with lakefront villas.
- Quilon Beach Hotel & Convention Center – A premium beachfront hotel with modern amenities.
Budget & Mid-Range Hotels 🏡
- All Season’s D’Fort Ayurvedic Resort – A budget-friendly resort with heritage-style rooms.
- Hotel Sea Pearl – A comfortable stay near the city center, ideal for business and leisure travelers.
- Kumar Palace – A mid-range hotel offering great hospitality and authentic Kerala food.
For an authentic experience, opt for a houseboat stay on Ashtamudi Lake or a heritage homestay.
Best Places To Visit In Kollam 🌊🏞️
1. Ashtamudi Lake
A must-visit, offering houseboat cruises, canoe rides, and breathtaking views of Kerala’s second-largest lake.
2. Munroe Island
A hidden gem, perfect for canoe tours, village walks, and experiencing traditional Kerala life.
3. Kollam Beach
A serene beach known for its golden sands, Chinese fishing nets, and beautiful sunsets.
4. Palaruvi Waterfalls
A stunning 300-ft waterfall, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
5. Jatayu Earth’s Center
Home to the world’s largest bird sculpture, offering adventure activities like zip-lining and rock climbing.
6. Thangassery Lighthouse & Fort
A historic 144-ft lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
7. Thenmala Eco-Tourism Center
A UNESCO-listed eco-tourism site, offering trekking, boating, and a butterfly park.
8. Rameshwaram Temple
A 13th-century Shiva temple known for its Dravidian architecture and religious significance.
Kollam from Kochi 🚗
Kollam is just 4 hours from Kochi, making it a great weekend getaway.
- Distance: 140 km
- Travel Time: 4 hours
- Route: Kochi → Alappuzha → Kollam
1-Day Itinerary from Kochi
- Morning: Drive to Kollam and visit Ashtamudi Lake.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a houseboat cruise & explore Kollam Beach.
- Evening: Visit Thangassery Lighthouse & return to Kochi.
Kollam from Thiruvananthapuram 🚗
Kollam is just 2 hours from Thiruvananthapuram, making it an excellent weekend retreat.
- Distance: 66 km
- Travel Time: 2 hours
- Route: Thiruvananthapuram → Varkala → Kollam
2-Day Itinerary from Thiruvananthapuram
- Day 1: Drive to Kollam, explore Munroe Island & enjoy a houseboat cruise.
- Day 2: Visit Jatayu Earth’s Center, Palaruvi Waterfalls & return to Thiruvananthapuram.
Kollam Distances from Major Cities
| City | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kochi | 140 km | 4 hrs |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 66 km | 2 hrs |
| Alappuzha | 85 km | 2.5 hrs |
| Munnar | 220 km | 6 hrs |
| Bangalore | 700 km | 12 hrs |
Kollam Local Cuisines 🍛🐟
Kollam is famous for its seafood-rich Kerala cuisine, especially its cashew-based dishes and coastal delicacies.
Must-Try Dishes 🍽️
- Karimeen Pollichathu – Grilled pearl spot fish in banana leaf.
- Meen Curry (Fish Curry) – Served with tapioca or rice.
- Prawn Roast – A spicy seafood delicacy.
- Cashew Nut Payasam – A Kollam specialty dessert.
Try these dishes at local toddy shops, backwater resorts, or heritage homestays.
Final Thoughts 🌊🌿
Kollam Tour covers a hidden gem of Kerala, offering a mix of backwaters, beaches, waterfalls, and history. Whether you want to cruise along Ashtamudi Lake, explore Munroe Island, or relax at Kollam Beach, this offbeat destination guarantees an unforgettable experience.
So pack your bags and explore the beauty of Kollam! 🚤🌴✨
