Backwater cruises, spice markets, a colonial lighthouse, and sunset by the Arabian Sea.
Explore the historic port city of Kollam in a day — backwater cruises on Ashtamudi Lake, a bustling spice market, a colonial lighthouse, and a sunset by the Arabian Sea.
Start your day with a boat ride on the magnificent Ashtamudi Lake. Head to the Ashramam Picnic Village boat club for kayaking, banana boat rides, or a traditional kettuvallam cruise. Watch local fishermen at work and spot various bird species along the mangrove-lined shores.
💡 Government ferries between Kollam and Alappuzha depart from the Kollam bus station if you want a longer backwater experience.
Explore the Ashramam Picnic Village on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake — natural mangrove forests, gardens, and a children's play area. Visit the A Ramachandran Museum for modern art, and stop by the 8 Point Art Cafe for coffee and local art exhibitions.
Head to Chinnakkada, the bustling commercial heart of Kollam. Explore the narrow streets filled with spice shops, cashew nut stores, street vendors selling banana fries, and more. Have lunch at the legendary Fayalwan restaurant — try the tea and beef roast. Alternatives: Meen by Chef Pillai near Thevally for contemporary Kerala seafood, or Supreme Experienza in Kadappakkada for multi-cuisine dining.
Thangassery is about 5 km from the city centre, roughly 15 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
Climb the 200 cylindrical steps of the historic Thangassery Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline and Arabian Sea. Open 10 AM–1 PM and 2 PM–5 PM, closed on Mondays. Explore the remnants of the 16th-century Portuguese fort nearby. Walk through the old Anglo-Indian neighbourhood with its distinctive colonial cottages.
Walk along the Thangassery breakwater — it stretches more than a kilometre into the sea. The breakwater is open from 2 PM to 8 PM. Watch waves crash against the rocks and traditional fishermen landing their boats with the day's catch. A great spot for sunset photos. If the breakwater is closed, head to the nearby Vadi fishing harbour to watch fresh catches being auctioned.
End the day at Kollam Beach with its long stretch of golden sand and gentle waves. Watch the stunning sunset over the Arabian Sea. Look out for the mermaid statue and browse street hawkers selling roasted peanuts and kites.
Dine at one of the restaurants near Kollam Beach — Sasya by Chef Pillai for fine dining, Beach Orchid for seafood, or Old Spice for authentic Kerala cuisine.