Two days to explore Kollam — from the Ashtamudi backwaters and historic lighthouses to the world's largest bird sculpture, mangrove kayaking, and pristine beaches.
Explore the heart of Kollam — cruise the Ashtamudi backwaters, wander through the spice markets, climb a historic lighthouse, and catch sunset at the beach.
Start with a boat ride on Ashtamudi Lake from the Ashramam Picnic Village boat club. Try kayaking through the mangroves or a traditional kettuvallam cruise. Watch local fishermen at work and spot various bird species.
Explore the picnic village with its natural mangrove forests and gardens. Visit the A Ramachandran Museum for modern art and the 8 Point Art Cafe.
Explore Kollam's bustling commercial centre — spice shops, cashew stores, and street vendors. Lunch at the legendary Fayalwan restaurant for tea and beef roast. Alternatives: Meen by Chef Pillai near Thevally for contemporary Kerala seafood, or Supreme Experienza in Kadappakkada for multi-cuisine dining.
About 5 km from the city centre, roughly 15 minutes.
Climb the 200 steps of the historic lighthouse for panoramic coastline views. Open 10 AM–1 PM and 2 PM–5 PM, closed on Mondays. Explore the 16th-century Portuguese fort ruins and the old Anglo-Indian neighbourhood.
Walk the kilometre-long breakwater into the sea. Open from 2 PM to 8 PM. Watch fishermen land their boats with the day's catch. If the breakwater is closed, visit the nearby Vadi fishing harbour to watch fresh catches being auctioned.
Sunset at Kollam Beach — golden sands, gentle waves, and the iconic mermaid statue.
Dine at Sasya by Chef Pillai, Beach Orchid, or Old Spice near Kollam Beach.
Day trip to the world's largest bird sculpture, followed by Paravur Lake kayaking and the stunning Thirumullavaram Beach.
Jatayu Earth Centre is about 37 km from Kollam city, roughly 1 hour by taxi. Start early to beat the crowds.
Explore the world's largest bird sculpture — 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 70 feet tall. Inside, visit the museum and audio-visual gallery. Try activities in the 20-acre Adventure Zone: rock climbing, rappelling, zip-lining, paintball, and archery. Visit the Siddha Cave Healing Center for Ayurvedic therapies. The panoramic views from the top of the sculpture are breathtaking.
💡 Allow 2–3 hours to fully explore the park and adventure zone.
Head to Paravur Lake, about 25 km from Jatayu (roughly 45 minutes).
Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in Paravur before heading to the lake.
Kayak through the mangrove forests of Paravur Lake to the Black Devil Snail Sandbar Island. Watch the Arabian Sea, river, and Kappil backwaters merge at this unique spot. The sandbar changes shape with the tides — swim, relax, and enjoy the views. Contact Syzygy Ecosports for kayaking packages.
Drive 15 minutes north to Thirumullavaram Beach — brilliant blue waters, golden sands, and a tranquil atmosphere. One of the most unspoilt beaches in Kerala. Perfect for a late afternoon swim and sunset.
Head back to Kollam city for dinner, or dine at a beachside spot before departing. If you have time, take an evening stroll along Kollam Beach one last time.
Not interested in backwaters and beaches? Head inland to the Western Ghats for a day of suspension bridges, eco-parks, waterfalls, and mountain viewpoints.
Head east towards the Western Ghats. Punalur is about 60 km from Kollam city, roughly 1.5 hours by taxi.
Visit the historic Punalur Suspension Bridge — one of the oldest and longest in Kerala, built in 1877 during British rule. The bridge spans the Kallada River and is an impressive feat of colonial-era engineering. Walk across for views of the river and surrounding hills.
Continue east to Thenmala, about 15 km from Punalur (roughly 30 minutes).
India's first planned eco-tourism destination. Explore the Deer Rehabilitation Centre, Sculpture Garden, and the Musical Dancing Fountain. Try activities in the Adventure Zone — tree-top huts, mountain biking, and boating on the Shenduruney reservoir. The Elevated Walkway through the forest canopy is a highlight.
💡 Allow 2–3 hours to explore the park. Carry water and sunscreen.
Have lunch at the KTDC restaurant inside the eco-tourism complex, or try one of the small local eateries near the entrance.
Palaruvi Waterfalls is about 5 km from Thenmala, a short 10-minute drive.
A spectacular 300-foot waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs into a natural pool. The name means "stream of milk" — and the white sheet of water over dark rocks lives up to it. You can swim in the natural pool at the base. A short trek through the forest leads to the falls.
💡 Carry a change of clothes if you plan to swim. The trail can be slippery during monsoon.
Drive up to the Rosemala viewpoint near Thenmala for panoramic views of the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, rolling tea gardens, and mist-covered Western Ghats. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles. A peaceful spot to wind down the day.
Head back to Kollam city, about 1.5 hours. Stop for dinner en route at Punalur or back in Kollam.