Kollam Between Waterways, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Kollam combines travel experiences on lakes and canals with natural attractions, crafts and historic buildings. Houseboat trips, boating traditions, hikes and cultural sites offer different ways to experience the region. The places and activities named here give you specific ideas for tailoring your stay to your interests.

Waterways and Boating Traditions

Trips on the Ashtamudi Lake are offered on traditional Kerala houseboats, known as Kettuvallams. Munroe Island, also called Munrothuruthu, lies at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. Backwater cruises and canoe tours through a network of canals and waterways are offered on the island. This gives you two distinct ways to explore: houseboat trips on the lake, and cruises and tours along the island’s waterways.

On Munroe Island, you can also observe the traditional production of coir products, from extracting the fibers to weaving mats and ropes. In Alumkadavu, the focus is on houseboat building. The place is considered the birthplace of the iconic Kettuvallams, and visitors can watch traditional boats being built from Aanjili and jackwood. You can also explore the Alumkadavu-Sasthamkotta region by canoe or boat, passing quiet homes and shrines.

Two boat races differ in both location and timing. The President’s Trophy Boat Race takes place every year on November 1, Kerala Piravi Day, on Ashtamudi Lake. The Kallada Boat Race is held annually on the 28th day of the Onam festival on the Kallada River near Munroe Island; Onam falls in August or September, according to the Malayalam calendar. Check the organizers’ information before travelling, as dates may change.

Nature and Activities

Thenmala is India’s first planned ecotourism destination and is located in Kollam district. It is part of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Nature walks in the Thenmala ecotourism zones are easy and informative and are considered suitable for all age groups. Other activities offered there include mountain biking, rock climbing and river crossing; availability may vary depending on operations.

Jatayu Earth’s Center also brings together several themes, including the world’s largest bird sculpture, a museum and an audiovisual gallery telling the story of Jatayu. The 20-hectare Adventure Zone offers rock climbing, rappelling, ziplining, paintball, archery and valley crossing. Availability of these activities may vary depending on operations.

Palaruvi Waterfalls plunge 300 feet over rocks. Surrounded by hills and valleys, they are a popular destination for excursions. The waterfalls offer a different natural highlight from the activities and walks in Thenmala: here, the focus is on the visible cascade over the rocks.

Buildings, History and Coast

In Punalur, the Punalur Suspension Bridge is a protected monument under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Department of Kerala. It is 400 feet long. Historic Thangassery Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1519 AD; the Thangassery Lighthouse is 144 feet tall. These two structures offer specific points of interest for a trip focused on history and architecture.

Kollam Beach, also called Mahatma Gandhi Beach, offers a different scene: it is a coastal destination with golden sand and gentle waves. Along with the historic buildings, waterways and natural attractions, the beach shows how varied the themes to explore in Kollam can be.

Getting There and Planning Your Stay

Thenmala railway station is the closest station to Thenmala, 1 km away. Check train information before your trip, as details may change. If you are looking for a hotel in Kollam, first decide which experiences you want to focus on during your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: West kallada, Kollam, Panayam, Munroe Island, Chavara, Kottarakkara, Kottara, Thazhuthala

Return to the main travel overview: Kerala.