Panayam on Ashtamudi Lake

Panayam is located on Ashtamudi Lake. If you would also like to include the broader destination of Kollam in your trip planning, you will find a range of themes there: water excursions, boat races, nature experiences and historic structures. This lets you choose Panayam as your specific search location while also considering which regional interests matter for your trip.

Water and boating traditions in the broader destination of Kollam

Houseboat trips on Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam are offered on traditional Keralan houseboats known as Kettuvallams. Munroe Island, also called Munrothuruthu, lies where the lake and the Kallada River meet. Backwater cruises and canoe tours on the island take visitors through a network of canals and waterways. The experiences have different focuses: on the lake, the highlight is a trip on a traditional houseboat; on Munroe Island, it is the network of canals and waterways.

The Alumkadavu-Sasthamkotta region can also be explored by canoe or boat, with trips passing quiet homes and shrines. Alumkadavu is considered the birthplace of the iconic Kettuvallams, Kerala’s houseboats. Visitors can also watch traditional houseboats being built there from Aanjili and Jackwood timber. Kollam therefore offers several aspects of its boating tradition side by side: trips on the water and insights into boatbuilding.

Boat races and craftsmanship in Kollam

In the broader destination of Kollam, the President's Trophy Boat Race takes place on Ashtamudi Lake every year on November 1, Kerala Piravi Day. Organizers may revise the dates, so check when the race is actually scheduled before traveling. The Kallada Boat Race takes place annually in August or September on the Kallada River near Munroe Island; its date follows the Malayalam calendar. The two races therefore differ in their timing as well: one is linked to November 1, while the other takes place on a festival day whose date varies in the calendar.

On Munroe Island, visitors to Kollam can observe the traditional production of coir products, from extracting the fibers to weaving mats and ropes. This glimpse into handicrafts adds a different theme to the water excursions. In Alumkadavu, visitors can in turn watch traditional Kettuvallams being built from the wood types mentioned above; boat trips, fiber processing and boatbuilding are therefore distinct experiences.

Nature and activities in the broader destination of Kollam

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 experiences include hikes in the Thenmala Ecotourism zones, which are easy and informative and suitable for all age groups. Mountain biking, climbing and river crossings are also offered there; the availability of these activities may vary depending on operations.

Thenmala’s Culture Zone is also part of the regional offering in Kollam. It includes an amphitheater where traditional dance and music performances are held. Those who would rather focus on cultural themes than go hiking or take part in an activity will find a different focus here. Jatayu Earth's Center also brings together a variety of visitor experiences: the site features the world’s largest bird sculpture, as well as a museum and an audiovisual gallery that tells the story of Jatayu. Its 20-hectare Adventure Zone offers climbing, rappelling, ziplining, paintball, archery and valley crossing. The availability of activities there may also vary depending on operations.

Palaruvi Waterfalls plunge 300 feet over rocks in Kollam, making them a popular excursion amid hills and valleys. Kollam Beach, also called Mahatma Gandhi Beach, is a coastal destination in Kollam district with golden sand and gentle waves. The two landscapes offer different highlights: a waterfall among hills and valleys, and a beach on the coast.

Historic structures in Kollam

The Punalur Suspension Bridge is a protected monument under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Department of Kerala. It is 400 feet long. The historic Thangassery Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1519 AD. Thangassery Lighthouse is 144 feet tall.

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

Go to the broader travel overview: Kollam.