bigtravelbuzzKollam, also known as Quilon, is a beautiful city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is situated on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake and is known for its scenic backwaters, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions. Here are some places to visit in Kollam:
Ashtamudi Lake: Ashtamudi Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kollam. It is the second largest lake in Kerala and is known for its scenic beauty and backwater cruises.
Thangassery Lighthouse: The Thangassery Lighthouse is a historic landmark and a major tourist attraction in Kollam. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is a great place to watch the sunset.
Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park: Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park is a beautiful beach located in the heart of Kollam. It is a popular picnic spot and offers a range of water sports activities.
Palaruvi Waterfalls: Palaruvi Waterfalls is a scenic waterfall located about 75 km from Kollam. It is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular destination for nature lovers.
Kollam Beach: Kollam Beach is another popular beach in the city. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is a great place to relax and unwind.
Thirumullavaram Beach: Thirumullavaram Beach is a beautiful and serene beach located about 6 km from Kollam. It is less crowded than Kollam Beach and offers a peaceful and tranquil environment.
Thevally Palace: Thevally Palace is a historic palace located in Kollam. It was built during the reign of the Travancore kings and is a great place to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
Overall, Kollam offers a range of attractions for travelers, from scenic backwaters and beaches to historic landmarks and cultural attractions. It is a great place to visit for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday.
Places to Visit in Kollam
Kollam, also known as Quilon, is a city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is situated on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake and is known for its scenic backwaters, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions. Here are some of the top places to visit in Kollam:
Ashtamudi Lake: Ashtamudi Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kollam. It is the second largest lake in Kerala and is known for its scenic beauty and backwater cruises.
Thangassery Lighthouse: The Thangassery Lighthouse is a historic landmark and a major tourist attraction in Kollam. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is a great place to watch the sunset.
Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park: Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park is a beautiful beach located in the heart of Kollam. It is a popular picnic spot and offers a range of water sports activities.
Palaruvi Waterfalls: Palaruvi Waterfalls is a scenic waterfall located about 75 km from Kollam. It is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular destination for nature lovers.
Kollam Beach: Kollam Beach is another popular beach in the city. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is a great place to relax and unwind.
Thirumullavaram Beach: Thirumullavaram Beach is a beautiful and serene beach located about 6 km from Kollam. It is less crowded than Kollam Beach and offers a peaceful and tranquil environment.
Thevally Palace: Thevally Palace is a historic palace located in Kollam. It was built during the reign of the Travancore kings and is a great place to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
Amritapuri Ashram: Amritapuri Ashram is a spiritual center located about 30 km from Kollam. It is the headquarters of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math and is known for its beautiful surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
Jatayu Earth’s Center: Jatayu Earth’s Center is a unique park located about 30 km from Kollam. It features a massive sculpture of Jatayu, a character from the Hindu epic Ramayana, and offers a range of activities like trekking and rock climbing.
Overall, Kollam offers a range of attractions for travelers, from scenic backwaters and beaches to historic landmarks and cultural attractions. It is a great place to visit for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday.
Best Time To Visit Kollam
The best time to visit Kollam is between October and February, which is the winter season in Kerala. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The humidity levels are also lower, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s attractions and enjoy outdoor activities. The winter season is also the peak tourist season in Kollam, so it’s advisable to book accommodation in advance.
Kollam can also be visited during the monsoon season from June to September, when the city receives moderate to heavy rainfall. The backwaters and waterfalls are in full flow during this time, making it a great time for nature enthusiasts. However, outdoor activities may be limited due to the rainy weather. The summer season from March to May is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, so it’s not the best time to visit Kollam.
Things to Do in Kollam
Ashtamudi Lake: Take a scenic boat ride on the Ashtamudi Lake, which is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Kerala. You can also go fishing, kayaking, or canoeing on the lake.
Munroe Island: Explore the picturesque Munroe Island, which is a cluster of eight small islands located on the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. You can take a boat tour and visit the local fishing villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves.
Kollam Beach: Relax on the beautiful Kollam Beach, which is located near the city center. You can take a dip in the Arabian Sea, go for a walk along the sandy beach, or watch the sunset.
Thangassery Light House: Visit the Thangassery Light House, which was built in 1902 and offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Palaruvi Waterfalls: Take a day trip to the Palaruvi Waterfalls, which are located about 75 km from Kollam. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer a refreshing retreat from the city.
Jatayu Earth’s Center: Visit the Jatayu Earth’s Center, which is a massive sculpture of Jatayu, the mythical bird from the Hindu epic Ramayana. The sculpture is located on top of a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Kollam Art Museum: Explore the Kollam Art Museum, which houses a collection of traditional and contemporary art from Kerala and other parts of India.
Ayurvedic treatments: Indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, which are available at various spas and wellness centers in Kollam. These treatments use natural herbs and oils to promote physical and mental wellness.
How to get around in Kollam
There are several ways to get around in Kollam:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are readily available and a popular mode of transportation in Kollam. They are ideal for short distances and can be easily hailed from the roadside.
Buses: Local buses operate between different parts of the city and are an affordable mode of transportation. The Kollam bus station is the main hub for buses in the city.
Taxis: Taxis are available for hire in Kollam, and they offer a more comfortable and convenient mode of transportation. You can book a taxi through local travel agencies or online platforms.
Motorbikes and bicycles: Motorbikes and bicycles can be rented from local shops and are ideal for exploring the city at your own pace. However, it’s important to wear a helmet and follow traffic rules.
Ferries: Ferries operate between Kollam and other nearby destinations, including Alleppey and Amritapuri. These ferries offer a scenic mode of transportation and are popular among tourists.
where to eat in Kollam
Kollam is known for its delicious South Indian cuisine, especially seafood. Here are some popular restaurants and eateries in Kollam:
The Bakers: This popular bakery is known for its delicious cakes, pastries, and bread. They also serve South Indian snacks like vada, dosa, and samosas.
Indian Coffee House: This iconic chain of restaurants serves delicious South Indian food, including dosa, idli, and filter coffee.
Thangassery Restaurant: This seafood restaurant serves a variety of fresh fish dishes, including prawns, crabs, and lobsters. They also serve traditional Kerala dishes like appam and stew.
Curry Chatty: This restaurant serves authentic Kerala cuisine, including fish curry, biryani, and thali meals. They also have vegetarian options.
Hotel Sudarsan: This popular restaurant serves delicious seafood and traditional South Indian dishes like dosa and idli. They are known for their fish fry and prawn curry.
Bismi Restaurant: This restaurant serves a variety of North Indian and South Indian dishes, including tandoori chicken, biryani, and dosa. They also have a selection of Chinese dishes on the menu.
Kashi Art Cafe: This cafe serves a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, salads, and pasta. They also have a bakery section that serves cakes, muffins, and brownies.
These are just a few of the many restaurants and eateries in Kollam. You can also find street food vendors and small local restaurants serving delicious snacks and meals.
famous street stalls in Kollam
Kollam is known for its street food culture, and there are many popular street stalls where you can try some delicious snacks and meals. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Kollam:
Sundara Vilas Restaurant: This iconic restaurant in Kollam serves some of the best chaat in the city. Their aloo tikki, bhel puri, and pani puri are especially popular.
Anu’s Cafe: This small cafe serves a variety of snacks and meals, including dosa, samosas, and sandwiches. Their coffee is also highly recommended.
Lakshmi Bakers: This popular bakery in Kollam serves a variety of cakes, pastries, and bread. Their samosas and puffs are also popular among locals.
Sree Balaji Cafe: This street stall serves a variety of South Indian snacks, including dosa, idli, and vada. Their chutneys and sambar are especially delicious.
KP Nair’s Food Court: This food court serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including biryani, kebabs, and Chinese food. Their grilled chicken and tandoori chicken are highly recommended.
Street vendors near Kollam Beach: There are many street vendors near Kollam Beach selling a variety of snacks and drinks. You can try fresh coconut water, roasted corn, and other local delicacies.
These are just a few of the many street stalls and food vendors in Kollam. You can explore the city and try different foods to get a taste of the local cuisine.
where to stay in Kollam
luxury accomodation
Kollam offers a range of luxury accommodations that cater to the needs of tourists. Some of the top luxury accommodations in Kollam are:
The Raviz Resort & Spa Ashtamudi: This luxurious resort is located on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The resort features a spa, outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar.
The Quilon Beach Hotel & Convention Center: This luxurious hotel is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea and offers stunning views of the sea. The hotel features a spa, outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant.
Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa: This luxurious resort is located on the shores of the Paravur backwaters and offers stunning views of the backwaters. The resort features an Ayurveda spa, outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar.
Nila Palace: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Kollam and offers easy access to the city’s attractions. The hotel features a spa, outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant.
Aquasserenne Resort: This luxurious resort is located on the banks of the Kavvayi backwaters and offers stunning views of the backwaters. The resort features a spa, outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar.
These luxury accommodations in Kollam offer world-class amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay for the guests.
where to stay in Kollam
budget accomodation
Kollam offers a range of budget accommodations that cater to the needs of budget-conscious travelers. Some of the top budget accommodations in Kollam are:
Hotel All Season: This budget hotel is located in the heart of Kollam and offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel features a restaurant and free parking.
Sea Palace Hotel: This budget hotel is located near the Kollam Beach and offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel features a restaurant and free parking.
Hotel Shah International: This budget hotel is located in the heart of Kollam and offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel features a restaurant and free parking.
Hotel Sudarsan: This budget hotel is located near the Kollam Railway Station and offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel features a restaurant and free parking.
Hotel Dona Castle: This budget hotel is located near the Kollam Railway Station and offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel features a restaurant and free parking.
These budget accommodations in Kollam offer comfortable and clean rooms at affordable prices, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Travel Tips Kollam
Kollam, also known as Quilon, is a picturesque city in the southern state of Kerala, India. Here are some travel tips to make your trip to Kollam enjoyable and hassle-free:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kollam is between October to February when the weather is pleasant, and the monsoons have receded.
Transportation: Kollam is well-connected to other major cities in Kerala and the rest of India by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram, which is around 70 km away from Kollam. The city also has a well-developed network of local buses and auto-rickshaws for local transportation.
Accommodation: Kollam has a range of accommodation options, including budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts. Some popular options include Ashtamudi Villas, Fragrant Nature Resort, and The Raviz Resort and Spa.
Sightseeing: Kollam is known for its scenic backwaters, historic temples, and beaches. Some must-visit attractions include Ashtamudi Lake, Thangassery Lighthouse, Thirumullavaram Beach, and the Kollam Beach.
Food: Kollam is famous for its traditional Kerala cuisine, including seafood, coconut-based curries, and appam (rice pancakes). Some popular restaurants in Kollam include Aryaas, Sree Balaji, and Hotel Allseason.
Shopping: Kollam is known for its cashew nuts, spices, and handloom textiles. The best places to shop for these items are the Chinnakkada Market and the Kollam Beach Road.
Safety: Kollam is generally a safe city, but it is always advisable to be cautious while traveling. Avoid venturing out alone at night and keep your valuables safe.
Cultural Etiquette: Kollam has a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly while visiting temples and other religious sites and remove your footwear before entering.
Language: Malayalam is the local language in Kollam, but most people also speak English. Learning a few basic phrases in Malayalam can be helpful when communicating with locals.
Health: It is advisable to drink bottled water and avoid street food to avoid getting sick. Carry mosquito repellent to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases.