Kollam, Kerala City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Kollam, Kerala City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.

Kollam, Kerala – The Land of Cashews & Backwaters 

Kollam, also known as Quilon, is a historic port city in Kerala with a rich heritage of trade, cashew exports, and serene backwaters. It is famous for its Ashtamudi Lake, beaches, temples, and houseboat cruises, making it a top tourist destination. Kollam has been a major center of spice and cashew trade since ancient times, with historical links to Arab, Chinese, and Portuguese traders.

📍 Key Highlights of Kollam

• State: Kerala 🇮🇳
• Location: On the Malabar Coast, 70 km north of Thiruvananthapuram.
• Nicknames:
  • “The Cashew Capital of the World” 🥜 – Major exporter of cashew nuts.
  • “The Gateway to Kerala’s Backwaters” ⛵ – Famous for Ashtamudi Lake & houseboat cruises.
• Famous For:
  • Ashtamudi Lake – The second-largest lake in Kerala, known for its backwater cruises.
  • Thangassery Lighthouse – A 144-ft tall British-era lighthouse with scenic views.
  • Palaruvi Waterfalls – A beautiful 300-ft waterfall in the Western Ghats.
  • Cashew Processing Industry – Kollam is the largest cashew processing hub in India.
  • Jatayu Earth’s Center – The world’s largest bird sculpture, depicting Jatayu from the Ramayana.

🏛 Top Attractions in Kollam

1. Ashtamudi Lake & Backwater Cruise ⛵

• A scenic lake with houseboat tours to Munroe Island & Alappuzha.
• Home to mangroves, bird sanctuaries, and traditional Kerala villages.

2. Thangassery Lighthouse 🌅

• A British-built lighthouse (144 ft tall) offering panoramic ocean views.
• Located in Thangassery, a historic trading port.

3. Palaruvi Waterfalls ⛲

• A picturesque waterfall located 75 km from Kollam.
• Ideal for nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers.

4. Jatayu Earth’s Center 🦅

• Features the world’s largest bird sculpture (200 ft long) of Jatayu from Ramayana.
• Offers adventure activities like rock climbing and zip-lining.

5. Munroe Island 🌴

• A hidden paradise in the backwaters, best explored via canoe tours.
• Famous for narrow canals, coir-making, and traditional Kerala village life.

6. Kollam Beach 🏖️

• A pristine beach perfect for evening walks and seafood dining.
• Features the Mahatma Gandhi Park and Chinese fishing nets.

7. Sasthamkotta Lake 🦩

• Largest freshwater lake in Kerala, home to rare migratory birds.
• A peaceful destination for boating and birdwatching.

8. Thenmala Ecotourism 🌳

• India’s first planned ecotourism project, known for its lush forests and wildlife.
• Offers boating, trekking, and adventure sports.

🍛 Local Food – What to Eat in Kollam?

• Karimeen Pollichathu 🐟 – Grilled pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaves.
• Meen Curry (Fish Curry) 🍛 – A spicy Kerala-style fish curry with coconut.
• Puttu & Kadala Curry 🌾 – A traditional breakfast dish of steamed rice cakes & chickpea curry.
• Kappa & Meen Curry 🥔🐟 – Tapioca served with fish curry, a Kerala favorite.
• Cashew Halwa 🥜🍬 – A Kollam-special sweet made from cashew nuts and ghee.
• Elaneer Payasam 🥥 – A refreshing dessert made from tender coconut.

🚆 How to Reach Kollam?

• By Air ✈️:
  • Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport (70 km).
• By Train 🚆:
  • Kollam Junction (QLN) – A major railway station, well-connected to Kochi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
• By Road 🛣️:
  • Well-connected via NH 66 & NH 744 to cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Madurai.
  • Regular KSRTC buses to major cities.

🌦 Best Time to Visit Kollam

• Winter (October–February) ❄️ – Best season for backwater cruises, sightseeing, and beaches.
• Monsoon (June–September) 🌧️ – Lush greenery but heavy rains; ideal for nature lovers.
• Summer (March–May) ☀️ – Hot and humid, not ideal for travel.

🏕 Nearby Attractions

• Varkala Beach (40 km) – A stunning cliffside beach, great for sunsets and Ayurvedic treatments.
• Alappuzha (85 km) – The Venice of the East, famous for houseboat cruises.
• Pathanamthitta (65 km) – Home to the famous Sabarimala Temple.
• Kochi (135 km) – A historic port city with forts, churches, and colonial charm.