Kollam is a charming old seaport town in Kerala, on the shores of the Arabian Sea, renowned for the natural beauty of its Backwaters, Beaches, places of historical importance and the tempting tastes of its much sought after hygienically processed Cashew Nuts. From the sandy beaches, along the tranquil backwaters, across the emerald green mid-lands, through the grandeur of tropical wet ever green forests to the top of gorgeous lofty mountains. A lively and peaceful culture evolved through centuries and matured through generation with a bit of Austroloid to Aryan from Semitic to Dravidian etc blended together and harmoniously woven with threads of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christian, to form a myriad hued cultural fabric. A tour through the picturesque landscape and a journey into the vibrant cultural life of the people offer a vivid but unique experience. Attracted by her bounties many travelers and traders from different corners of the world have been visiting Kollam from time immemorial. If Sulaiman (851 AD), Marco Polo (13th Century AD) and Ibn Batuta (14th Century) had been attracted by the prosperity and glory of Kollam, traders and merchants from China, Persia and later Europe were lured by the rich spices of Kollam. The only risk you stand at Kollam is the high possibility of you falling in love with Kollam, for the time tested proverb says, Kollam Kandal Illam Venda which means once someone visit Kollam, he will prefer to abandon his own home to settle down at Kollam, such was the prosperity Kollam once enjoyed. Not only the cultural and social richness but also the natural wealth attracted Portuguese, Dutch and British in succession to establish their colonies and factories at Kollam succeeding earlier Chinese and Arab settlements. It is also believed that Apostle St. Thomas had come to Kollam and founded one Christian Church at Kollam in 52 AD. When you are in Kollam, never get surprised if you come across a screw pine craftsman creating feather soft artifacts out of a thorny dry leaf of a rugged wet land bush tree. Or never miss your chance to make friends with the traditional fishermen who venture out into the high seas every day in their catamaran.

Kollam Tourism Destinations | Kollam Hotels and Resorts

Kollam Destinations
Picnic Village: The main centre of recreational activities in Kollam, picnic village located along the backwater front attracts a large crowd. The government guest house over two centuries old, the Adventure Park, the Tourist Boat Club, the Children Traffic Park and the Yatri Nivas are housed in the vast Picnic Village.
Mata Amritanandamayi Asram: Nestled on an island between the Arabian sea and the Kayamkulam backwaters, stands the Amritapuri ashram, the head-quarters of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, which has been made sacred by the holy presence of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), Divine Mother and most revered Sadguru to millions all around the world. 
Thirumullavaram Beach: (6 km North of Kollam town) This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic spot with panoramic views.
Anchal:The cattle market, twice a month, is very famous. In the Bhagavathi temple here, there is a mudi festival which is used to conduct once every 12 years and it brings I huge gatherings.
Thagasseri: (5 km from Kollam town) This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The Thenagsseri lighthouse which is 144 feet high and was built by the British in 1519 is open to visitors.
Oachira Temple: (34 km North of Kollam town) On the side of Alappuzha-Kollam route 34 km from Kollam town. Dedicated to the universal supreme power, Oachira temple has no particular idol or deity. Yet Oachira Temple is a famous pilgrim centre.
Mayyanad: (10 km south of Kollam town) Mayyanad is known for its temples and shrines. Umayanalloor Subrahmanya Temple is the most famous one.
Sasthamkotta: (29 km from Kollam town) The ancient Sastha Temple that lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. The vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala.
Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple: Situated on the Thiruvananthpuram-Kottayam M.C.Road, Kottukal Rock Cut Cave temple is an example for rock-cut cave temple architecture.
Ariankavu: (70 km from Kollam town) Yet another famous Sastha temple, situated at Kollam-Chenkotta route.Mandala Pooja and Thrikalyanam celebrated in the month of December are the main festivals.
Thevally Palace:Built between 1811 and 1819 during the reign of Gauri Parvathy Bai, this palace enjoys great significance in the history. The erstwhile Maharaja used Thevally Palace during his visit to Kollam in order to meet the British Resident.
Kollam Beach:A full range of lives and activities and some of the most beautiful sceneries attract thousands to this beautiful beach. Kollam is a charming old port city on the banks of the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake.
Ashtamudi: Much have been said and volumes have been written about the beauty of the world renowned Ashtamudi Back water system, a placid waterscape spread across a large area of Kollam and literally means 8 locks of hair for its eight branches extending deep into the country side making the land very fertile with the alluvial soil and easily accessible by inland water ways besides gifting an abundance of tasty fresh water fishes.
Achancoil and Kottavasal: Achancoil and Kottavasal ranges, beautifully clad with dense tropical evergreen forest, shola forest and sub-tropical grass lands are truly an awe inspiring sight to any nature lover. At Achencoil one can go for a soft trek to Khumbhavurutty waterfalls through the forest tract enjoying the chirps of birds.
Sardar Vallabhai Patel Police Museum:Sardar Vallabhai Patel Police Museum is one of the rarest museums of its own kind in the world situated right in the centre of Kollam town.
Neendakara:(8 km from Kollam) A famous fishing harbour, you can see the Ashtamudi Lake joining the sea from the Neendakara Bridge and also the Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the sky. Neendakara is one of the major Harbours in Kerala and second largest busiest fishing harbour in the world.
Kathakali Museum:An educative display of Kathakali articles at Kottarakkara 28 km east of Kollam.
Shenduruney Wild Life Sanctuary:Shenduruney Wild Life Sanctuary is the only wild life sanctuary in Kollam district. Shenduruney Wild Life Sanctuary is rich with biodiversity lying on either side of Shanduruney River.
Thenmala: (66 km east of Kollam town) Thenmala is covered by dense forests, rubber and tea plantations. Thenmala is also a dam site. Thenmala is India’s first planned eco-tourism project and it includes trekking and one day at Palaruvi. World Tourism Organisation declared Thenmala as one of the world’s best eco-friendly projects and it includes Cultural Zone, Leisure Zone and Adventure Zone.
Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard: Alumkadavu boat building yard located near Karunagapilly on the northern backwaters of Kollam. Alumkadavu boat building yard is famous for building house boats with all modern facilities.
Palaruvi Waterfalls: (75 km from Kollam town) This cascade, which falls from a height of 300 feet, is so fascinating that inspired people to name it Palaruvi (the stream of milk). The Palaruvi wood is a beautiful picnic spot. 
Rameswaram Temple: Rameswaram Temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil dating from 12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in Rameswaram Temple give one the impression that the creatures are animate and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.
Kulathupuzha: (64 Kms from Kollam town) Another famous Sastha temple on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram-Chenkotta route. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April is a very import festival.
Paravoor: Safely perched on the back of an elephant, have a ride through the verdant country, Paravoor to the South of Kollam. A little bit of boating in the Paravoor backwaters to meet the native inland fishermen and to gain first hand information on the flourishing cottage industry of coir making is worthwhile.
Jatayupura: A huge rock at Chadayamangalam acquires its name from the mythical bird Jatayu in the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the legendary vulture king of Ramayana fell here, having de-limbed by Ravana after a stiff fight to rescue Sita, Rama’s bride.