Kollam, in Kerala, invites you to a place full of nature and history. It’s perfect if you want to leave city life behind. Kollam, the ‘Prince of Arabian Sea,’ is rich in culture and has beautiful backwaters and beaches. Imagine standing by Ashtamudi Lake, watching houseboats glide on the water. Or enjoying the peace at Palaruvi Waterfalls, which falls from 300 feet. Famous travelers like Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo visited Kollam, making it legendary.
The Kollam Pooram festival in April brings colors and tradition to the city. This huge festival mixes arts and culture. It shows us the joy of celebrating together. Kollam is more than just a place. It’s an experience that stays with you.
Key Takeaways
- Kollam is an ideal escape with a blend of historical richness and natural beauty.
- The city is renowned for its backwaters, beaches, and cultural heritage.
- The Kollam Pooram festival in April is a vibrant cultural highlight.
- Ashtamudi Lake and Palaruvi Waterfalls are among the most popular Kollam attractions.
- Kollam is historically significant, having been visited by explorers Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo.
- The Kollam Fest showcases the city’s role as a melting pot of arts and culture.
Palaruvi Waterfalls: A Must-Visit Natural Wonder
Palaruvi Waterfalls is a top sight in Kollam. It’s 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam-Shencottah road. It’s known for its stunning views and activities for nature lovers.
Features and Highlights
The falls drop from 300 feet and have healing powers. They offer a calm place to relax. Families can enjoy a bath area for women and kids.
Trekking at Palaruvi has two main paths. The 5-kilometer Palaruvi Trek takes about three hours. The 8-kilometer Kurishumala Trek needs six hours. Guided treks help with safety and learning about the area.
To learn more about Palaruvi Waterfalls, click this link.
Best Time to Visit
The best visit time is from October to March. The weather is nice, and water flow is good. In the monsoon season, the falls are fuller but need more caution.
| Distance from Key Locations | Distance (km) |
|---|---|
| Thenmala | 15 |
| Tenkasi | 28 |
| Sengottai | 21 |
| Courtallam | 27 |
| Thiruvananthapuram International Airport | 77 |
Easily getting there makes Palaruvi a top spot in Kollam. Tenkasi Junction and Sengottai are close. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is 77 km away.
Palaruvi Waterfalls is great for seeing beauty, hiking, or enjoying peace. It’s a top choice for visiting Kollam and seeing nature.
Ashtamudi Lake: Experience the Backwaters
Ashtamudi Lake covers 61 sq km and is a gateway to Kerala’s backwaters. It’s a top spot in Kollam for nature lovers. Here, you can enjoy peaceful houseboat trips.
Houseboat Trips
Exploring Ashtamudi Lake on a houseboat is amazing. You’ll see green coconut groves and eight beautiful islands. These trips mix luxury with tradition, offering a memorable time.
Winter is the best season for these trips. However, the monsoon season also shows the lake’s unique beauty, especially in August and September.
Activities
There’s more to do at Ashtamudi Lake than just houseboat rides. Fishing here is fun and relaxing. Birdwatchers can see over 50 bird species. Also, visiting the mangrove forests teaches about the ecosystem. This lake is crucial for wetland conservation.
Places like Kollam Beach and Munroe Island add more fun. They offer beach time and boat races. Thevally Palace and Alumkadavu are close by for more exploration. These spots make the area a great place to visit.
Karunagappally: Explore Religious and Historical Attractions
Karunagappally is just 32 kilometers from Kollam. It mixes history with spirituality. This town is known for religious tourism in Kollam. It lets visitors see the area’s deep culture and spirit.
Karunagappally Shiva Temple
The Karunagappally Shiva Temple is important for those loving historical attractions in Kollam. Its architecture shows the cool Kerala style. This gives visitors a calm spot for a spirit retreat.
Its wood carvings and old murals share Hindu stories.
- The Anandavalleswaram Sri Mahadeva Temple, another famous Shiva temple in Kollam, is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala, established by the sage Parashurama.
- Cheriazheekal Temple in Karunagappally worships both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It has a big Mahasivaratri festival that lasts 10 days every year.
Karunagappally Mosque
The Karunagappally Mosque mixes Persian, Mughal, and Asian styles. This mosque is not just a religious place. It also shows the town’s diverse culture. People who like historical attractions in Kollam will find its design and history interesting.
- Oachira Temple, unique because it worships without an idol, is for Para Brahman or ‘Omkaram’.
- Achankovil Sastha Temple is known for curing snake bites. Many pilgrims visit it every month.
Karunagappally has other temples like the Kottukal Rock-cut Cave Temple. It was built from the 6th to the 8th century. There’s also the Kattil Mekkathil Bhagavathy Temple. It survived the 2006 Tsunami. Every year, 400,000 brass bells are tied to its banyan tree by wishers.
Karunagappally has a mix of religious and historical spots. It’s a must-visit for those exploring historical attractions in Kollam.
Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram: Discover Spiritual Solace
In Kottarakkara, Kollam District, the Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram is a key spiritual place in Kollam. This temple honors Lord Ganesh and welcomes Shiva, Parvati, Murugan, Ayyapan, and Nagaraja too. It is a welcoming spot for all faiths.
Temple Features
The Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram is known for its calm feel. It is a quiet spot for visitors and worshippers. Famous for its prasadam, Unniyappam, it invites everyone. The temple is busy during Vinayaka Chaturthi, with many visitors.
Things to Do
Visitors to Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram can do many spiritual activities:
- Participate in daily poojas and rituals.
- Witness the grand festival of Vinayaka Chaturthi.
- Relish the unique prasadam, Unniyappam.
- Explore the tranquil atmosphere that offers solace and spiritual rejuvenation.
- Connect with fellow pilgrims and learn about the diverse worship practices at the temple.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Kottarakkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India |
| Nearest Airport | Trivandrum International Airport, approximately 70 kilometers away |
| Distance to Kottarakkara Railway Station | Approximately 2 kilometers |
| Main Festival | Vinayaka Chaturthi |
| Accessibility | Well-connected by road via NH-66 highway |
Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram is a top spot for Kollam visitors. It adds to Kollam’s rich cultural and religious scene.
Mayyanad: A Blend of Spirituality and Scenic Beauty
Mayyanad sits beautifully between Paravur Lake and the Arabian Sea. This place is a spiritual heart in Kollam. It’s 10 km away from the busy life of Kollam city. This village brings history and nature together for everyone.
Historic Temples
Mayyanad is known for its historic temples. It’s a special place in Kollam for many. The Lord Subramaniam Temple here is very famous. This temple brings people from all over India. Going there, you feel a connection to old traditions and spirituality.
Natural Landscapes
Mayyanad is also about beautiful sights. It is one of the scenic villages in Kollam. With Paravur Lake and the Arabian Sea close by, it shows off stunning views. Many people come here looking for peace and lovely scenes. The village blends its spiritual and natural beauty in a unique way.
Kollam Beach: Relax and Rejuvenate
Kollam Beach, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach, is a beautiful spot in Kerala. It offers golden sands and wide views. Many travelers come here to relax and feel refreshed. It is easy to reach by road and water, making it a popular place to visit.
Beach Activities
Beach activities in Kollam cater to all kinds of interests. You can swim, sunbathe, or take walks along the shore. There’s surfing and boating for the adventurous ones. Plus, Kollam Adventure Park is nearby. It costs INR 30 to get in and it’s fun for everyone.
Nearby Attractions
Near Kollam Beach, there are lots of places to see. The Thangassery Light House is close by. It costs INR 10 for adults and INR 3 for kids to enter. You get to see the Arabian Sea from high up. Thirumullavaram Beach is another quiet spot to chill and it’s free to visit.
Getting to Kollam Beach is easy. Just take an auto-rickshaw from Kollam Junction Railway Station for about Rs. 50. Near the beach, you can visit Thangasseri Fort and Anandavalleswaram Temple. There’s no entry fee for these places. Kollam Beach has a lot to offer, from beach fun to exploring local culture.
Conclusion
The diverse Kollam attractions weave a rich tapestry of experiences for any traveler. From the serene backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake to the cascading beauty of Palaruvi Waterfalls. Kollam offers many natural wonders. Visitors can enjoy houseboat trips, fun activities, and the area’s peaceful beauty.
Kollam’s historical and spiritual sites are special too. Places like the Karunagappally Shiva Temple and ancient Rameshwaram Temple offer deep cultural insights. The city also has unique spots like Jatayu’s Earth Centre and Thangassery Lighthouse. Each spot shows what makes Kollam special, making it a top place in any Kollam travel guide.
Kollam is noticed for being one of India’s least polluted cities. It has a high literacy rate and quality of life. The city combines tradition and modernity, making its growth impressive. People who visit the best places in Kollam leave with special memories, wanting to come back.
Kollam has something for everyone. It offers peaceful river cruises, historical monument explorations, and spiritual depth. The sound of Ashtamudi’s waters, sacred temple songs, and Kollam’s charm touch everyone. This ensures Kollam makes a lasting impression on all visitors.
FAQ
What are the must-see locations in Kollam?
Kollam has great places to visit. These include Palaruvi Waterfalls, Ashtamudi Lake, Karunagappally Shiva Temple, Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram, and Kollam Beach.
When is the best time to visit Palaruvi Waterfalls?
Visit Palaruvi Waterfalls from June to September. That’s when the waterfall is full and beautiful.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Ashtamudi Lake?
At Ashtamudi Lake, you can go on houseboat trips, fish, and see the beautiful area. Cruising on a houseboat is a big favorite.
What are the religious and historical attractions in Karunagappally?
In Karunagappally, check out the Karunagappally Shiva Temple and the Karunagappally Mosque. They are known for their unique designs.
What makes the Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram special?
The Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram is peaceful and worships Lord Ganesh. People of all faiths are welcome here. They’re also known for their Unniyappam prasadam.
What can travelers expect when visiting Mayyanad?
Travelers in Mayyanad will find historic temples like the Lord Subramaniam Temple. They’ll enjoy the beauty of Paravur Lake and the Arabian Sea too.
What activities are available at Kollam Beach?
At Kollam Beach, you can swim or relax on the sand. Don’t miss the Mahatma Gandhi Park and the Thangassery Light House for sea views.
