Where to Go Out in Kollam

Ancient Maritime Rhythms by the Water

The salt air of Kollam carries the weight of millennia, where the scent of sea spray meets the history of a port that once hosted Roman ships, Chinese junks, and Arabian traders. You can feel this legacy as you move toward the coast, navigating a city that served as one of the world's primary trading hubs for centuries.

Explore the coastal edges where trade still defines the landscape:

• Thangassery Beach: Visit this active fishing harbor to see the pulse of local maritime life.
• Kollam Beach: A central point for experiencing the coastline, though visitors are advised not to swim due to water quality.
• Ashtamudi Lake: This expansive body of water defines the city’s geography and serves as a scenic backdrop to its urban landscape.

Off the Beaten Path at Munroe Island

For an experience that takes you beyond the main city center, head to Munroe Island located to the northeast of Kollam. Here, the pace slows significantly as you transition from urban commerce to the serene backwaters.

• Canoe Tours: Book a tour with local guides like Vijeesh to navigate the narrow waterways where houseboats cannot reach. These tours allow you to pass directly through villages and witness daily life on the water.
• Local Stay: The island offers homestays, providing a base to experience the rural atmosphere of the Kerala backwaters.

Evening Spirits and Coastal Dining

Evenings in Kollam are anchored by its coastal geography and long-standing hospitality traditions. While the city is a bustling commercial hub, your evening can be spent at established establishments near the coast or slightly inland.

• Hotel Sea Palace: Located on Beach Road, this venue features a bar and remains open until 11 PM.
• Hotel Sudarshan: Situated opposite Joy Allukas, this location also offers a bar and remains open until 11 PM.
• Mariyalayam Bar: Located in Sakthikulangara (about 6 km from the city center toward Alleppey), this venue functions as both a bar and restaurant with operating hours from 9 AM to 11 PM.

Timing Your Visit

While Kollam is a year-round destination for trade and coastal exploration, certain dates offer a deeper look into the local cultural calendar.

• August: Observe Raksha Bandhan.
• September: Experience Janmashtami.
• October: A busy month for festivities including Ganesh Chaturthi (early October), Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, and various celebrations during the Navratri and Durga Puja period mid-month.