Stand at the Thangassery Fort intersection and the road runs north past a cathedral founded in 1614, with the harbour and its lighthouse a short walk beyond. This is the historic Christian quarter of Kollam, and it is where most visitors begin.
Kollam suits travellers who want a working port city and the backwaters around it rather than a resort strip. It is the gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala, and the surrounding villages, lakes and beaches are reached easily by road, rickshaw or local train.
This guide covers the sights and experiences in and around the city, followed by a one-day plan and answers to common questions.
Top things to do in Kollam
1. Thangassery
Thangassery is home to 18th-century churches, a lighthouse and remnants of Portuguese and Dutch forts. The quarter is compact enough to cover on foot, and the harbour, the fort ruins and the lighthouse sit within easy reach of one another.
Combine the sites here in a single visit rather than spreading them across days, since they are in easy and shaded walking distance of each other.
2. Thangassery Lighthouse
A modern lighthouse in a historic Christian quarter, and it is possible to climb it in the afternoons. The opening window is 3-5PM, and there is a small fee.
Best to combine it with the Thangassery Fort, as the two sites are in easy and shaded walking distance. Plan your afternoon around the 3-5PM slot so you are not left waiting.
3. St Thomas Fort (Thangassery Fort)
Some limited standing ruins of an old colonial fort. You can see two different sides of the building: the first from the harbour side, where it is visible at some distance, and the second from the opposite side.
The site is slightly overgrown, so beware of snakes if you venture close. An auto-rickshaw from the Main Road bus stop cost ₹50, and entry is free.
4. Infant Jesus Cathedral
A vestige of the Portuguese rule of Kollam, established in 1614. It stands 200m north of the Thangassery Fort intersection, on the right-hand side of the road, behind a house.
Its position makes it a natural stop on the same walk as the fort and the lighthouse.
5. Munroe Island Canoe Tours
Vijeesh runs canoe tours which are an excellent way to explore Munroe Island. You get to go places that the house boats can't and will literally be going through the village and get to see life there. He has great English and an excellent personality, and also runs a home stay on the island.
The tours run from Chittumala Rd, Munroe Island, northeast of Kollam. A rickshaw costs around ₹400 from Kollam, or you can take the local train; contact him by email or phone for train details. The tour is ₹300 per person.
6. Sakthikulangara
This is where the Ashtamudi lake meets the Arabian Sea, 7 kms from Kollam towards the Aleppey side. Here you will find a leaning lighthouse, similar to the leaning tower of Pisa.
It pairs well with the northern stretches of the city, including Neendakara.
7. Neendakara (Long Shore)
Famous for its fisheries industries, 8 km north of Kollam. The name means Long Shore, and the fishing activity is the reason to come.
It sits on the same northern side of the city as Sakthikulangara, so the two can be seen together.
8. Thangassery Beach
A fishing harbour. It is the working waterfront of the Thangassery quarter rather than a swimming beach.
Do not swim in the water, as there is a large amount of unprocessed sewerage that goes into it from locals who use the beach.
9. Kollam Beach
The city's own beach, best treated as part of the eating, shopping and sightseeing that makes up a day in Kollam.
As with Thangassery Beach, do not swim in the water.
10. Sasthamcotta
The biggest freshwater lake in Kerala, 19 km from Kollam. It is a change of scale from the coastal and backwater scenery closer to the city.
It works as a half-day trip out of Kollam rather than a stop on a walking route.
11. Alumkadavu
A scenic place 26 km from Kollam, with blue green stretches of backwater, coconut palms, backwater cruise, house boats and Ayurvedic treatment centers.
This is the place to arrange a house boat or backwater cruise if that is what you came for.
12. Thenmala
A dam site with dense forest, 66 km east of Kollam on the way to Shencottah, and it is also reachable from Thiruvananthapuram. It is famous for eco tourism.
Because of the distance, treat it as a full day out rather than an add-on to a city day.
13. Aryankavu
A pilgrim centre 73 km east of Kollam, on an old trade route for merchants from either side of the Western Ghats. It is famous for the shrine of Lord Sastha, fine sculptures and mural paintings.
It lies in the same eastern direction as Thenmala, so the two can be considered on one longer excursion.
14. Mayyanad
Famous for its shrines and temples, 10 km south of Kollam. It is a short run from the city for anyone interested in temple architecture.
Its position south of Kollam makes it a separate trip from the northern beaches and fisheries centres.
15. Kottarakkara
The erstwhile capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a ruling family, 27 km northeast of Kollam. It is famous for Kath Kali, a dance drama.
It is a reasonable stop if you are heading northeast towards Kottarakara and beyond.
If you only have one day
Morning. Start in Thangassery. Walk from the Thangassery Fort intersection to the Infant Jesus Cathedral, 200m north on the right-hand side of the road behind a house, then continue to St Thomas Fort at the north end of the harbour. Look at the ruins from the harbour side and then from the opposite side, and take care on the overgrown ground.
Afternoon. Climb the Thangassery Lighthouse during its 3-5PM window, which is the only time it is possible to climb. Afterwards, walk down to Thangassery Beach to see the fishing harbour, and keep to the sand rather than the water.
Evening. Move on to Kollam Beach for the eating, shopping and sightseeing that fills an evening in the city. If you would rather spend the day on the water instead, swap the afternoon for a Munroe Island canoe tour with Vijeesh, reached by rickshaw from Kollam or by local train.
Frequently asked questions
When can I climb the Thangassery Lighthouse?
It is possible to climb in the afternoons, between 3PM and 5PM. There is a small fee.
Is it safe to swim at the beaches in Kollam?
No. Do not swim in the water, as there is a large amount of unprocessed sewerage that goes into it from locals who use the beach.
How do I get to Munroe Island for a canoe tour?
A rickshaw costs around ₹400 from Kollam, or you can take the local train. Contact Vijeesh by email or phone for train details. The tour is ₹300 per person.
What should I combine with the Thangassery Fort?
The Thangassery Lighthouse, as the two sites are in easy and shaded walking distance. The Infant Jesus Cathedral is also close by, 200m north of the Thangassery Fort intersection.
Decide whether your day belongs to the Thangassery quarter or to the backwaters, and start planning around that choice.