Welcome to Kollam, the Gateway to the Backwater of Kerala**

 ## **Welcome to Kollam, the Gateway to the Backwater of Kerala**  


Looking for a place to chill and have some good time? Head to wonderful Kollam, a cozy seaport full of emotional and lively backwaters, historical landmarks, emerald hues, and vibrant culture. It extends down the **Laccadive Sea** and lays claim to being one of Kerala's **oldest ports, aside from being a proud beacon in the spice trade with ancient Rome and China**. Today, Kollam boasts landscapes, a rich history, and fine culture, allowing travelers to travel all around Kerala and escape the usual tour sites.  


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## **Why Kollam Is Worth Visiting?**  


🌿 **Backwaters Scenery** – Step deep into the virgin beauty of Kerala’s calm backwaters.  

🚣 **Houseboat Cruises** – Simply the best when it comes to the conventional houseboat ride.  

🏰 **Historical Importance** – Ancient temples, colonial-era churches, and ancient trade routes.  

🏖 **Beautiful Beaches** – Relax in the arms of less-crowded sandy shores.  

🐦 **Wildlife & Nature** – Feel the tinge of green enchanting birds, nature, and wildlife.  


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## **Major Sightseeing Spots in Kollam**


### 1. **Ashtamudi Lake** – The Heart of Kollam  

The **Ashtamudi Lake** is one of the most famous *Keralite backwater* destinations. It hosts **palm-lined shores, houseboat jollification sprees**, and vibrant birdlife. The ideal boat outing would be Ashtamudi to Alleppey, giving you visions of greenery on the way to Alleppey.  


### 2. **Punalur Hanging Bridge** – A Smashing Work of Engineering  

The **Punalur Hanging Bridge** is one of the grand old bridges of South India and was completed in **1877**. Showing off the art on paper and steel, it is the best historical spot where photographers and history enthusiasts rejoice.


### 3. **Thangassery Lighthouse & Fort** – A Colonial Vestige  

Thangassery quaintly carries remnants of **Portuguese and Dutch colonial history**. The **Thangassery Lighthouse**, the light of which first shown **1902**, offers a terrific view of the Arabian Sea. The remains of the **Thangassery Fort** from the **18th century** give a saga of Kollam trading past.


### 4. **Jatayu Earth Center** – A Mythological Wonder  

*Jatayu Earth* is a framework laying recent claim to the **Jatayu Earth Center**, which houses the **largest bird sculpture in the world**. Located at the spot of an event, where **Jatayu—the mythical bird from the Ramayana—fell on the ground while trying to rescue Sita from Ravanna**, the state-of-the-art theme park includes **adventurous activities like rock climbing, zip line, and trekking**.  


### 5. **Munroe Island** – A Hidden Paradise  

Nurtured alongside the **Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River**, this rustic gem called the **Munroe Island** is the closest to slices of life in **Kerala villages**. The experience of seeing crouching waters in a canoe ride through carved canals, lining lushness and coconut grooves, is far from being soul caressing.  


### 6. **Thenmala Ecotourism** – India’s First Ecotourism Project  

Nature is well-nursed for ecotourism in **Thenmala**. It's sprawled with dense **forests and waterfalls**, offering **boating, trekking, ropeway rides, and a beautiful musical fountain show**. **Palaruvi Waterfalls**, or "Stream of Milk," is even closer and every bit breathtaking.


### 7. **Kollam Beach** – Quiet Escape  

An attractive beach less patronized than the others in town, **Kollam Beach** is perfect for you to **unwind, watch the sunset, and walk along the shore**. **Mahatma Gandhi Park**, nearby, adds to the whole charming touch, bringing out the special appeal of the beach to families and friends.  


### 8. **Sasthamkotta Lake** – Kerala’s Largest Freshwater Lake  

**Sasthamkotta Lake**, surrounded by picturesque hills and ancient temples, is located **28 km from Kollam** toward **Ambalappuzha**. This serene lake is also known to be a **home for some rare species of freshwater fishes and migratory birds**.  


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## **Must-Do Activities in Kollam**  


🚣 **Houseboat Cruises** – Drift through the **Ashtamudi backwaters**.  

🏝 **Beach Lounging** – Chill out on **Thirumullavaram Beach & Kollam Beach**.  

🚵 Adventure Activities – Hiking, zip-lining, and rock climbing at **Jatayu Earth Center**.  

🕍 **Temples and Churches Viewing** – Discover the **Ochira Parabrahma Temple, Rameshwara Temple, and St. Thomas Fort Church**.  

🌿 **Eco-Tours & Wildlife** – Explore the world of **Thenmala Ecotourism & Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary**.  


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## **Best Local Foods**  


🍛 **Karimeen Pollichathu** – A pearl spot fish that is grilled inside a banana leaf.  

🥘 **Meen Curry (Fish Curry)** – Spicy, tangy fish masala with coconut.  

🍲 **Kappa and Meen Curry** – Cassava curry with fish side, a favorite delicacy of Kerala.  

🌶 **Prawn Roast** – Oodles of spices and good flavor in prawns Kerala-style.  

🥥 **Banana Chips & Cashew Nuts** – Ideal to take back as snacks.  


**Go to the following for a complete meal**;  

- **All Spice Restaurant** – Best for seafood and Kerala dishes.  

- **Ramees Restaurant** – Favorites of local and international traditional cooking.  

- **The Riverside** – For dining experience with backwater view.  


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## **Best Time to Visit Kollam**  


🌸 **Winter (October – March):** Attractions and backwater cruises in abundance.  

🌦 **Monsoon (June – September):** Rain has maximum potential for adventure and Ayurvedic blessings.  

🔥 **Summer (April – May):** Hot and humid; a jump to the beaches and waterfalls for relief.  


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## **How to Reach Kollam**  


✈ **By Air:** The nearest airport is **Trivandrum International Airport (66 km)**.  

🚆 **By Train:** **Kollam Junction** is well-connected to major Indian cities.  

🚌 **By Road:** Well-connected via NH-66 to **Trivandrum, Kochi, and Bangalore**.  


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## **Conclusion**  


Kollam is a **hidden treasure** in Kerala, offering **the enchantment of backwaters, desolate beaches, repository of history, and means of adventure in offering**. If your heart sings for a little insight with an arduous overexertion into history, then here you are! If not, head into the depths of nature relaxation or just embark on your own southern adventure through houseboats amidst the unique beauty of Kerala.  


🌊✨ **Have you visited Kollam? Share your favorite experiences in the comments!** 🚤😊

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