Kerala Tourism: Things to do in Kollam

Kollam is one of Kerala’s most divine destinations. Every inch of it exudes pristine, natural beauty. We discover eight things to do in Kollam that make it a captivating destination.

1.Follow the Light

Thangasseri is a quiet seaside village which is home to many historically invaluable remnants. Here, one can find the remains of an intriguing Portuguese fort and many churches that were built in the 18 century. Also located in Thangasseri is the Thangasseri Lighthouse. The lighthouse stands at a height of almost 150 feet and offers lovely vistas of the surrounding area.

Follow-the-light-Kollam

2.Divine Landscapes

Less than 30 kilometers from Kollam is the important pilgrim center at Sasthamkotta. The town’s Sastha Temple is an ancient temple, which draws people in large numbers. The other reason people find their way towards this hidden gem is because of the natural beauty surrounding it. Here you will find Kerala’s largest freshwater lake, embraced by hills on three sides. The town is connected to Kollam by frequent buses but a more convenient option is hiring a private taxi which can be easily arranged by hosts.

3.Picnic at the Palaruvi

Approximately 75 kilometers from Kollam are the Palaruvi Falls. The majestic falls cascade from a height of over 300 feet. Splashing around in the river is safe and fun for the entire family. The lush woods, surrounding the waterfalls, are a great place to host a picnic. Taking a homemade picnic freshly prepared at your homestay will be a great idea and the homestay owners would be happy to pack you a feast. Undertaking a trek through the woods is a great way to explore the area and to work up an appetite.

4.Holy Holiday

Mayyanad is the most popular tourist destination around Kollam. Just 10 kilometers from the city, Mayyanad is famous for its nine temples and the Sree Sankaracharya shrine. The Subramanya Temple is the most revered holy destination of Mayyanad.

Mayyanad-holy-holiday

5.Family fun

The hub of recreational activities in Kollam is a charming village in Ashramam. Here, one can enjoy many activities offered by the village like its small adventure park, a quaint boat club and a special children’s park. A lot of locals are seen here enjoying the weekends with their family and spending some down time while the kids are happily distracted by the parks.

6.The laidback Backwaters

Almost one-third of Kollam is covered by Lake Ashtamudi, which is named after its eight channels. The lake is known as the doorway to the backwaters. The 16 kilometer long lake is Kerala’s second largest lake and a great alternative to the more congested Lake Vembanad. Other than enjoying cruises and houseboat stays on the Ashtamundi one can also take a four-hour trip to the Munroe island village through Kollam’s canals.

The-Laidback-Backwaters-Kerala

7.Take the scenic way

The most fascinating and unique experience that Kerala has to offer is a cruise on the backwaters. And from Kollam you can take a rare and luxurious cruise to reach the bigger town of Alleppey. This cruise lasts for about eight hours and is the longest cruise you can take on the backwaters.

Backwaters-take-the-scenic-way

8.Dig in

Kerala is known as God’s own country and perhaps its most divine offering is its food. The dishes are at their best when they are made at home with the love and care of a typical Keralite family. The homestays in Kerala ensure you enjoy a culinary experience that no hotel or restaurant could ever match. The recipes, which your homestay hosts would be happy to share with you, are perhaps the best souvenirs to take home.

Kerala-food

Kerala Tourism - Things to do in Alleppey

The old trading port of Alleppey – or Alappuzha as it’s also known – is well known as the capital of backwater country. This is where many of the boat tours of Kerala’s “Venice of the East” begin or end.

It goes without saying that a slow crawl around the canals and lakes of backwater Kerala is the main ‘thing to do’ when you visit Alleppey.

But here we give you nine extra items and ideas that add more to your visit.

These are activities you can either enjoy on your backwater journey or find elsewhere in Alleppey town or nearby villages.

1. Go night fishing

There’s something particularly enchanting about floating in a vallam, the traditional paddled longboat familiar to Kerala, under the moonlight, on a warm Indian evening, and hanging a fishing line into the glimmering waters. Other forms of fishing to look out for include the incredibly hard spear fishing, and fishing using a trapping pond.

Alleppey Night Finishing

2. Shop the Mullackal Road

The bazaars of Mullackal Road provide a delightful afternoon’s browsing. Here you’ll find everything from fine gold jewellery to umbrella emporiums and coir products.

Shop at the Mullackal Bazar Road

3. Eat a banana leaf lunch

Use your fingers as cutlery and a large green banana leaf as a plate and you’re half way to eating ‘Kerala style’. Add some pickles to your plate and a ball of steamed rice, flavoured with grated coconut, and you’re nearly there. Finish off the look with main dishes of rasam or sambar or perhaps a delicious fish molee, all mopped up with a pathiri pancake, and you’re enjoying an authentic Keralan lunch. Still hungry? Order some crispy banana chips and a bowl of sweet payasam for pudding.

Kerala style banana leaf lunch

4. Hire a bicycle

While guided tours give you a wealth of trivia and background information, sometimes it’s nice to abandon them and let instinct direct you instead. Bicycle is a great way to explore both the streets of Alleppey and the surrounding countryside. Buy a good map and take off early, enjoying the freedom of travel on Alappuzha’s quieter roads.

Bicycle hire in Alleppey

5. Swim in the holy river

The River Pampa is a holy river, treated with reverence by garland-wearing pilgrims who visit it to bathe. If you are staying in a homestay, ask your host to suggest a good spot where you can enjoy a leisurely swim.

Swim in the holy river Pampa

6. Get an Ayurvedic massage

Ayurveda is an important Indian medicine system, thought to be influenced by Buddhism. It focuses on meditation, yoga and massage. Massage uses herbs and oils coupled with a variety of hand techniques, including kneading, tapping and squeezing. A full body, relaxing Ayurvedic massage in one of the quality treatment rooms of Alleppey fits ideally with the overall laid back theme of Kerala life.

Ayurvedic massage

7. Explore the surrounding villages

There’s plenty on offer in the small villages dotted outside of Alleppey. Especially worth a visit is Champakulam, a peaceful place sat on the River Pampa and home of India’s oldest Christian church (built in AD 427). It also stages the famous ‘snake boat race’ held in June or July.

Christian church Alleppey

8. Spot unusual birds

Take a short trip out of Alleppey to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and you’ll enjoy one of the world’s most popular bird-watching locations. You’ll see migratory birds that travel from as far as Siberia and the Himalayas, including the stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary