2 Days in Kollam for a Nature Trip

Kollam is one of those places where nature just takes over. From serene backwaters to lush green forests, this coastal town in Kerala feels like a breath of fresh air. I love how you can start your day with a peaceful boat ride and end it watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea. It's the perfect spot if you want to slow down and soak in some natural beauty.

Kerala, kerala
2 Days
Nature
Custom Trip

Trip Highlights

A quiet morning boat ride through the Ashtamudi Lake backwaters
Walking through the tall coconut palms at Munroe Island
Watching the sunset at Thangassery Beach with the old lighthouse in the background
Spotting rare birds at the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time to Visit

OctoberFebruary

Share Your Adventure

Spread the word about this amazing trip!

Day 1

Day 1 in Kollam

Start your Kollam adventure with its most iconic spots—a serene backwater cruise, a historic lighthouse, and a peaceful beach. Wrap up the day with delicious local flavors.

Activities

Ashtamudi Lake Backwater Cruise
Ashtamudi Lake Backwater Cruise

Glide through the palm-fringed canals of Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala’s second-largest lake. The 8-hour cruise takes you past quaint villages, coconut groves, and vibrant birdlife. Opt for a traditional houseboat or a quicker public ferry for a more local experience.

Ashtamudi Lake, near Kollam townMorning (9 AM start recommended)₹500-₹3000 (varies by boat type)
Tips:
  • Book houseboats in advance during peak season
  • Carry sunscreen and a hat—the sun gets intense
Thangassery Lighthouse Visit
Thangassery Lighthouse Visit

Climb the 144 steps of this 19th-century British-built lighthouse for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and Kollam’s coastline. The surrounding area has crumbling colonial-era churches and a quiet beach perfect for a stroll.

Thangassery, 5 km from Kollam townAfternoon (3-5 PM; closes at 5:30 PM)₹10 entry fee
Tips:
  • Wear comfortable shoes—the spiral staircase is narrow
  • Visit the nearby Portuguese-era St. Thomas Church
Kollam Beach Sunset
Kollam Beach Sunset

Unwind at Kollam Beach, where locals gather to watch the sun dip into the sea. The vibe is relaxed, with snack stalls selling fresh coconut water and spicy fried fish. Don’t miss the old pier—it’s great for photos.

Kollam Beach, near the city centerEvening (5:30-7 PM)Free (snacks around ₹50-₹200)
Tips:
  • Try 'kallummakkaya' (mussels) from beachside stalls
  • The sand gets hot—bring flip-flops

Must Try Foods

Kallummakkaya roast (spicy mussels)
Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaf)
Kollam-style beef fry with parotta

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Kollam Junction (1 km from city center; auto-rickshaws cost ₹50-₹100)
Nearest Bus Stop
Kollam KSRTC Bus Stand (frequent buses to Thangassery/Ashtamudi)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Ola/Uber available; auto-rickshaws are cheaper for short distances (bargain firmly)

No destinations found for this itinerary

Day 2

Day 2 in Kollam

Dive deeper into Kollam's natural beauty and local culture with a mix of scenic spots and authentic experiences.

Activities

Palaruvi Waterfalls Visit
Palaruvi Waterfalls Visit

Start your day with a refreshing trip to Palaruvi Waterfalls, one of Kerala's most famous waterfalls. The name means 'stream of milk,' and the sight of water cascading down from 300 feet is mesmerizing. The surrounding forest adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. You can take a dip in the pool below, but be cautious as the rocks can be slippery.

Palaruvi Waterfalls, near Aryankavu, about 75 km from Kollam cityMorning (8 AM to 11 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool breezeINR 50-100 per person (entry fee)
Tips:
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the short hike to the falls
  • Carry a change of clothes if you plan to take a dip
Jatayu Earth's Center
Jatayu Earth's Center

Head to Jatayu Earth's Center, a unique nature park and adventure zone built around the legendary Jatayu rock formation. The giant sculpture of the mythical bird Jatayu is the highlight, and you can take a cable car ride for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers activities like rock climbing and rappelling for thrill-seekers.

Jatayu Earth's Center, Chadayamangalam, about 50 km from Kollam cityAfternoon (2 PM to 5 PM) when the sun is less harshINR 500-800 per person (includes cable car ride and entry)
Tips:
  • Don’t miss the panoramic view from the top of the sculpture
  • Try the local snacks at the park’s café
Kollam Fish Market & Local Dinner

Wrap up your day with a visit to Kollam’s bustling fish market, where you can see the day’s fresh catch and interact with local fishermen. For dinner, head to a nearby eatery like Hotel Rahmaniya or Thaff Delicacy to savor authentic Malabar seafood dishes. The flavors are rich, and the spices are perfectly balanced—a true taste of Kerala.

Kollam Fish Market, near the port areaEvening (6 PM to 8 PM)INR 300-600 per person for dinner
Tips:
  • Arrive early at the fish market for the best selection
  • Ask the chef for their daily specials

Must Try Foods

Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish grilled in banana leaf)
Kallumakkaya Ularthiyathu (stir-fried mussels)
Puttu with Kadala Curry (steamed rice cakes with black chickpea curry)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Kollam Junction (2 km from city center, 10-15 min by auto)
Nearest Bus Stop
Kollam KSRTC Bus Stand (frequent buses to Palaruvi and Jatayu)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Cabs and auto-rickshaws are easily available; pre-booking is recommended for long-distance trips like Palaruvi

Travel Tips

Try to book your backwater cruise early in the morning—it's less crowded and the light is beautiful.
Wear comfortable shoes if you're heading to Shendurney; some trails can be a bit rough.
Don't miss the local seafood at Thangassery—the small shacks near the beach serve the freshest catch.

Related Trips

Explore related trips for this destination

Other Popular Destinations

Explore itineraries for other amazing destinations

Itineraries by Destination