Kollam Travel Guide & Kerala Tourism (Ashtamudi & Jatayu)
Hotels · Packages · Sightseeing

Kollam (historically known as Quilon or Desinganadu, universally celebrated as the 'Gateway to the Kerala Backwaters', the 'Cashew Capital of the World', and one of ancient India's premier spice trading ports mentioned by Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, and Chinese travelers, situated along the tranquil shores of the Arabian Sea and Ashtamudi Lake in southern Kerala at an elevation of 3 meters (10 ft) above sea level), is an unmatched backwater, rock art, and maritime haven.

Ashtamudi Lake — 8-Armed Ramsar Wetland, Mangrove Canals, and Traditional Houseboat Backwaters in Kollam

Seamlessly uniting the serene 8-armed palm-fringed waterways, traditional wooden houseboats (*Kettuvallams*), Chinese fishing nets, and mangrove islets of Ashtamudi Lake (a designated Ramsar wetland of international importance) with the colossal mythic grandeur of Jatayu Earth's Center at Chadayamangalam (the world's largest bird sculpture spanning 200 feet atop a 1,000-foot rocky cliff, celebrating the epic Ramayana vulture hero Jatayu's valor with cable cars and adventure trails), the tranquil narrow canal village kayaking and coir weaving trails of Munroe Island (a cluster of 8 serene backwater islets at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River), the soaring 41-meter red and white striped colonial beacon and 1503 Portuguese Fort Manuel de Cima ruins at Thangassery Lighthouse, the roaring 300-foot white cascade of Palaruvi Waterfalls (*Stream of Milk*) nestled within the dense Western Ghats reserve forests of Thenmala (India's first planned eco-tourism destination), the tranquil freshwater ecosystem of Sasthamkotta Lake (the 'Queen of Lakes'), and centuries old cashew processing mills and coir yarn spinning yards, authentic Malabar-Travancore coastal culinary feasts featuring signature Pearl Spot Fish baked in banana leaf (*Karimeen Pollichathu*), fiery spicy Kollam Crab Roast, traditional Kerala Sadya served on fresh plantain leaves, steamed Appam with creamy vegetable or chicken Stew, crispy Cassava (*Tapioca / Kappa*) with fiery red chili Fish Curry, freshly roasted salted Cashews, sweet Unniyappam, and refreshing fresh Green Coconut Water, and 4 lane national highway NH-66 (coastal highway) / NH-744 and electrified railway mainline connectivity directly linking state capital Trivandrum (70 km via NH-66), world-famous cliff resort Varkala (30 km), iconic backwater capital Alleppey (85 km via NH-66), commercial port hub Cochin (140 km via NH-66), wildlife highland Thekkady (160 km via NH-183 / Thenmala), mist hills Munnar (220 km), and beach town Kovalam (85 km), Kollam provides an extraordinary sanctuary of languid palm lagoons, colossal rock art, coastal maritime forts, and cashew plantation lore.

The city is famous globally for its 8-armed Ashtamudi Lake cruises, Jatayu Earth's Center, Munroe island canoe tours, cashew processing factories, and Thangassery lighthouse: the premier backwater ecosystem Ashtamudi Lake & Backwaters (City Centre) (Kerala's most famous 8-armed Ramsar lake offering houseboat cruises to Alleppey), the monumental rock-themed wonder Jatayu Earth's Center (38 km east in Chadayamangalam) (the world's largest bird sculpture with cable cars and adventure park), the village waterway paradise Munroe Island (25 km northeast) (a hidden gem cluster of 8 islands for peaceful canoe rides), the historic seaside monument Thangassery Lighthouse & Fort Ruins (5 km west) (a 41-meter 1902 lighthouse with ocean vistas), the roaring forest waterfall Palaruvi Waterfalls (75 km east near Thenmala), the freshwater lake sanctuary Sasthamkotta Lake, the lively cashew markets of Chinnakada, Main Road & Beach Road, and Kollam's seamless connectivity along NH-66 to Trivandrum (70 km) and Alleppey (85 km).

Serving as the historic trading heart of Southern Kerala, Kollam is an indispensable destination for backwater boaters, eco-tourists, honeymooners, and seafood gourmets.

Kollam features 8-armed Ramsar backwater lakes, the world's largest bird sculpture, island kayak canals, and colonial lighthouses:

1. Ashtamudi Lake & Backwaters (Ramsar Wetland 8-Armed Backwater Haven - City Centre)

A magnificent palm shaped lake with eight prominent arms (*Ashta Mudi*), designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The southern gateway to Kerala's backwaters, offering luxury multi-day houseboat cruises to Alleppey, shikara boat rides through mangrove creeks, and serene sunset views over Chinese fishing nets.

Ashtamudi Lake — 8-Armed Ramsar Wetland, Mangrove Arch Canals, and Houseboat Cruises

2. Jatayu Earth's Center & Chadayamangalam Rock (World's Largest Bird Sculpture - 38 km)

A globally renowned rock-themed park perched on a 1,000 foot hill at Chadayamangalam, featuring the world's largest bird sculpture (200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 70 feet tall) sculpted by Rajiv Anchal. Celebrates the valiant mythical bird Jatayu who fought Ravana to protect Sita, accessible via a scenic passenger ropeway cable car, adventure zone, and 6D theater.

Jatayu Earth's Center — World's Largest Bird Sculpture, Cable Car Ropeway, and Adventure Rock Park

3. Munroe Island & Canal Kayaking (Cluster of 8 Palm-Fringed Backwater Islets - 25 km)

A tranquil cluster of eight interconnected islands formed at the confluence of the Kallada River and Ashtamudi Lake, named after British Resident Colonel John Munro. Famous for open country wooden canoe tours through narrow canal arches, traditional coir retting, duck farming, and migratory bird watching.

Munroe Island — Cluster of 8 Backwater Islets, Narrow Canal Canoe Rides, and Village Coir Crafts

4. Thangassery Lighthouse & Portuguese Fort Ruins (41-Meter Coastal Lighthouse - 5 km)

A historic coastal enclave featuring the second tallest lighthouse in Kerala (41 meters high), commissioned in 1902 with distinctive red and white diagonal spiral stripes. Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the adjacent crumbling stone ruins of the 1503 Portuguese Fort Manuel de Cima (*San Thomas Fort*).

Thangassery Lighthouse — 41-Meter 1902 Beacon, Arabian Sea Panoramas, and Portuguese Fort Heritage

5. Palaruvi Waterfalls & Thenmala Eco-Tourism (Stream of Milk Forest Cascades - 75 km)

A spectacular 300 foot tiered waterfall tumbling over rocky cliffs like a 'stream of milk' (*Palaruvi*) within the pristine Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. Located close to Thenmala, India's first planned eco-tourism project featuring canopy walkways, butterfly parks, and river trekking.

Palaruvi Waterfalls — 300-Foot Stream of Milk Forest Cascade and Thenmala Eco-Tourism Reserve

6. Kollam Beach & Mahatma Gandhi Park (Golden Sands & Arabian Sea Sunset Promenade - 2 km)

A sprawling golden sand beach in the heart of Kollam city, featuring a lively beach promenade, manicured seaside parks, and scenic sunset views across the historic Quilon maritime anchorage.

7. Sasthamkotta Lake / Queen of Lakes (Kerala's Largest Natural Freshwater Lake - 28 km)

The largest natural freshwater lake in Kerala spanning 373 hectares, surrounded by rolling hills and known for the presence of the larva *Cavaborus* which keeps its waters crystal clear.

8. Thevally Palace & Ashtamudi Waterfront (Historic Dutch-Travancore Heritage Mansion - 4 km)

A historic 19th century palace situated on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, blending Dutch, British, and Travancore architecture, once used as a home for Travancore Maharajas during administrative tours.

9. Chinnakada Clock Tower & Cashew Processing Mills (Historic Heritage Core - City Centre)

The beating commercial heart of Kollam featuring the iconic 1944 four-faced brick clock tower and historic processing factories that establish Kollam as the cashew capital of the world.