Best months
Per-day budget
₹1,750–3,200/day
Getting there
Kollam (Quilon) is a coastal city in Kerala on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. It was an ancient Roman and Chinese trading port. Kollam is the gateway to the Kerala backwaters — the backwater cruise from Kollam to Alleppey (8 hours) is one of the longest scenic houseboat routes. Kollam has Ashtamudi Lake, Thenmala Ecotourism Park and Jatayu Earth's Centre. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air. The destination offers a mix of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo backpackers to small groups. A houseboat ride through the backwaters is a memorable experience. Nature lovers will enjoy the scenic landscape and fresh air.
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Why go
Ashtamudi Lake is an 8-branched lake with palm-fringed shores. The backwater cruise from Kollam to Alleppey (8 hours, ₹1,000-2,000 per person shared) passes through lake, canals and villages. Munroe Island (30 km) is a network of canals with smaller ferries.
Thenmala Ecotourism Park (65 km) is India's first planned ecotourism destination — with ropeway, deer park and butterfly garden. Jatayu Earth's Centre (40 km) has the world's largest bird sculpture (200 ft) with rock climbing and rappelling.
How to reach
Kollam has a railway station with direct trains from Delhi (Kerala Express), Mumbai and Kochi. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (70 km). Buses from all Kerala cities connect.
What a day costs
| Budget hotel | ₹500–800 |
| Food (Kerala thali) | ₹150–200 |
| Shared backwater cruise | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Thenmala ropeway | ₹100–200 |
When to go
October to March is best. November-February is pleasant. July-September is monsoon. April-June is hot.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Backwater
Arrive. Take the Kollam-Alleppey backwater cruise (8 hours).
Day 2: Sights
Visit Ashtamudi Lake. Visit Jatayu Earth's Centre. Depart.
Student hacks
- ▸Kollam-Alleppey shared boat (₹1,000-2,000) is cheaper than Alleppey houseboat.
- ▸Stay near the bus stand (₹500-700).
- ▸Thenmala ropeway costs ₹100-200.
- ▸Jatayu Earth's Centre entry is ₹400.
Safety & permits
No permit needed. Backwater boats have life jackets. ATMs in Kollam city.
FAQs
How do I reach Kollam from Delhi?
Direct train (38+ hours) or flight to Thiruvananthapuram.
What is Kollam known for?
Ashtamudi Lake, backwater cruises, Thenmala ecotourism.
How many days do I need?
2 days are enough. You can extend based on your interests.