Gateway to Kerala's Backwaters – Where Commerce Meets Serenity
The best time to visit Kollam is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for backwater cruises and sightseeing. October to February offers the most comfortable temperatures between 22°C and 32°C with minimal rainfall. The monsoon months of June to August bring heavy rainfall but transform the region into lush green landscapes – perfect for Ayurvedic treatments. Summer (March to May) can be hot and humid but beach visits remain enjoyable with sea breezes.
Kollam, historically known as Quilon, is one of the oldest ports on the Arabian Sea and the southern gateway to Kerala's famed backwater network. This ancient trading city, once a hub of the global spice trade visited by Marco Polo, Chinese traders, and Arab merchants, today offers a perfect blend of commercial vitality, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. The magnificent Ashtamudi Lake – Kerala's second largest lake and a Ramsar wetland – forms the centerpiece of Kollam's backwater experience, while the 8-hour boat journey from Kollam to Alleppey remains one of Kerala's most scenic and authentic backwater cruises.
Kollam, known historically as Quilon, holds a distinguished place in Kerala's maritime history as one of the most ancient ports on the Arabian Sea. This city served as a crucial hub of international commerce for over two millennia, with records of Chinese, Arab, Greek, Roman, and later European traders conducting business in its bustling markets. Marco Polo, visiting in the 13th century, documented Kollam as a major pepper trading center, while the "Kollam Era" – Kerala's own calendar system – dates back to 825 AD, marking the city's historical significance.
Today, Kollam is celebrated as India's cashew capital, processing the majority of the country's cashew exports. But beyond its commercial importance, Kollam offers travelers an authentic, less-crowded alternative to experience Kerala's legendary backwaters. The palm-fringed shores of Ashtamudi Lake, the serene village life of Munroe Island, and the heritage lighthouse at Thangassery create a destination where natural beauty meets living history.
The magnificent Ashtamudi Lake, meaning "eight coned" for its eight branches, is the second largest lake in Kerala and a designated Ramsar wetland site. This palm-fringed lagoon offers exceptional backwater experiences including houseboat cruises, canoe trips through narrow canals, and the famous 8-hour public ferry to Alleppey – considered one of the most scenic and authentic backwater journeys in Kerala.
Named after Colonel John Munroe, the British Resident who developed this cluster of small islands, Munroe Island (Munrothuruthu) offers intimate canoe tours through narrow canals where you can observe traditional village life, coir making, toddy tapping, and prawn farming. The early morning tours reveal the backwaters at their most peaceful.
Kollam's coastline features several beautiful beaches including Kollam Beach with its adventure park and the historic Thangassery Beach with its 144-year-old lighthouse and Portuguese-Dutch fort ruins. These less commercialized beaches offer peaceful escapes and stunning Arabian Sea sunsets.
Home to the world's largest bird sculpture, this adventure and nature park near Kollam features the 200-foot Jatayu statue atop a rock, along with adventure activities, cable car rides, and a 6D theatre. The mythological theme park celebrates the legend of Jatayu from the Ramayana.
The 8-hour public ferry between Kollam and Alleppey through Ashtamudi Lake and the backwater network is one of Kerala's quintessential experiences. Departing daily at 10:30 AM from either end, this journey passes through stunning landscapes, palm villages, and narrow canals at a fraction of houseboat costs.
Early morning canoe tours through Munroe Island's eight interconnected islands offer intimate glimpses of backwater village life – watch coir being spun, toddy being tapped, and local fishing in these tranquil waterways.
India's first planned eco-tourism destination, located 72 km from Kollam, offers nature trails, adventure activities, deer rehabilitation, a musical dancing fountain, and the scenic Thenmala Dam.
Kollam offers travelers an authentic Kerala experience away from the heavily touristed routes. Whether cruising the serene Ashtamudi Lake, exploring the history of an ancient trading port, or simply relaxing on uncrowded beaches, Kollam rewards visitors with genuine encounters and natural beauty.
Ready to explore Kollam? Browse our backwater packages or contact our travel experts to plan your Kollam itinerary.
Plan your trip during the best season to experience the best of this stunning destination
| Month | Best Time | Climate | Clothing | Festivals | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ⭐ Excellent | ❄️ Winter | Light cotton clothes, light layers for evening, hat, sunscreen | Makaravilakku, Kollam Shakthikulangara Temple Festival | Ideal for all outdoor activities, backwater cruises, and exploring historic sites. |
| February | ⭐ Excellent | ❄️ Winter | Light cotton clothing, sunglasses | Thaipooyam, Chettikulangara Bharani, Kollam Thrikkadavur Temple Festival | Great for beach visits, adventure sports, and general sightseeing with clear skies. |
| March | 😊 Good | ☀️ Summer | Light cotton wears, hat, sun glasses, sunscreen | Attukal Pongala, Kollam Sasthamkotta Temple Festival, Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku | Onset of summer; good time for budget travel and fewer crowds if you can manage the heat. |
| April | 😊 Good | ☀️ Summer | Very light cotton clothes, hat, sunscreen, stay hydrated | Kollam Pooram, Pathamudayam, Thrissur Pooram | Hottest time of year with high humidity; fewer tourists and better deals on accommodation. |
| May | 😊 Good | ☀️ Summer | Very light cotton clothes, umbrella/raincoat | Kollam Mukhathala Temple Festival, Mullakkal Chirappu (end of month) | Still hot, but the increased rain brings some cooling. Best for budget travel and less crowded attractions. |
| June | ⚠️ Avoid | 🌧️ Monsoon | Light clothes, raincoat/umbrella, quick-dry clothes | Oachirakali mock sword fight festival | Onset of heavy monsoon, making outdoor exploration challenging; city becomes lush green, ideal for Ayurvedic treatments. |
| July | ⚠️ Avoid | 🌧️ Monsoon | Light clothes, raincoat/umbrella, waterproof sandals | Ramayana Masam (entire month) | Peak monsoon season. Best for wellness tourism and quiet relaxation, but outdoor travel may be restricted. |
| August | ⚠️ Avoid | 🌧️ Monsoon | Light clothes, raincoat/umbrella | Onam festival, Ashtami Rohini, Snake boat races start | Continued heavy rains. Weather starts to cool down towards the end of the month. |
| September | 😊 Good | 🌧️ Monsoon | Light clothes, umbrella | Onam festival continues | Monsoon starts receding. Weather improves, landscapes are vibrant green, good for nature photography. |
| October | ⭐ Excellent | ❄️ Winter | Light cotton clothes | Deepavali (usually Oct/Nov) | The weather becomes ideal for general tourism, with a balance of pleasant weather and less intense crowds than peak winter. |
| November | ⭐ Excellent | ❄️ Winter | Light cotton clothes | Kerala Piravi (Nov 1) | Excellent time for exploring the backwaters and general outdoor sightseeing without high humidity. |
| December | ⭐ Excellent | ❄️ Winter | Light cotton, light jacket for cool evenings | Crafts Festival, Christmas, New Year festivities, Cochin Carnival | Peak tourist season with a lively atmosphere and pleasant, dry weather. |
Experience the essence of Kerala in just 4 days with this perfectly curated tour covering Cochin's colonial heritage, Alleppey's enchanting backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, and Kumarakom's tranquil bird sanctuary. Witness Kathakali dance performances, cruise through serene waterways, and immerse yourself in God's Own Country's natural beauty and cultural richness.
Discover Kerala's essence in 6 days through Cochin's colonial heritage, Alleppey's serene backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, Kumarakom's bird sanctuary, and Thekkady's wildlife sanctuary. Experience Kathakali performances, spice plantations, elephant encounters, and witness the majestic beauty of God's Own Country.
Experience Kerala's complete beauty in 8 days covering Cochin's colonial charm, Alleppey's tranquil backwaters on a traditional houseboat, Kumarakom's bird sanctuary, Thekkady's wildlife and spice plantations, and Munnar's misty tea gardens. Includes Kathakali performances, elephant encounters, and breathtaking waterfalls in God's Own Country.
Experience the best of Kerala in 12 days – from the temple city of Thiruvananthapuram to the serene backwaters of Alleppey, misty hills of Munnar, and the colonial charm of Cochin. This comprehensive tour covers beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantations, houseboat stays, and cultural performances, offering an unforgettable journey through God's Own Country.
