Kollam beach offers a full range of lives and activities and some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Kollam (Quilon) is a charming old port city on the banks of the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake. It is also known as the center of cashew industry. Traces of a once prosperous trade with China are still seen in the form of Chinese fishing nets, huge Chinese water pots, blue and white porcelain and sampan-like boats.

Thirumullavaram, 5 kilometres from Kollam, is the best beach spot. The calm Arabian Sea stretches a long way and the tourists can bask in the cool breeze pervading the place. This expansive beach is an ideal spot for swimming and bathing as well.

Kollam is an inviting gateway to Kerala's backwaters. For an amazing backwater experience, take the regular ferry to Alleppey, a rigorous ride lasting more than 8 hours. Shorter cruises are also made in the larger comforts of the houseboats with idyllic villages such as Alumkadavu as your launch base.

Apart from the immaculate beach, there are several other interesting places on land worth a visit in Kollam.

Thankassery

5 kilometers from Kollam, treasures the awesome remnants of the Portuguese and Dutch forts. Legend has it that the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British ruled this place in succession. A 45 meter high lighthouse is an added attraction to this place.

Paravoor
Paravoor, 20 kilometres from Kollam, is a narrow skirt of land stretching in between the backwaters and the sea. A beach resort by KTDC and a major water sports complex by Kollam DTPC will adorn this place very soon. The famous Varkala beach is a mere 15 kilometres drive from here. Paravoor is well connected by road and rail.