Ever dreamt of visiting a place that seems like aquatic bliss? Kollam is the perfect place you should visit. You will find it hard to believe, but in just one day you can visit all the major tourist places in Kollam. This is the place where backwaters meet the ocean and create a landscape that has unmatched natural beauty. You can embark on a one day trip to Kollam with family and visit the tourist places in Kollam. Varanasi Excursion can make you the perfect Kollam Tour Package, and you can have a wonderful trip.
Best Places to Visit in Kollam in One Day
| Place | Best For | Approx. Time |
| Ashtamudi Lake | Backwaters & boating | 1–2 hours |
| Munroe Island | Canoeing & village life | 2–3 hours |
| Kollam Beach | Family relaxation | 1 hour |
| Thangassery Lighthouse | Views & photography | 1 hour |
| Jatayu Earth’s Center | Adventure & kids | 2–3 hours |
| Thenmala | Nature & adventure | Half day |
| Palaruvi Waterfalls | Nature & waterfall | 2–3 hours |
Ashtamudi Lake – Enjoy Kollam’s Famous Backwaters
What makes Ashtamudi Lake special?
If you want to view the true beauty of Kerala backwaters, you should visit Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam. The lake is one of the most fascinating lakes in Kerala. In fact, it is the second-largest lake in Kerala. Ashtamudi Lake is known for its backwaters and the serene landscape it creates. You can view the coconut trees swaying in the sea breeze and small boats that lie anchored on the lake. You can spot birds perched on trees or swimming in the lake waters. Ashtamudi Lake offers you a relaxed environment for your Kerala holidays.
Things to do at Ashtamudi Lake
- Go for a boat ride in the lake and view the scenic surroundings.
- Go sightseeing near the lake.
- Enjoy photography near the lake and capture the scenery in your camera lens.
- Experience the idyllic village life in the backwaters of Kerala.
- Enjoy local Kerala food.
Munroe Island – A Peaceful Family Backwater Experience
One of the tourist places in Kollam for one day trip is Munroe Island. The island is near the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River. Munroe Island is actually a cluster of small islets. The most exciting things to do in Munroe Island are boating and exploring the narrow canals. As the boat cruises on the serene backwaters of Munroe Island, you can view the sunsets, birds, and village life. This Munroe Island day trip is a very exciting thing to do.
Things to do in Munroe Island
- Enjoy a canoe ride and view the fascinating backwaters of Kollam.
- Go on a kayaking trip and cruise on the backwaters.
- Enjoy a relaxing village walk and mingle with the villagers.
- Explore the narrow canals of Munroe Island and its aquatic life.
- Watch the local life of the villagers.
- Photography of the scenery and backwaters.
- Experience traditional coir-making from the villagers.
Kollam Beach – Relax by the Arabian Sea
The most famous beach in Kollam is Kollam Beach. This beach is also called Mahatma Gandhi Beach. Kollam Beach has a rich history of maritime trade and ancient history. The beach has pure white sands and scenic landscape views of the Arabian Sea. You can visit Kollam Beach on your one day Kollam trip with family. There are historic attractions on this beach like the lighthouse and forts, reminding tourists of the colonial rule. You can go for leisurely walks on the beach and spend some time amidst natural settings.
Things to do at Kollam Beach
- Go on a relaxing beach walk at Kollam Beach.
- Relax on the sands and view the seascapes.
- Indulge in nature photography.
- Enjoy the crimson sunset views.
- Play beach games and spend some time in the midst of the natural surroundings.
Thangassery Lighthouse – Enjoy Coastal Views
This is a historic lighthouse in Kollam. The lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses in the Kollam region. The lighthouse has 200 steps that you can climb to reach the top. The views of Thangassery Beach and the coastal region are fabulous. Thangassery Lighthouse was built in 1902 and is almost a century old. You can also visit the ruins of a fort nearby.
Things to do at Thangassery Lighthouse
- Climb to the top and view the scenic landscapes.
- Photograph the setting sun.
- Take a walk on the pier and feel the cool breeze.
- View local fishermen and their catch.
- Visit the ruins of colonial structures.
Jatayu Earth’s Center – Best for Families Looking for Adventure
In your one day trip to Kollam with family, you can visit Jatayu Earth’s Center. This is a huge monument and one of the largest bird sculptures in the world. The monument is a huge tourist attraction in Kerala. Jatayu was a mythical bird who fought with Ravana while attempting to save Sita from being abducted by Ravana. You can visit the museum, which is housed inside the sculpture. The 6D audio-visual show will depict Jatayu’s story in the Ramayana. Kids and adults will love being here and enjoying various activities like ziplining, rifle shooting, archery, rock climbing, etc.
Things to do at Jatayu Earth’s Center
- Marvel at the Jatayu sculpture.
- Enjoy a cable car ride.
- Explore the various viewpoints.
- Indulge in various adventure activities.
- Shoot photographs and videos of the bird sculpture.
- Experience the unique cultural significance.
Thenmala – A Nature-Focused Family Day Trip
This eco-tourist site is planned to give you that refreshing feeling. This is one of the tourist places in Kollam for one day trip with family. There are all types of tourist attractions in Thenmala to lure tourists. There are cascading waterfalls, wildlife, adventure activities, water fountains, gardens, and boat rides. You can spend a leisurely time here at Thenmala in your Kollam trip with family. The forests in Thenmala produce high-quality honey, and therefore the name means Honey Hill.
Things to do in Thenmala
- Experience the eco-tourism of Thenmala.
- Go on relaxing nature walks.
- Explore the scenic surroundings.
- Do adventure activities.
- Plan a family picnic.
- Do photography of the scenic surroundings.
Palaruvi Waterfalls – For Families Who Love Nature
One of the best places to visit in Kollam one day trip with family is the waterfall called Palaruvi Waterfall. This is a famous waterfall in Kollam and has a 300-foot drop. It cascades down a hill and resembles a stream of milk when seen from a distance. Its name also translates to a ‘stream of milk’ in the Malayalam language. Palaruvi Waterfall is also special as it has herbal healing properties. There is a pool of water under the falls, where you can have a dip in the cool waters.
Things to do at Palaruvi Waterfalls
- Take a cool dip in the pool of water below.
- Go on a short trek near the waterfalls and explore the natural surroundings.
- Spot hornbills and enjoy the local wildlife around the waterfall.
- Relax with the family and go on a picnic.
Best One Day Kollam Itinerary for Family
| Time | Place | Suggested Duration |
| 6:00 AM | Start from Kollam | — |
| 6:30–7:30 AM | Ashtamudi Lake | 1 hour |
| 7:30–9:00 AM | Munroe Island | 1–1.5 hours |
| 9:00–10:00 AM | Travel | 1 hour |
| 10:00–11:00 AM | Palaruvi Waterfalls | 1 hour |
| 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Thenmala | 1 hour |
| 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch | 1 hour |
| 1:00–2:30 PM | Jatayu Earth’s Center | 1.5 hours |
| 2:30–4:00 PM | Travel back towards Kollam | 1.5 hours |
| 4:00–4:45 PM | Thangassery Lighthouse | 45 min |
| 5:00–6:00 PM | Kollam Beach | 1 hour |
| 6:00 PM onwards | Dinner/Hotel | — |
Travel Tip: Kollam’s major attractions are spread across a large area. Trying to visit Ashtamudi Lake, Munroe Island, Palaruvi Waterfalls, Thenmala, Jatayu Earth’s Center, Thangassery Lighthouse and Kollam Beach in a single day will involve considerable driving and short visits. Families who prefer a relaxed trip should choose 3–4 attractions instead.
Best Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Kollam
Best for children
- Jatayu Earth’s Center
- Kollam Beach
- Munroe Island
Best for parents
- Ashtamudi Lake
- Kollam Beach
- Munroe Island
Best for adventure
- Jatayu Earth’s Center
- Thenmala
- Best for nature
- Palaruvi
- Thenmala
- Ashtamudi Lake
How to Plan a One Day Trip to Kollam
- Start early so that you can cover maximum places in a single day.
- Choose attractions in the same geographical direction.
- Decide between backwaters/beaches and waterfalls/adventure.
- Keep lunch time in the itinerary so that you can also get some rest between all the sightseeing.
- Check boating schedules so that you do not miss the boating experience in Kollam.
- Carry water and sun protection along with you.
- Allow travel time between attractions.
- Avoid trying to cover all seven attractions in one day
One Day Kollam Trip from Kochi
You can go on a one day Kollam trip from Kochi and visit all the major tourist attractions in Kollam. You must start early so that you are in time to visit most attractions and also get to do the boating activities.
- Begin with Ashtamudi Lake which is one of the major tourist sites in Kollam. Enjoy boat ride in Ashtamudi Lake and take village walks.
- Then head to Munroe Island where you can enjoy canoe rides and view the traditional village life and backwaters of Kollam.
- After lunch, visit the Thangassery Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the beach and coastline.
- Visit Kollam Beach and enjoy the scenic sunsets.
- You can replace the coastal attractions and beach with Jatayu Earth’s Center and visit it after lunch. Or you can visit Palaruvi Waterfalls depending on your travel taste and activity preferences.
- You can travel in a cab in this one day Kollam trip from Kochi. After this visit you can return to Kochi on the same day.
One Day Kollam Trip from Thiruvananthapuram
You can also go on a Kollam trip from Thiruvananthapuram. You must begin your trip early so that you can return to Thiruvananthapuram on the same day. You can comfortably visit most of the Kollam attractions in a day. You can visit
- Ashtamudi Lake
- Munroe Island
- Thangassery Lighthouse
- Kollam Beach
- Jatayu Earth’s Center
One Day Kollam Trip from Varkala
Kollam to Varkala is just 36 km and you can reach Kollam in about 2 hours drive. After you reach Kollam you should begin your sightseeing trip. Enjoy boat rides in Munroe Island and Ashtamudi Lake and do various activities at Jatayu Earth’s Center. Then return to Varkala on the same day. You will have enough time for lunch between all the sightseeing and activities.
One Day Kollam Trip from Alleppey
You can go on a day trip from Alleppey to Kollam and visit the major attractions in Kollam. Also do backwater cruise in Munroe Island and explore the Kollam backwaters and village life. You can taste the authentic Kerala cuisine and meals during this trip. Alleppey to Kollam is just 85 km and is a 2 hour 30 minute trip. You can skip the waterfall and instead visit Jatayu Earth’s Center and Thenmala.
Distance Between Major Tourist Places in Kollam
| Tourist Place | Approx. Distance from Kollam City | Approx. Travel Time |
| Ashtamudi Lake | 18 km | 35 min |
| Munroe Island | 23 km | 45 min |
| Kollam Beach | 3 km | 10 min |
| Thangassery Lighthouse | 7 km | 20 min |
| Jatayu Earth’s Center | 40 km | 1 hr 11 min |
| Thenmala | 64 km | 2 hours |
| Palaruvi Waterfalls | 78 km | 2 hr 23 min |
How to Reach Kollam
By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, located around 70 km from Kollam. Taxis and buses are available from the airport.
By Train: Kollam Junction Railway Station is well connected with major cities in Kerala and other parts of India.
By Road: Kollam is well connected with Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Alleppey and Varkala by road and national highways. Buses, taxis and private cars are readily available.
By Bus: Regular KSRTC and private buses connect Kollam with major cities and towns across Kerala.
Best time to visit Kollam
October to February is the best time to visit Kollam with family.
FAQ
The price for one day Kollam trip can be in the range of Rs.1500 to Rs.4500 per person.
A boat ride in Munroe Island can cost Rs.2500 for a group. A short boat ride in Sambranikodi Island can be Rs.150 per person. Private houseboat tours can cost Rs.5500.
The best time to visit Kollam is between October and February.
July to August are not good months to visit Kerala.
The entry tickets to Jatayu Earth’s Center are between Rs.325 and Rs.615 per person.
You will require 2 to 3 hours to visit Jatayu Earth’s Center.
It will take around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Jatayu Earth’s Center from Kollam.
Yes, you can bathe in the guarded and segregated zones at Palaruvi Waterfalls.
The entry tickets to Palaruvi Waterfalls are Rs.25 to Rs.70 for adults and Rs.10 to Rs.30 for children.
Conclusion
Kollam can surprise you with its natural beauty. It has got the unforgettable mix of beaches and backwaters. In your one day trip to Kollam, you can visit some famous tourist attractions. These range from lakes and beaches to villages and waterfalls. Kollam is the best family-friendly place where you can enjoy your trip with kids. They will enjoy the beach games and activities like boating and canoe rides. The backwaters of Kollam are best for viewing the backwaters of Kerala and its village life. You can also plan a trip to Kollam with Varanasi Excursion, who have planned getaways to Kollam with activities and resort stays.