Kollam (formerly Quilon) is a port town in Kerala, on the Malabar coast, overlooking Ashtamudi Lake. Once an Arab, Chinese and Portuguese trading post, it remains today the classic departure point for backwater cruises towards Alappuzha. Among coconut palms, fishing nets and the aroma of roasted cashews, the town offers an authentic gateway into coastal Kerala, far from the beaten path.

Practical information at a glance

• Access: well-served railway station on the Thiruvananthapuram–Mumbai line; regular buses from Thiruvananthapuram (~1.5 hours) and Alappuzha.
• Recommended duration: 1 to 2 days for the town and lake; full day for the backwater cruise to Alappuzha.
• Best time: October to March (dry season, comfortable temperatures).
• Dress code: covered clothing recommended in temples and mosques.

What to see

Ashtamudi Lake — "with eight arms" — is the heart of the region. Its waterways bordered by palm groves welcome houseboats, fishing canoes and Chinese nets. Kollam's waterfront retains a few colonial warehouses and a lighthouse. The cashew market is a reminder that the region is one of the world's leading producers of this nut.

History and context

Quilon was one of India's first ports of trade with Arabia and China from the 9th century onwards. The Portuguese established a trading post there in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch. Thangassery fort, built by the Portuguese and later modified by the Dutch and British, bears witness to these successive colonial regimes. The town was also a center for the exchange of pepper, cardamom and cashews.

Highlights of your visit

Kollam–Alappuzha backwater cruise

The public motorboat cruise links Kollam to Alappuzha, crossing the canals, lakes and lakeside villages of Kerala. It is one of the state's longest backwater cruises. Private boats and houseboats offer shorter options on Ashtamudi Lake.

Thangassery Fort

The ruins of the Portuguese fort, perched on a promontory facing the Arabian Sea, offer sweeping views of the coast. The adjacent lighthouse is one of the town's visual landmarks. The area around the fort retains an old port atmosphere.

Ashtamudi Lake and Munroe Island village

Munroe Island, accessible by boat from Kollam, is a network of small inhabited islands at the confluence of the Kallada River and the lake. Narrow waterways are best explored by canoe; villagers still practice traditional fishing and shellfish harvesting.

Market and cashew industry

Kollam is nicknamed the "cashew capital of the world". Processing factories are numerous on the outskirts. The central market allows you to buy freshly roasted nuts and observe local commerce.

Photography tips

The golden light of sunrise over Ashtamudi Lake is ideal from the ghats or the waterfront. Chinese nets in action are best photographed early in the morning. For Thangassery fort, late afternoon offers raking light on the ruins and the sea.

Location and access

Kollam is located approximately 70 km north of Thiruvananthapuram and approximately 85 km south of Alappuzha. Kollam Junction railway station is an important transport hub in Kerala. Taxis and auto-rickshaws serve the lake and sites from the town center. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram.

Nearby places accessible via internal links:

• Alappuzha (Alleppey) — terminus of the backwater cruise, famous for its houseboats.
• Thiruvananthapuram — Kerala's capital, temples and museums.
• Varkala — cliffs and beach approximately 50 km south.

Around the area

• Munroe Island — network of lakeside islets to explore by canoe, a few kilometers from Kollam.
• Varkala — beach at the foot of laterite cliffs, more laid-back atmosphere than Kovalam.
• Alappuzha — heart of Kerala's backwaters, houseboats and waterways.
• Thiruvananthapuram — Padmanabhaswamy temple, Napier museum, Kuthiramalika palace.