Kollam Day Trip: 7 Things to Do Near the Backwaters (With Timings)

Kollam doesn't always make it onto Kerala travel itineraries the way Alappuzha or Munnar do. That's partly what makes it good. The crowds are smaller, the prices are more honest, and the backwater experience here is less packaged and more real. Here are 7 things worth doing on a day trip to the Kollam district.

1. Mangrove Kayaking at Nedungolam (MangroveSpot)

This is the standout activity in the district for anyone who wants an active, nature-immersive experience. MangroveSpot is located at Nedungolam, Paravur — about 30 km from Kollam city and 45 km from Varkala. The kayaking route takes you through narrow mangrove canals where the tree canopy forms a tunnel overhead. The session runs about 45 minutes and is guided throughout.

Best timing: Arrive by 7 AM for the quietest water and best bird activity. The site opens at 6:30 AM. You can also combine kayaking with the coracle ride or country boat for a fuller half-day at the water.

2. Ashtamudi Lake Boat Cruise

Ashtamudi is one of Kerala's largest lakes — the second largest wetland in the state. A basic boat cruise from Kollam jetty takes about 2 hours and gives you views of the lake's multiple arms, coconut groves, and fishing activity. This is a more passive experience than kayaking — you're a passenger rather than a participant — but it's good for families with younger children or older travellers.

3. Thangassery Lighthouse and Fort

The Thangassery Lighthouse dates to 1902 and still operates. The climb gives you a 360-degree view over the Arabian Sea, the river mouth, and the town. The ruins of the Dutch and British forts nearby are worth a short walk. The whole stop takes about 45 minutes and costs very little.

4. Coracle Ride at MangroveSpot

If you're already at MangroveSpot for kayaking, add the coracle ride. A coracle is a traditional round boat used by Kerala's river fishing communities — not a tourist novelty, an actual working vessel that has been used here for generations. The ride takes about 20 minutes on the calm backwater section and is genuinely unlike anything you'll find at most tourist sites.

5. Kottukkal Caves (Oachira)

About 30 km north of Kollam city, Kottukkal has a series of rock-cut cave structures dating back over 2,000 years. They're not heavily promoted, which means you'll often have them almost entirely to yourself. Combine with a visit to Oachira Parabrahma Temple if you're interested in Kerala's unusual non-idol temple traditions.

6. Alumkadavu Mangrove Reserve

A smaller mangrove reserve than Nedungolam, Alumkadavu is accessible by local boat. This is a good option if you want a quieter, self-guided walk along mangrove boardwalks rather than a guided activity session. The two sites complement each other well if you have a full day.

7. Seafood Lunch at a Local Restaurant in Paravur

Paravur town has several small local restaurants that serve fresh catch from the Ashtamudi backwaters. Kerala-style fish curry with red rice, karimeen (pearl spot) fry, and prawn mappas are the dishes to try. Avoid the large tourist-facing restaurants near the jetty — the smaller places a few streets inland are usually better and cheaper.

Sample Day Trip Itinerary from Varkala or Thiruvananthapuram

1. 1.6:15 AM — Depart from Thiruvananthapuram or Varkala
2. 2.7:30 AM — Arrive at MangroveSpot, Nedungolam. Kayaking session.
3. 3.9:00 AM — Coracle ride or country boat add-on
4. 4.10:30 AM — Drive to Thangassery Lighthouse (25 km, 35 min)
5. 5.12:30 PM — Lunch in Paravur or Kollam town
6. 6.2:00 PM — Ashtamudi lake cruise from Kollam jetty
7. 7.4:30 PM — Return journey