Ashtamudi's eight-arm lake
Kollam
Best season Oct – Mar · hubs: Ashtamudi, Munroe Island · South Kerala
Ashtamudi lake's coconut-fringed arms, Munroe Island's canoe canals and cashew yards.
Kollam is the quieter backwater south: Ashtamudi's eight arms, Munroe Island's canoe canals, cashew yards of an old port city and the coast rising to Varkala's cliffs at the district edge.
Major destinations in Kollam
Things to do in Kollam
- An Ashtamudi houseboat day
- Munroe Island canoe at dawn
- Cashew processing yards of Kollam town
- Thenmala forest trails
- Varkala cliff day at the district's south edge
Lagoon homestays, houseboat nights and town hotels — Kollam stay hub.
Budget-Friendlysample listingMunroe Isle Hut
Homestay · sleeps 2
Travel information for Kollam
- Kollam Junction is on the coastal main line; Munroe Island has its own small station.
- Curated leg: Alleppey↔Kollam ≈ 70 km, Kollam↔Varkala ≈ 35 km.
Best time: October–March; the lake is at its greenest just after monsoon.
Guides for Kollam & beyond
FAQ
Best time to visit Kollam?
Oct – Mar is the sweet spot; monsoon (Jun–Aug) is the green season on the backwaters. October–March; the lake is at its greenest just after monsoon.
How many nights for Kollam?
One to two on the lake; add Thenmala or Varkala days alongside.
Can I enquire about a houseboat in Kollam?
Yes — houseboat enquiries for Kollam go through our booking desk. Send your dates and group size and we check what operates on these waters, then confirm availability and the dated amount with the operator before any payment.
Is Kollam good for houseboats?
Yes — quieter, day-cruise-focused houseboating on Ashtamudi compared with Alleppey's fleet.