If you are looking for a beach destination that offers a blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure, then look no further than Kollam Beach in Kerala. Kollam Beach, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach, is one of the oldest and most beautiful beaches in Kerala.
It is located in the city of Kollam, which is also known as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Kollam Beach is famous for its lighthouse, fishing harbor, adventure park, and beach wedding destination.
It's also a great place to enjoy the sunset, swim, surf, boat, fish, visit nearby attractions, and indulge in local cuisine. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Kollam Beach and its attractions, activities, accommodation, and travel tips.
Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo trip, Kollam Beach has something for everyone.
How to Reach Kollam Beach
Kollam Beach is easily accessible by air, rail, road, and water. Here are the different ways to reach Kollam Beach:
By air:
The nearest airport to Kollam Beach is Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 70 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Kollam Beach. The taxi fare is around Rs. 1500 and the bus fare is around Rs. 100.
By rail:
The nearest railway station to Kollam Beach is Kollam Junction Railway Station, which is about 4 km away. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from the station to Kollam Beach. The auto-rickshaw fare is around Rs. 50 and the taxi fare is around Rs. 200.
By road:
Kollam Beach is well connected by road with other major cities in Kerala and India. You can take a bus or a car from any of these cities to Kollam Beach. The bus fare varies depending on the distance and the type of bus. The car rental charges depend on the duration and the type of car.
By water:
Kollam Beach is also accessible by water through the backwaters of Kerala. You can take a houseboat or a ferry from Alleppey or other nearby places to Kollam Beach. The houseboat charges depend on the size and the amenities of the boat. The ferry charges are around Rs. 50 per person.
Best Time to Visit Kollam Beach
The climatic conditions and seasons in Kollam are as follows:
Summer: From March to May, the temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C. The weather is hot and humid, but the breeze from the Arabian Sea makes it bearable.
Monsoon: From June to September, the temperature ranges from 23°C to 30°C. The weather is wet and windy, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Winter: From October to February, the temperature ranges from 22°C to 32°C. The weather is pleasant and sunny, with clear skies and cool nights.
The best time to visit Kollam Beach is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the beach is less crowded.
This is also the time when you can witness some of the festivals and events that take place at Kollam Beach, such as:
Navratri: A nine-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and honors the goddess Durga.
Diwali: A festival of lights that marks the triumph of light over darkness and joy over sorrow.
Christmas: A festival that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and spreads the message of peace and love.
New Year: A celebration that welcomes the new year with fireworks, music, dance, and parties.
Makar Sankranti: A harvest festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn and signifies prosperity and happiness.
However, if you don’t mind the rain and want to enjoy some off-season discounts and deals, you can also visit Kollam Beach during the monsoon season from June to September.
Things to Do at Kollam Beach
Kollam Beach offers a variety of activities and attractions for its visitors. Here are some of the things you can do at Kollam Beach:
Enjoy the sunset:
One of the most mesmerizing sights at Kollam Beach is watching the sun set over the horizon. The sky turns into a canvas of colors, from orange to pink to purple, as the sun dips into the sea. You can capture some stunning photos or videos of this spectacle, or simply sit back and admire the beauty of nature.
Swim, surf, and boat:
Kollam Beach is a great place to enjoy some water sports and activities. You can swim in the clear and calm waters, surf on the waves, or boat on the backwaters. You can also rent some equipment or take some lessons from the local vendors or instructors. However, you should always follow the safety guidelines and precautions while indulging in these activities.
Fish and dine:
Kollam Beach is also a popular spot for fishing and dining. You can try your luck at catching some fresh fish from the fishing harbor, or buy some from the local fishermen. You can also savor some delicious seafood dishes at the nearby restaurants or stalls. Some of the specialties include karimeen fry, prawn curry, fish molee, and crab masala.
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Visit nearby attractions:
Kollam Beach is not only a beach destination, but also a gateway to some other attractions in and around Kollam. You can visit some of these places, such as:
Kollam Lighthouse: A 144-feet tall lighthouse that was built in 1902 by the British. It offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea from its top.
Adventure Park: A fun-filled park that features various rides, games, and activities for children and adults. It also hosts some cultural programs and events during festivals and holidays.
Thangasseri Fort: A 16th-century fort that was built by the Portuguese and later occupied by the Dutch and the British. It showcases some historical relics and artifacts from the colonial era.
Thirumullavaram Beach: A serene and secluded beach that is ideal for meditation and relaxation. It also has a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu that attracts many devotees.
Varkala Beach: A scenic and spectacular beach that is famous for its cliffs, springs, and spas. It is also a pilgrimage site for Hindus who believe that bathing in its waters can wash away their sins.
Relax and rejuvenate: Kollam Beach is also a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. You can enjoy a soothing massage or a spa treatment at one of the ayurvedic centers near the beach. You can also practice some yoga or meditation on the beach or join a yoga class or workshop. You can also indulge in some shopping or souvenirs at the local markets or shops.
Places to Stay Near Kollam Beach
Kollam Beach has some of the best hotels and resorts near it that offer comfortable accommodation and amenities for different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the places you can stay near Kollam Beach:
The Raviz Resort & Spa: A luxury resort that offers spacious rooms, suites, villas, and cottages with modern facilities and elegant decor. It also has a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar, and a banquet hall.
Ashtamudi Villas: A budget guesthouse that offers cozy rooms with basic amenities and clean bathrooms. It also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a travel desk.
Nani Hotel: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, television, refrigerator, and Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a rooftop garden, and a business center.
Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa: A premium resort that offers luxurious rooms, villas, and houseboats with stunning views of the backwaters and the beach. It also has a swimming pool, an ayurvedic spa, a yoga center, a restaurant, a cafe, and a library.
Kollam Beach is a crown jewel of Kerala’s coastline that offers a memorable and enjoyable beach vacation. It has something for everyone, whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, or adventure. You can also explore some other attractions near Kollam Beach that will enrich your experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Kollam Beach today! We are here to help you with all your travel needs and queries. Follow us now and get ready for an amazing beach holiday.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kollam Beach
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Kollam Beach that travellers might have:
What is the entry fee for Kollam Beach?
There is no entry fee for Kollam Beach. However, you might have to pay for some activities or attractions such as boating, surfing, fishing, or visiting the adventure park.
What are the timings for Kollam Beach?
Kollam Beach is open 24 hours a day. However, it is advisable to visit it during daylight hours for safety reasons.
How far is Kollam Beach from the city center?
Kollam Beach is about 3 km away from the city center. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach it in about 10 minutes. You can also walk or cycle to the beach if you prefer.
What are the safety measures for Kollam Beach?
Kollam Beach is generally safe and well-maintained. However, you should follow some basic safety measures such as:
1. Avoid swimming or surfing in deep or rough waters, especially during high tide or monsoon season.
2. Follow the instructions and warnings of the lifeguards and the authorities.
3. Do not litter or pollute the beach or the water.
4. Do not venture into isolated or dark areas of the beach at night.
5. Beware of any suspicious or fraudulent activities or people.
What is the dress code for Kollam Beach?
There is no strict dress code for Kollam Beach. However, you should dress modestly and respectfully, keeping in mind the local culture and customs. You should also wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear for the beach activities and weather conditions.
What are the nearby attractions to Kollam Beach?
Kollam Beach is close to some other attractions that you can visit, such as:
Ashtamudi Lake: A scenic and serene lake that is the second largest in Kerala. It is famous for its backwater cruises, houseboats, fishing, and birdwatching.
Jatayu Earth’s Center: A unique and innovative park that features a giant sculpture of Jatayu, a mythical bird from the Ramayana. It also has a museum, a 6D theater, an adventure zone, and a healing center.
Palaruvi Waterfalls: A spectacular and refreshing waterfall that is located in the Kollam-Shencottah Road. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Kerala and a popular picnic spot.
