Kollam Backwater Day Trip

One guide for our farthest tour north: Thangassery lighthouse and fort, the eight-armed Ashtamudi Lake and Kollam's quieter beaches. The route, the optional lake cruise, what to carry, and how to book.

Itinerary

• 7:30 AM Pickup — Trivandrum Central / East Fort / Trivandrum Airport
  Choose any of the three pickup points. Guests board; water and snack packs handed out. About 66 km north, roughly 2 hours.
• 9:30 AM — Thangassery Lighthouse & Fort
  One of Kerala's oldest working lighthouses (1902), on the site of an old Portuguese fort. Climb for a coastal view, with the fort ruins and St. Thomas Church alongside.
• 10:30 AM — Thangassery Beach
  A quieter beach right beside the lighthouse — a walk, not a crowd.
• 11:15 AM — Ashtamudi Lake
  Kerala's second-largest wetland and the backwaters' southern gateway; eight interlocking channels give it its name ("ashta" = eight, "mudi" = branch). Shikara or houseboat cruises available at the jetty.
• 1:00 PM — Lunch
  Own expense, or a paid add-on. Kollam is Kerala's historic cashew-processing hub, so ask for it on the menu.
• 2:00 PM — Thirumullavaram Beach
  A calmer alternative to the lighthouse beach, with a small shoreline temple: good for a slower afternoon stop.
• 3:15 PM — Kollam Town — Chinnakada
  Flex stop at the town centre's landmark clock tower and market area; skipped if the day is running long.
• 6:30 PM Drop-off — Central, East Fort, the Airport — or your own stop
  A different drop within the city is free; a small surcharge applies beyond a set radius.

Good to know

• 🗼 Thangassery: One of Kerala's oldest working lighthouses (1902), on an old Portuguese fort site. Lighthouse entry is your own expense. Fort ruins and St. Thomas Church alongside.
• 🛶 Ashtamudi Lake: Kerala's second-largest wetland; 'ashta' = eight, 'mudi' = branch. Shikara or houseboat cruise optional, paid direct.
• 🌊 The beaches: Thangassery Beach: a walk, not a crowd. Thirumullavaram: calmer, with a small shoreline temple.
• 🕰️ Kollam town: Chinnakada clock tower and market: a flex stop. Kollam is Kerala's cashew hub, so ask for it at lunch.

Not included

• Lunch (own expense or add-on)
• Lighthouse entry
• Lake cruise (optional)

What to carry

• Sunscreen and a hat
• Comfortable shoes for the lighthouse climb
• Cash for entry and the cruise
• A light snack for the 2-hour drive

Cancellations follow our cancellation & refund policy.

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