Kollam's old port town in one easy day: Portuguese fort ruins, the striped Thangassery lighthouse, a boat on Ashtamudi lake, quiet Thirumullavaram and an evening on Kollam beach.
9:00 AM — Pickup Kollam Junction station · Kollam KSRTC bus station · Trivandrum Airport (on request) (Airport pickup from 7:15 AM)
9:30 AM — Thangassery fort & breakwater Ruins of the 16th-century Portuguese fort, old Anglo-Indian lanes and the breakwater.
10:15 AM — Thangassery lighthouse Climb the 1902 lighthouse for views over the coast and Kollam port. (Closed Mondays · entry own expense)
11:30 AM — Ashtamudi lake boat ride Out on the lake to the Sambranikodi sandbar when boats run. Lunch in town after, own expense. (Paid direct · life jackets on)
2:45 PM — Thirumullavaram beach A calmer beach north of town with a small seaside temple.
4:15 PM — Kollam beach Evening breeze and fishing boats on Mahatma Gandhi beach. (Walk only · rough sea)
5:30 PM — Drop-off Kollam Junction, KSRTC bus station, or your own stop in the city
Good to know
🗓️ Closing days: Thangassery lighthouse is closed on Mondays; that day we add Chinnakada clock tower and a cashew shop instead. Lighthouse hours are 10 AM–1 PM and 2–6 PM; we re-confirm before your trip.
🛶 The boat ride: Licensed operators only, with a life jacket for everyone. Paid direct at the counter. No boating in storms or high wind — we switch to a lakeside walk.
🌊 Beaches: Kollam and Thangassery seas are rough — walking only, no swimming. Thirumullavaram is calmer; swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
🥜 Cashew town: Kollam is India's cashew capital — ask for the government cashew outlet. Try karimeen or prawns at lunch.
