Kollam Backwaters

Kollam occupies a narrow strip of land between the Arabian Sea and Ashtamudi Lake, the southern point of Kerala's inland lagoon and the beginning of the backwaters. The longest backwater cruise in Kerala, the bewitching backwaters of Kollam are exceedingly beautiful.

30 percent of Kollam is covered by the Ashtamudi lake (Ashtamudi means, 'eight-armed'). The scenic beauty of the waterways and crystal clear water makes the backwaters of Kollam one of the most exciting experience of their lives.
An eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Aleppey can enjoy through the traditional Kerala houseboats known as "Kettuvalloms" which provides facilities like kitchen, toilet, bathrooms etc.

Visitors can have a close view of the fascinating countryside, water plants like Lilies and Lotus, Coconut trees lining the waters, water birds like Cuckoos, Egrets, Ducks etc. There are small restaurants lined up on the shores where one can stop and have a taste of traditional Kerala Cuisine like Fish Molly, Appam and Stew, Steamed rice, Crab etc. The "Cheenavala" or Chinese fishing nets and boats carrying the local coir, copra and cashew are also be seen in the lake.

Around 30 percentage of Kollam town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake. On the way one can see the the towering statue of the Goddess of Light (Vilakamma) at a family house on the lake, Kollam.

Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram is 10 km North of Kollam on the backwaters. The Ashram is a spiritual trust in India which runs a number of charitable, medical and educational programs, including an orphanage, a a free housing program for widows, a hostel for tribal children, a hospital for cancer patients, an Ayurvedic clinic, a computer technology institute, a technical school etc. Headquartered at Vallikkavu, this ashram is relatively a village which has fruit stalls, shops and lodges. 

The Ashramam picnic village is located in the 48acre Guest House complex, along the backwater front. One of the main center of recreational activities in Kollam, it's prime attraction is a 200-year-old Government Guest House noted for its elegance and architectural beauty. Besides the guest house, the vast tourist complex houses an adventure park, a tourist boat club, a children's traffic park and a Yatri nivas a budget hotel run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.. The Children’s traffic park which is supposed to be the largest traffic park in Kerala and the adventure park on the shores of Ashtamudi backwaters provide a refreshing experience. Both the parks are designed by NATPAC. Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats are available on hire from the boat jetty near the adventure Park. The District Tourism Promotion Council conducts regular backwater cruises in motor boats and house boats from the boat club.

Contact Address :
Tourist Office, Guest House Complex, Asramam,
Phone: 91-474-2750170District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)
Near KSRTC Bus Stand Kollam - 1
Ph: 0474-2745625, 2750170, 2750322
Fax: 0474-2750170
E-mail : Contact I , Contact II

Thevalli Palace on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake is another attraction and has interesting architecture. Karumadikuttan Statue : Many interesting legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha. It is a black granite statue. Some people believe that it is the statue of Jaina.

Boat cruises of the Kollam DTPC starts at 10.30 am and arrives at 06-30 pm. Generally only two stops are made along the way. The first stop for Lunch break at 1-00 PM at Aalumkadavu and the second stop for a Tea break at 4-00 PM. If anyone wishes to go to the Vallikavu Ashram, they can halt there and can continue the rest of the journey with the same ticket.