Kollam travel guide
Backwater city
Kollam, a serene backwater city in Kerala, is known for its houseboats, beaches, waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage blending nature and history beautifully.
Best time to visit Kollam
Dec–Mar is the best time: mostly dry, with Nov fine as showers fade. Apr–Oct is hot, humid or wet, though backwater boats still run.
| Month | Verdict | Temperature | Rain | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | best | 21–31 °C | 30 mm | medium | Dry, sunny and calm; best for backwater cruises and canoe trips |
| February | good | 22–34 °C | 20 mm | low | Dry and warm; humidity starts to rise |
| March | good | 24–36 °C | 60 mm | low | Hottest, stickiest weeks; cruise early or late in the day |
| April | mixed | 26–34 °C | 130 mm | low | Hot and humid, with frequent thundery showers |
| May | mixed | 26–31 °C | 250 mm | low | Heavy pre-monsoon showers and thunderstorms; sticky heat |
| June | mixed | 25–29 °C | 280 mm | low | Rain on most days; backwater boats still run; sea rough |
| July | mixed | 24–28 °C | 250 mm | low | Heavy rain on most days; rough sea; Ayurveda season |
| August | mixed | 24–28 °C | 210 mm | low | Rain continues but is a little lighter; sea still rough |
| September | mixed | 24–29 °C | 240 mm | low | Frequent showers; backwaters full and green |
| October | mixed | 24–29 °C | 310 mm | low | Heavy thundery showers return; the tourist season has not yet begun |
| November | good | 23–29 °C | 240 mm | low | Showers become less frequent as the tourist season begins |
| December | best | 22–29 °C | 70 mm | medium | Mostly dry and bright; busiest around Christmas and New Year |
How many days to spend in Kollam
A day covers the beach with its colonial-era ruins and a backwater trip on Ashtamudi Lake; a second adds a canoe tour on Munroe Island or Jatayu Earth's Center at Chadayamangalam.
How to reach Kollam
- By air: Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) — 68 km, about 1.5–2.5 h by road. Nearest airport with regular flights
- By train: Kollam Junction (QLN) — 3 km, about 5–20 min by road. Major junction; long-distance trains to other states stop here
- By road: From Thiruvananthapuram — 71 km, about 1.5–2 h. Nearest big city, to the south
Getting around
Autos and taxis cover Kollam. Munroe Island can be reached by auto or local train, and canoes and boats are the way onto the backwaters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Kollam?
Dec–Mar is the best time: mostly dry, with Nov fine as showers fade. Apr–Oct is hot, humid or wet, though backwater boats still run.
How many days are enough for Kollam?
1–2 days. A day covers the beach with its colonial-era ruins and a backwater trip on Ashtamudi Lake; a second adds a canoe tour on Munroe Island or Jatayu Earth's Center at Chadayamangalam.
How do I reach Kollam?
By air: Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) — 68 km, about 1.5–2.5 h by road. Nearest airport with regular flights. By train: Kollam Junction (QLN) — 3 km, about 5–20 min by road. Major junction; long-distance trains to other states stop here. By road: From Thiruvananthapuram — 71 km, about 1.5–2 h. Nearest big city, to the south.
Plan your Kollam trip
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Guide checked on 2026-10-06.