One Day Trip in Kollam (Backwaters, Lighthouse & Sunset)

Kollam is one of those Kerala towns that doesn’t try too hard to impress and often gets overlooked for nearby tourist heavy places like Allepy, Varkala and Kovalam. However with serene backwaters, colonial history, quiet beaches, and amazing Local Kerala food, Kollam is the perfect destination to slow down and enjoy a laid back day

Here’s a one day trip plan in Kollam that starts at the railway station, covers Munroe Island, and ends with a peaceful sunset by the sea.

8:00 AM – Arrive at Kollam Railway Station

Most travelers reach Kollam by train, and that’s the perfect way to start your day. Even if you reach by bus follow the same plan as both the stations are nearby. From the station, take an auto rickshaw which should'nt cost you more than Rs 50

8:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast at Guruprasad Hotel

Your first stop: Hotel Guruprasad, one of Kollam’s most popular vegetarian restaurants.

What to eat:

• Masala dosa / ghee roast

• Idli & medhu vada

• Filter coffee or strong Kerala tea

• Also Try the Rose milk if you are in an experimenation mode

The food is simple, clean, and perfect before a long day of travel. Make sure to have a slightly heavy breakfast or carry some snacks as you will having a late lunch

9:30 AM – Head to Munrothuruthu (Munroe Island)

After breakfast, take a cab to Munrothuruthu (Munroe Island), around 60 minutes from Kollam city.

11:00 AM – Backwater Boat Ride in Munroe Island

This will be the highlight of your day. Munroe Island is a quieter, simpler version of Kerala’s famous backwaters, without the heavy crowds and expensive houseboats. Get a small boat (Vallam) and enjoy a 1 hr ride through the narrow canals in Ashtamudi Lake. Be sure to take a picture at the iconic arch formed by the mangroves.

Costs usually range from Rs 500-800 for a boat but atleast 5-8 can accomodate in a boat

2:00 PM – Return to Kollam City

After the boat ride, head back to Kollam city for lunch by a cab.

🍛 3:00 PM – Lunch at Fayalwan Hotel

Hotel Fayalwan is a legendary spot in Kollam, especially famous for its biriyani and Kerala dishes.

What to try:

• Mutton/Chicken biriyani

• Or meals with fish curry

• Fresh lime or buttermilk to cool down

The mutton dishes like mutton soups and mutton liver fry are crowd favourites. Expect a slight rush but wait-times are usually not more than 10 minutes.

4:30 PM – Visit Thangassery Lighthouse

After lunch, head to Thangassery (Tangassery) Lighthouse, about 15–20 minutes from the city center. Take an auto rickshaw and the costs should be around Rs 50

Why visit:

• One of the tallest lighthouses in Kerala

• Amazing 360-degree view of the Arabian Sea and Kollam town

• A great place for gram-worthy photos

• Try to spot the Christ statue on Benizer hospital from the top

6:00 PM – Sunset at Kollam Beach

From the lighthouse, head to Kollam Beach again via auto rickshaw and end your day watching the sun set into the Arabian Sea.

• Take a slow walk along the shore

• Watch fishermen and locals

• Grab an icecream cone and lounge in the sand as the sun sets

Swimming has been prohibited in the recent years due to violent and deep waters but the view is still amazing. This is the most relaxing part of the day.

8:00 PM – Dinner

Wrap up your day with dinner at All Spice Restaurant which is at walking distance from the beach. It is multi-cuisine restaurant but do try the seafood dishes which are locally caught.

Good options:

• North Indian or Chinese dishes

• Tandoori items

• Light curries and breads

If you are a fan of the Arabian cuisines, check out the Qahwa Restaurant for their Kuzhi Mandi and Kebab

A comfortable, calm place to end a long but beautiful day.

Quick Itinerary Summary

• 8:00 AM – Arrive at Kollam Railway Station

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast at Guruprasad Hotel

• 9:30 AM – Travel to Munrothuruthu

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Backwater boat ride

• 2:00 PM – Return to Kollam

• 3:00 PM – Lunch at Fayalwan

• 4:30 PM – Thangassery Lighthouse

• 6:00 PM – Sunset at Kollam Beach

• 8:00 PM – Dinner at All Spice

Travel Tips

• Start early to fit everything comfortably

• Book the Munroe Island boat ride in advance online

• It is a fairly inexpensive place so if someone quotes a higher price search other options

• Uber is available but wait times are long, try to get a cab directly from an taxi stand or the costlier but convenient option would be to book a cab online for the whole day.