Kollam Beach

Kollam Beach, Kollam Overview

Voted as the first 'Beach Wedding Destination' in Kerala, the Kollam Beach requires no introduction. This scenic and breathtaking natural wonder is also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Beach and boasts of pristine blue waters that seem to unite with the bright sky at an infinite distance, while tourists marvel at the sheer magnificence of the majestic scene.

The Kollam Beach is brimming with a large number of local and international tourists all year round who can be seen enjoying the numerous activities that the beach offers, while also appreciating the enchanting panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The cultural and spiritual aura of the beach is indeed contagious and fills the visitors with renewed energy and passions.

More details about Kollam Beach

The Kollam Beach also houses the Mahatma Gandhi Park, which was inaugurated in 1961, and has been a significant tourist attraction ever since. The area was formerly a port city and was also the harbour for Chinese ships and trade, and the traces of Chinese commerce can still be seen here. The beautiful beach is till date famous for its Chinese fishing nets, Chinese water pots and sampan like boats. The exotic views, lush greenery, calm backwaters and myriad of activities offered here make the place one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Kerala. It appeals to people of all age groups, from children to adults and the elderly, who never seem to get enough of the beach in just one visit.

Things To Do at Kollam Beach

One can choose from a range of fun activities while at the Kollam Beach. A lot of tourists who visit the beach, especially children, love to go and enjoy a boat ride to be able to appreciate the surroundings. The Kollam Beach is also a favourite getaway to the backwaters of Kerala. Tourists can choose to go for short canal cruises in the nearby island village that lasts for about 4 hours is a great and once in a lifetime experience. The beach is also the ideal place to enjoy swimming in the vast ocean.

Next to the beach, one can also find the Mahatma Gandhi Park that boasts of meeting international standards and was inaugurated on 1 January 1961 by the then Vice President of India, Zakir Hussain. It has different swings for children to enjoy, and a 10-meter tall statue of a mermaid adorns the centre of the park, which nowadays acts as the perfect selfie spot.

One part of the beach is still reserved to be used as a port for international trade of spices. Ruins of Portuguese as well as Dutch forts, and other 18th-century churches, that are located near the port continue to remain as a relic of the Portuguese and Dutch hegemony over the area in the bygone era. The Ashtamudi Lake, which is one of Kollam's famous attractions, is also located quite close to the beach. Other than this, the Kollam Beach is also home to a Marine Aquarium and an ancient lighthouse.

Marine Aquarium at Kollam Beach

An added attraction for the tourists to visit while at the Kollam beach is the Marine aquarium that has been recently constructed here. The work for this ambitious project began on 22 June in 2014, and the Harbour Engineering Department took the responsibility of building the aquarium at the eastern side of the beach, on behalf of Kollam Municipal Corporation. This aquarium is the first of its kind in all of Kerala and is a single storey structure with over forty large tanks to house a variety of marine life.

How To Reach Kollam Beach

The Kollam Beach is easily accessible since it is located in a good area, just 7.9 kilometres away from the centre of the town of Kollam. One can quickly reach the place by hiring a cab or by using means of public transport; though the former is the more advisable option. The beach is also just about 2 kilometres away from the Railway Station.