Kollam Beach

Situated in the small town of Kollam, this pretty beach is surrounding by fishing settlements, making it a vantage point for watching Chinese fishing nets and traditional boats out on the sea. The beach also has a bustling fish market, where you can haggle for the catch of the day in the morning. The southern gateway to Kerala’s backwaters, Kollam is situated next to the Ashtamudi Lake. Known as Quilon during the Portuguese rule, it was a major port frequented by Arab, Roman, Chinese and Dutch traders. The red-and-white Tangasseri Lighthouse is a major landmark on the beach. Over 144 feet high, it was built in 1902. There are also some ruins of Portuguese and Dutch forts and churches nearby.