Kollam beach offers a full range of lives and activities and some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Kollam (Quilon) is a charming old port city on the banks of the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake. It is also known as the center of cashew industry. Traces of a once prosperous trade with China are still seen in the form of Chinese fishing nets, huge Chinese water pots, blue and white porcelain and sampan-like boats.

Varkala beach (also known as papanasam beach) is situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram District. Varkala beach is called Papanasam beach because it is believed that a dip in the water destroys all kind of sin. Hence, people prefer this shore for their offering of “vavubali” in honour of ancestors and relatives whose souls are in rest. After the offering of “vavubali”, people visit Sree Janardhana temple and get done ‘Thilakahoma”, a pooja done for the sublimation of the departed souls.

Kovalam Beach is internationally renowned beach resort of Kerela has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost , known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular, Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all the budgets.

Paravur is one of the beautiful places in the district with its beach and its cultural heritage. Arabian Sea is the west border for Paravur. Coir, Cashew, Fishing and Bricks are the important industries.Paravur has the largest natural Backwater lakes (the Paravur Kayal) in South Asia. It has a number of tourist resorts, with facilities for boating, swimming and surfing. Fishing is permitted, but requires permission.

Kumarakom is a serene, emerald green peninsula set in the backdrop of Vembanad Lake which is dotted with numerous traditional rice boats, rafts and canoes. This backwater spot is abundant with flora and fauna, being especially rich in marine life…. Spread across fourteen acres of the lush green jungle nearby, Kumarakom bird sanctuary houses thousands of water birds and migratory birds coming as far away from the Himalayas and even Siberia…

Sasthamkotta is largest freshwater lake in Kerala and is surrounded by hills on three sides except on the south side, where a bund has been constructed separating the lake from the neighbouring rice fields. The ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. A large part of the lake has been reclaimed for agriculture. The source of water is from the underground sprouts. The lake has a capacity to hold 22390 million litres of water and serves as the source of drinking water for the people of Kollam district

Thenmala Located about 72km from Kollam. Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of Western Ghats and predominantly a forest area. Thenmala attracts foreign and domestic tourists with a host of attractions. The famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is the most important ecotourism resource of Thenmala Ecotourism. This Wildlife Sanctuary is of about 100 sq. km. and harbors large varieties of flora and fauna.. Boating on the lake, a rope bridge, trekking, mountaineering, biking and a musical fountain.

Vagamon It is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. The enchanting hill station dotted with tea gardens will soon be one of India's foremost eco-tourism projects

Palaruvi Water Falls Literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience.The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk-white burst of foam whose muffled roar resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest.

Amrithananthamayi Ashram :The Birthplace of Matha Amrithananthamayi, 'Amma', comforts the hearts of thousands of people with her unconditional love. She has inspired many humanitarian activities all over the world. This international pilgrimage destination is known for its educational and medical institutes and for the personality of Matha Amrithananthamayi who is also called the hugging saint for her habit of embracing her disciples.

Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here.

Sivagiri is a pilgrimage centre in Varkala, India where one of its social reformer and sage Sree Narayana Guru's tomb is located and place where guru was enlightend and got the salvation. The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days 30 December to 1 January.

Krishnapuram Palace: The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, and narrow corridors.

Thangassery is a place of historical importance situated 5 km away from Kollam town. The churches here are pretty old, having been established in the 18th century. The chief attraction of the place is the light house, built in 1902. The 144 ft. light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery.

Adventure Park in Kollam is situated 3 km from the Kollam Bus Station. It is along the shores of the Ashtamudi backwaters. The park is a delightful place for children. The District Tourism Promotion Council arranges backwater cruises from here.

Hanging Bridge of Punalur :The 400ft bridge, which was constructed across the Kallada river by the British in 1877, is the first hanging bridge of south India. It was declared a protected structure by the Archaeology Department when a concrete bridge was constructed parallel to it in 1972