Kollam Beach
Kollam Beach, Kerala
About Kollam Beach
A beach in southern Kerala, surrounded by unique attractions.
Kollam Beach, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach lies in the coast of Kerala facing the Arabian Sea. Surrounded by a park, a lighthouse and a port, the beach offers incredible sunset views and the washed up dredger on its shores attract lots of visitors.
In and around the beach
Apart from the usual golden sands, the cool breezes, and the lovely sunset views, Kollam beach has a collection of small, engaging attractions in its premises.
Mahatma Gandhi Park in the beach
The beach features a park that was inaugurated on 1961 by then vice president of India Zakir Hussain. The park is an exciting place especially for children and it also houses large statues of Mahatma Gandhi and a mermaid looking to the sea. The park is a great place to hangout, enjoying the sea breeze, mesmerising in the views, and also to build some cool sand castles that will never be washed away by the water.
The old port of Kollam
Kollam port which lies in the northern corner of the beach is the oldest functioning port in Kerala. The port existed before India’s Independence as Kollam was a favourite settlement for the Portuguese, the Dutch, and British in succession due to trade activities especially that of cashew nuts.
The port is protected by Tangasseri Breakwater which extends to about 2 km into the sea, and in which visitors can walk on enjoying the views.
Century old Tangasseri Lighthouse
The 44 meter tall Tangasseri Lighthouse is a major attraction near the beach. This lighthouse was built in 1902 and prior to its construction, a tower with an oil lamp was set up in the area by the British East India Company. The light source was modified throughout it lifespan- in 1932, 1940, 1962, 1967, 1990 and 1994.
From top of the lighthouse, you will be able to enjoy the panoramic views of Kollam City, the beaches and the Arabian Sea spreading till the horizon. The lighthouse is located on Tangasseri Town near to the beach which is home to remnants of ancient Portuguese structures such as St. Thomas fort in ruins, a Portuguese cemetery, and a canal.
The washed up dredger Hansita
Near to Kollam Beach lies a washed up dredger that attracts lots of visitors. The dredger broke loose from its moorings and washed up on Mundakkal beach that lies in the southern side of the Kollam Beach. The dredger - called Hansita - caught in a legal tangle and had been lying anchored 3 nautical miles off the Kollam coast since November 2013. After being caught in strong winds, the vessel swept near to the beach and had been afloat there since. A large number of visitors come to the beach to see the unusual sight of the washed up dredger.
Getting to Kollam Beach
The beach is located in Kollam District of Kerala State in Southern India. Nearest large city and major railway station is in Kollam, and the beach is easily accessible as it is only walk-able distance away from the station and the city.
Attractions near Kollam Beach
It is one of the two lighthouses in the Kollam Metropolitan area
Clean beach and a long road sandwiched between the beach on one side and backwaters in another. The waves are a bit harsh here.
Also known as Papanasham Beach by its historical beliefs.Only place in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea
An ancient temple and a Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple is home to Oachirakkali- a famous ritual performed here during June wherein traditional martial arts experts conduct mock-fighting in muddy water. The temple also hosts the festival of cattle, 28 days after Onam- the harvest festival of Kerala. The festival of cattle consists of gigantic idols of bull made of cloth & hay which are then pulled on giant wheels to the Oachira Temple from the sites where they are made.
A giant rock cladded in legends, and an incredible opportunity for adventures.
18th century palace standing as a prime example of traditional Kerala Architecture.
Where is Kollam Beach
Discover more attractions in Kollam, where Kollam Beach is located
The Kollam district has a cross section of Kerala's natural attributes. It is endowed with a longer coatstline