Best Photo Spots in Kollam
Kollam is a city of water. Ashtamudi Lake spreads its arms around the town, narrow canals wind between the palms on Munroe Island, and the Arabian Sea breaks against the rocks below the Thangassery lighthouse. Inland, Palaruvi Falls drops through thick forest in the Western Ghats.
Whether you like backwater scenes, village life, seascapes or waterfalls, these are the best photo spots in and around Kollam.
Medium crowdEntry Houseboat / boat hire
Ashtamudi Lake
- Best timeEarly morning, when the water is still and mist sits on the lake; late afternoon for warm golden light on the palms and boats.
- ColorsWhiteTurquoiseCoral
Medium crowdEntry Free
Kollam Beach (Mahatma Gandhi Beach)
- Best timeLate afternoon and sunset, when the sun sets over the Arabian Sea and the evening crowd brings the beach to life.
- ColorsWhiteCoralAqua
Low crowdEntry Canoe tour fee
Munroe Island
- Best timeDawn and early morning, when the canals are still, mist hangs over the water and there are almost no other boats.
- ColorsWhiteTealCoral
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Palaruvi Falls
- Best timeMid-morning, after the monsoon, when the falls are full and sunlight starts to reach the forest.
- ColorsYellowWhiteForest green
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Thangassery Lighthouse
- Best timeLate afternoon, when warm light falls on the striped tower; stay on for sunset over the sea from the top.
- ColorsWhiteRedAqua
Why Kollam Is Great for Photography
Kollam gives you calm water and rough water within a few kilometres. On the lake side you get still backwaters, Chinese fishing nets, houseboats and palm-lined shores. On the sea side you get waves, fishing boats, the striped lighthouse and the old colonial quarter of Thangassery.
The city is also much quieter than the better-known backwater towns further north. On Munroe Island you can often have a canal to yourself early in the morning, with only a fisherman or a coir worker in the frame.
Photography Tips for Kollam
- Start at dawn on the water: Munroe Island canoe trips usually leave early, when the canals are still and the mist sits on the water.
- Keep your gear dry: Carry a dry bag or a zip-lock pouch in the canoe and on any boat ride.
- Shoot the sea at sunset: Kollam Beach and Thangassery face west, so evenings give you the sun going down over the water.
- Ask before photographing people: Fishermen, coir workers and villagers on Munroe Island are usually friendly, but ask first.
- Watch the waves: Stay well back from the edge on the rocks and breakwater at Thangassery, where waves can surge without warning.
- Plan Palaruvi for the morning: The falls are a long drive from the city, and the forest light is softer before midday.
Best Time for Photography in Kollam
October to February usually gives clear skies, calm backwaters and good sunsets over the sea. June to September is the time for full waterfalls and deep green palms, but heavy rain can cancel boat trips and hide the horizon.
Check boat and canoe timings the day before, as they depend on the weather and the water level.
Questions
Kollam — FAQ
What are the best photo spots in Kollam?
The best photo spots in Kollam are Ashtamudi Lake, Munroe Island, Thangassery Lighthouse, Kollam Beach and Palaruvi Falls. Between them they cover backwaters, village canals, the sea, colonial history and a forest waterfall.
What is the best time of day for photography in Kollam?
Early morning is best for the backwaters and Munroe Island, when the water is still and the light is soft. Late afternoon and sunset are best for Kollam Beach and the Thangassery lighthouse, which face the sea to the west.
Is Kollam good for Instagram photos?
Yes. A canoe gliding under the palms on Munroe Island, a houseboat on Ashtamudi Lake and the red-and-white Thangassery lighthouse are all strong, recognisable Kerala backdrops, and they are far less crowded than the backwaters around Alappuzha.
Can I use a drone in Kollam?
Drone rules in India require registration and permission in many areas, and Kollam has a port and coastal zones where flying may be restricted. Check the current rules before you fly, and do not fly over people or boats without permission.
How do I protect my camera on a canoe trip in Kollam?
Carry a dry bag or a waterproof pouch, keep a strap around your wrist or neck, and avoid changing lenses on the water. The canoes are small and sit low, and splashes are common.