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Historic Gems of Kollam: Temples, Forts & Lighthouses

By bestplaces.main
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April 10, 2025
Thangassery Lighthouse standing tall with red and white stripes against a vivid blue sky and scattered clouds.

If you love peeling back the layers of a place and discovering stories hidden in stone and sand, Kollam is going to be your kind of adventure. With centuries-old temples, towering lighthouses, and forts that whisper tales of pirates and spice traders, this city has a quiet way of pulling you into its past.

Here are the Kollam tourist places where history comes alive—all perfect stops for curious travelers who like their journeys mixed with a bit of mystery and magic.

Thangassery Lighthouse

One of the most iconic landmarks in Kollam, the Thangassery Lighthouse rises tall along the Arabian Sea coast. Built by the British in 1902, it stands 144 feet high and offers a jaw-dropping panoramic view if you're up for the climb.

From the top, you can see endless blue waves, fishing boats dotting the water, and coconut palms swaying gently. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause and just take it all in. The lighthouse itself is painted in bold red and white stripes, making it one of the most photo-worthy Kollam places you can visit.

Ancient Temples Worth Visiting

Kollam is home to some of Kerala’s oldest temples, each with unique architecture and a sense of calm that stays with you long after you leave.

  • Rameshwara Temple: Famous for its ancient stone carvings and Nandi statue
  • Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple: Known for the delicious appam prasadam (yes, you get snacks with blessings!)
  • Sree Krishna Swamy Temple: A peaceful spot tucked inside the city

Visiting these temples isn’t just about spirituality—it's about experiencing how deeply culture and daily life are woven together in Kollam.

Walking Through History: Forts and Streets

Kollam was once a buzzing port on the spice route, and you can still feel that energy in the old streets near the waterfront.

Take a walk through Thangassery Fort ruins (built by the Portuguese, later occupied by the Dutch and British). Though only parts remain, it's fascinating to imagine the fort in its glory days. Nearby, you'll also find colonial-era churches, narrow lanes, and tiled-roof buildings that tell quiet stories.

Keep your eyes open—you might stumble upon faded signs, moss-covered steps, or an old local telling you stories of how things used to be.

Local Legends and Heritage Stories

What makes Kollam tourist places truly special are the stories. Like the legend of the lighthouse keeper who once saved an entire village from a storm, or the temple tale of a sage who turned a curse into a blessing.

If you’re lucky, a local guide or an elderly shopkeeper might share these tales with you. Ask questions, listen closely, and you'll start to see that Kollam places aren’t just historic spots—they're chapters of living memory.

Exploring historic gems in Kollam is like stepping into a storybook where every corner has a past and every path leads to something quietly powerful. If you're planning your trip, make sure you leave time for these slow, soulful spots.

With heart, Wander With Heart

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