1. Canoe Through Munroe Island Backwaters
Paddle delicate canoes near the intricate channels of Munroe Island, where the reflection of the sky is, on the one hand, in the bottle-green waters in the calm coconut groves. This is more fun than the permanent traffic of houseboats - you can watch egrets or fishers while they are still in their mirrored moment. Pro tip: Combine with a village homestay for potable toddy and fresh karimeen fish.
Also Read: Top Tourist Places to Visit in Kollam
2. Master Paddlesports at Paravur Backwaters
Situated between Trivandrum and Kollam, Paravur is well known for the sandbars, the railway bridge, and the numerous opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. During paddling, one can enjoy the traditional thatched houses and the mangrove tunnels, which are hidden and off the beaten path.
3. Thrill on ATV Rides and Bike Tours
Rev up ATVs or hire bikes and ride between palm-fringed roads, the breeze moving through the aroma of the spice is enough to excite. This self-guided rush covers Thenmala trails, stopping for cashew trails or beach pitstops.
4. Trek Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
The Western Ghats start in southern Goa. Besides the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, the area is rich with life forms such as 34 different mammals and 27 amphibians, in addition to lion-tailed macaques and Malabar squirrels, and a lot more. There are different trails in the forest for wildlife spotting and a guided trek of 3-5 km to waterfalls.
5. Chase Palaruvi Waterfalls' Milky Cascade
Trek to the 32nd biggest waterfalls in India (300ft drop), where the bubbly streams would ask you to sit down with a few pickles and take a few dips in natural pools. It is surrounded by Ayurvedic herbs that make it a haven for photographers—fumes create rainbows at noon. Just avoid the monsoon and take a 20-minute journey from the highway to reach your destination safely.
6. Sunset Cruise Ashtamudi Lake
Prepping to get on one of the small boats to take a ride on one of the grandest backwaters of India. You get to see the fishermen's nets being drawn in the glowing bioluminescent waters - absolutely surreal. The view is great. The houseboats and fishing nets steal the show. The golden hour is unbelievable!
7. Explore Jatayu Earth Centre's Epic Scale
Scale your curiosity over Jatayu Earth's Centre, which was once the world's largest bird sculpture. Explore its panoramic Ghat views, zip line for a thrilling experience and then catch a 4D theatre on Ramayana lore. No need to tackle the uphill journey on foot. Cable car ascension shifts the load. While in the adventure park, you can experience rappelling.
8. Beach-Hop Kollam and Thirumullavaram Shores
Unwind at golden Kollam Beach's lighthouse or Thirumullavaram's Shiva shrine-backed sands—prime for surfing, scuba glimpses, and sunset strolls. Cleaner than Varkala, with fish markets for fresh grills. Evenings buzz with local kite festivals.