Kollam district
Kollam & Ashtamudi Backwaters
Kerala's second-largest backwater system, built around Ashtamudi Lake — quieter and less commercialised than Alleppey's canal network.
Highlights
What to see at Kollam
- Ashtamudi Lake houseboat cruises
- Munroe Island's canoe-only village canals
- Thangassery Lighthouse and old colonial-era fort remains
- A working cashew and coir economy along the shore
Pairing with Ayurveda
How this fits an Ayurveda programme
The calm, low-crowd setting makes Kollam a favoured base for longer 21-28 day therapeutic Panchakarma programmes where guests want minimal distraction.
Questions
Kollam — frequently asked
Is Ashtamudi less crowded than Alleppey?
Yes, considerably — Ashtamudi Lake sees a fraction of the houseboat traffic that Alleppey's canals do.
Can I do a day trip to Munroe Island?
Yes, canoe tours typically run 2-3 hours and depart from jetties around the lake.