Ashtamudi Lake: so called because of its 8 arms or channels, Ashtamundi Lake is the gateway to the backwaters. The Kollam boat club provides boat rides as well as houseboat cruises on this lake which is the second largest in Kerala. The longest and the most popular backwater cruise stretch in Kerala is from Kollam to Alapphuza, lasting about 8 hrs.

Thangasseri (5km from Kollam): Located south of Kollam, Thangasseri, or 'gold village', was once the hub of a flourishing trade that used gold as currency, thanks to the early European traders. This picturesque settlement has a chequered history, dating back to the 14th century. The town's 144-ft lighthouse, built by the British, dates back to 1519. Thangasseri celebrated its 500th anniversary in 1999.

Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km north of Kollam town): this secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.

Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard: Located on the northern backwaters of Kollam, near Karunagappally, the famous kettuvalloms, or houseboats, are crafted here. Known as a boat-building and repairing centre, Alumkadavu is also popular as the ideal location to watch coir being made. 

Munroe island: This green, palm-covered little island is tucked away in the backwaters of Kollam. The Stone Age tools and megaliths discovered here prove the island's antiquity. Formed by the backwaters of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, it has been named after Colonel Munroe, the British resident of the erstwhile Travancore State. He is credited with having integrated several backwater regions through the construction of canals.

Thenmala: The marvelous beauty of Thenmala, which lies at an altitude of 1640 feet above sea level, is beyond words. We spend one full day at Thenmala enjoying th ediversified natural beauty in its full bloom. rated as one of the 64 wonderful eco-friendly places by the WTO (World Tourism Organisation) it is envisaged as an Eco-friendly Tourism project, first of this kind in India. Thenmala Eco Tourism Project located 21 kms. away from Punalur town consists of four regions. It is planed to attract travellers with different tastes. There is a Cultural zone with an amphitheatre, Musical dance fountain and stalls selling forest goods and handicrafts, operated by women’s self service societies. Another attraction is the Adventure zone where we enjoyed the adventurous mountain biking and rock climbing (even though the rock climbing was tedious all of us took the pain of it out of sheer sportsman spirit). A Leisure zone with winding forest tracks, a hanging bridge made up of coir and a sculpture garden are enjoyable not only to kids but to elders also. Apart from thsi there is a deer rehabilitation zone and a butterfly garden in Thenmala. 

Palaruvi Waterfalls (75 km from Kollam town): Palaruvi which means "milky stream" makes its `milky way down the rocks, falling from a height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. There are frequent buses to Ariankavu from Kollam. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel offer comfortable accommodation.

Thevalli Palace: This is a beautiful and historically renowned palace situated on the banks of Ashtamudi Kayal (backwater),Sasthamkotta, 26 Km. north-east of Kollam city. Sasthamkotta is situated on the banks of Kallada river. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Sastha. The place is also known for the Sasthamkotta fresh water lake. This natural gift is set amidst scenic surroundings covered by hills on the three sides. 

Kottukal RockCut CaveTemple (11 km from Chadayamangalam): This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam MC Road is an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture.