Kollam Beach is a scenic beach of the south Indian state Kerala, located at the Kollam city. It is also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach. Kollam Beach is unique for being one of the few beaches of the state which has an outpost of lifeguards. Since the year 2005 the beach has lifeguards. Apart from Kollam Beach, other beaches of Kerala which has lifeguard outposts include Varkala and Kovalam. The beach also hosts a park of international standard. It was inaugurated by the then Vice President of India, Zakir Hussein on 1st January 1961.
Kollam Beach also has the Kollam Port which is credited for being one of the most significant and oldest ports on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea for international cashew trade. In the state Kollam Port is the second largest port after the Cochin Port. It was once an active harbour for Chinese ships and trade. Before independence, the beach served as the most preferred settlement of the Portuguese followed by the Dutch and the English. Tangasseri breakwater protects the port which stretches to about 1.1 miles SSE of Tangasseri Point. Kollam Beach serves as one of the most cherished tourist destinations of Kerala owing to its picturesque location along with the serene waters.
An ancient lighthouse stands in Kollam Beach which rises to a height of 144 feet and dates back to the 1902 when it was constructed. It serves as a major landmark of the city. Kollam Beach also hosts several ruins of forts belonging to the Portuguese and Dutch. 18th century churches also stand near the beach which serves as the memoirs of the Portuguese and Dutch rule in the region. Kollam Beach is also the site for a number of beach activities which allures numerous tourists from far off places, throughout the year. The beach offers an enthralling view of the vast Arabian Sea. Other attractions of Kollam Beach are the Chinese water pots, sampan-like boats and Chinese fishing nets which can still be witnessed.
Visiting Information
Kollam Beach attracts many tourists from all parts of the country. Kollam Junction Railway Station, located at a distance of 4 kilometres from the beach, serves as the nearest railway station. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 68 kilometres away, is the nearest airport.
