- Distance
- About 80 km by road
- Drive time
- 2–2.5 hours one way
- Pickup
- Kovalam
- Destination
- Kollam, Kerala
- Trip type
- Same-day return possible
- Vehicles
- Sedan, SUV, tempo traveller, coach
About the trip
Kollam is an old trading port at the edge of Ashtamudi lake, the gateway to Kerala's southern backwaters. It is known for cashew factories, Portuguese and Dutch remains at Thangassery, and quiet canal cruises. People from Kovalam go for a backwater day away from the busier Alleppey stretch. The drive follows the highway north through Trivandrum and Attingal.
What to see in Kollam
- Ashtamudi lake cruise
- Thangassery lighthouse and fort ruins
- Kollam beach
- Munroe Island canoe ride
- Thirumullavaram beach
- Jatayu Earth's Center nearby
On the road
Follow NH 66 through Trivandrum, Attingal and Chathannoor. Start by 7 am to fit a morning canoe ride at Munroe Island.
A same-day plan
- 7:00 amPick-up in Kovalam and drive north
- 9:00 amBreakfast in Kollam
- 9:30 amCanoe ride through Munroe Island canals
- 12:30 pmSeafood lunch by Ashtamudi lake
- 2:00 pmThangassery lighthouse and fort ruins
- 4:00 pmKollam beach, then start back
- 6:30 pmDrop in Kovalam
Timings are a guide — tell us when you want to leave and what you want to see, and the driver will work around it.
Choose your vehicle
Airport runs, couples and small families on short trips.
The usual pick for family trips, ghat roads and long days on the highway.
Extra room and comfort for special occasions and senior guests.
Extended families, pilgrimage parties and office outings.
Weddings, school trips and temple tours with a big party.
Every car is air-conditioned and comes with an experienced driver. Our quote is all-inclusive — fuel, tolls, parking, interstate permit and driver batta — and is confirmed in writing before you book.
More car trips from Kovalam
Day trip165 km · 4–4.5 hrsKeralaKovalam to AlleppeyHire a car from Kovalam to Alleppey for a backwater houseboat or shikara ride, Alappuzha beach and a Kerala lunch by the canals.
KeralaView route →
Outstation220 km · 5.5–6 hrsKeralaKovalam to CochinBook a cab from Kovalam to Cochin for Fort Kochi, the Chinese fishing nets and Mattancherry, or for a drop at Cochin airport or port.
KeralaView route →
Day trip65 km · 1.5–2 hrsKeralaKovalam to Jatayu Earth's CenterTravel from Kovalam to Jatayu Earth's Center in Chadayamangalam to see the giant bird sculpture, ride the cable car and enjoy hilltop views.
KeralaView route →
Day trip85 km · 2–2.5 hrsTamil NaduKovalam to KanyakumariHire a cab from Kovalam to Kanyakumari for the Vivekananda Rock, Thiruvalluvar statue and sunset at the southern tip of India.
Tamil NaduView route →
Day trip175 km · 4.5–5 hrsKeralaKovalam to KumarakomTravel from Kovalam to Kumarakom by private cab for Vembanad lake, the bird sanctuary and a quiet houseboat stay among the backwaters.
KeralaView route →
Day trip35 km · 1–1.5 hrsKeralaKovalam to Neyyar DamHire a car from Kovalam to Neyyar Dam for a boat ride, the lion safari park and crocodile centre in the green foothills of Agasthyamala.
KeralaView route →Book a car for this trip
Send us the date, pickup point, number of people and whether you need a return. We reply with the vehicle and a single all-inclusive price.
