Thenmala prides itself as India's first planned eco-tourism site. It has 10 eco-tourism spots that cover the great hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts. Home to a variety of deer like spotted deer, lawn deer and sambar, it is a popular picnic spot. A walk through the forest is not only a peaceful experience but also introduces you to a huge variety of trees present in the region. The beautiful statue of a deer named Krishna makes for a nice photography spot. The park also houses a few tree top huts and a Deer Rehabilitation Centre, where various species of deer are bred. There's also a recreational area with various swings and slides for children. The word 'thenmala' translates into a honey hill and it is believed that honey collected here is of premium quality due to the region’s biological composition.  The best time to visit Thenmala is between the months of December and February.  

The crystal clear waters and golden sand of this unspoilt beach draw tourists  looking for a peaceful and refreshing experience. Undoubtedly, Kollam's most popular beach, Thirumullavaram is your best bet to witness breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset. Around one-and-a-half kilometre into the sea is Nyarazhcha Para or the Sunday Rock, which is a rock floating on water, and can be seen from the beach when water recedes during low tide. Not-to-be-missed is the Mahavishnu Temple where Lord Vishnu is worshipped as the presiding deity. Located on the outskirts of Kollam, this secluded beach is one of the safest beaches. The low tides at the beach allow children to swim and play around the water making it an ideal place to enjoy a vacation. 

Nestled in the beautiful backwaters of Kollam, Munroe Island is a hidden gem of Kerala that leaves tourists enchanted with its unparalleled beauty. Surrounded by the serene Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada river, the island offers amazing views of verdant coconut plantations. The best way to enjoy the tranquillity of the island is to take a canoe ride through the narrow canals of the backwaters. The ride takes you through tiny hamlets located along the backwaters and provides a glimpse of the daily life of villagers. The best rides are the ones taken during early morning and evening because they offer you a chance to witness ethereal sunrises and sunsets. The authentic food joints located at the island provide tempting delicacies made from coconut oil. The island is also famous for hosting the Kallada Boat Race, which is held here during the 10-day long Onam festival. The island has been named after Resident Colonel John Munroe of the former princely state of Travancore who is credited for integrating several backwater regions by digging canals. The island is located on the outskirts of the city and makes for a great one day trip.

Fringed by swaying coconut palms and lush foliage, the Ashtamudi Lake is one of the most gorgeous landmarks in Kollam. This pristine lake is an idyllic site to enjoy serene houseboat cruises and boat rides. The cruise takes you from Kollam to Alappuzha in over eight hours and gives them a unique and out-of-the-world experience. The boat ride not only offers you glimpses of abundant flora as it takes you through coconut groves, red cliffs and palms, but also introduces you to the village life of locals residing by the lake. This tranquil lake gets its name from its eight arms or channels (ashta means eight). About 16 km long, this lake finds its way to the sea through the picturesque Neendakara estuary. 

One of the most glorious waterfalls of the state, the Palaruvi Waterfalls, meaning a stream of milk, cascades down from a height of 300 ft amidst a dense and green forest. Locals believe that the water here has Ayurvedic properties and taking a bath in it can benefit one's body to a great extent. This falls is popularly referred to as 'white horse's tail' as it is narrow at the top but widens as it reaches the bottom. The waterfalls makes for a stunning backdrop as it flows through emerald foliage and plummets in a gush of foamy streams of water. Tourists can swim in the falls or picnic on the spot. For adventure enthusiasts, hiking to the falls can be a challenging and thrilling experience.