Kollam : It is surrounded by coconut palms, cashew plantations and Ashtamudi lake. The public ferry across Ashtamudi lake to Guhananadapuram (1 hour) and Perumon (2 hour) are enjoyable trips at Rs 6. Munroe island trip is also a popular trip. It is 1.5 hour travel (Rs 45) by bus from Thiruvananthapuram.

Krishnapuram palace, Kayamkulam : The two storey palace cum museum is a fine example of Keralan architecture, which houses paintings, antique furniture and sculptures. Its renowned 3 m high Gajendra moksha, the chief of elephants, as told in the Mahabharata. The palace is 600 m from the bus stand. Located between Kollam and Alapuzha, Rs 26 by bus.