Drench in rain-come to Kollam

The monsoon is soon to hit the Kerala coast. When else is the best time to explore Kerala but in the rains?

Kollam is a must-go in the rains- more so because it offers everything a traveller looks forward to- it has the hills that hide in mist and the backwaters that fill to the brim.

If your are just passing through Kollam, and have just a few hours in hand, you can still partake a share of the bewitching beauty of the rains here.

Its beaches can send you into a trance as you watch the rain batter the seas, swelling up in waves lashing the long coastline furiously.

The Thirumullavaram beach and Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park are located in close proximity to the Kollam town and are just a drive away.

If you have some more time on hand, head to the Kumbhavurutty waterfalls via Punaloor or Chengottai. You have to trek a kilometer through forests to reach the falls and if lucky, you may spot a variety of wildlife.

Kollam has extensive backwater resources and in the rains, they swell with seductive energy.

The Ashtamudi lake or the Sasthamcotta lakes are majestic to say the least. Sit along those banks watching the raindrops disappear into the infinite pools lined by drenched palms.

Recently the ace cricketer Chris Gayle brought some immense spotlight on this quaint waterbody with his surprise holiday here.

If playing in the water and not just watching is your kind of thing, then head to the frothy cascades of Palaruvi- a sight to behold in the rains.

You need to travel about four kilometers into the forest in order to see the waterfall. DTPC has arranged travel to Paalaruvi from Kollam, which costs about Rs 800 without food.

If silence and solitude is your cup of tea, head straight to Munroe Island. Here you can soak in the rain while the watching the drops ripple in a thousand circles in the lake around you. If possible, insist on a canoe ride along those narrow canals in a drizzle- it could be heavenly.

Thenmala is a must go for anyone who lands in Kollam. The breathtaking wilderness of Shenthuruni- Thenmala eco tourism site, gives you the chance to see elephants and wild buffaloes in their pristine surroundings frolicking in the rains.

Boat safaris are available in the morning and evening. Here you will see not just the rain- you will be watching the rainclouds flocking in pregnant with the mystery of the monsoon.

If you are fond of walking down the path of history, then take a stroll through the old regions of the town and visit the Thangasseri arch. Here you will find 450-year-old remnants of Portugese, Dutch and British rule. The ruins of the San Thome fort and the remains of the old churches are worth a walk.

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