Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, early morning, and evening
Suggested Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam Railway Station, about 5 km away
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 61 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Vellayittambalam Junction Bus Station, about 1.3 km away
Located in the scenic location of Kollam, the Thirumullavaram Beach is a perfect spot to relax and unwind. This beach is the place where the coastline slows down, and waves make their way gently to the shore, making it one of the best places to visit in Kerala. A treat for your eyes is sunsets and sunrises at Thirumullavaram Beach, when the sky is painted with hues of pink, red, and orange. Located just near Kollam, the beach is ideal for photography, morning and evening walks, and beach activities.
This beach is a mix of natural and cultural charm, and there lies a small rock formation visible when the tides are low, known as Nyarazcha Para. Just a small walk from the beach, lies the Thirumullavaram Sree Maha Vishnu Temple, attracting devotees from all around all year, especially during the Karkidaka Vavu Ritual.
The Thirumullavaram Beach has no watersports, which makes it more peaceful for just sitting, relaxing, and listening to the gentle waves. People visiting Kerala must add this beach to their itinerary.
• Witness surreal sunrises and sunsets at Kollam’s coastline on Thirumullavaram Beach, which paints the sky with vibrant hues over the Arabian Sea.
• Observe fishermen using their traditional techniques to catch fish, and indulge with them for a firsthand fishing experience.
• Visit the nearby temple, Thirumullavaram Sree Maha Vishnu Temple, which adds a spiritual essence to your visit.
By car/taxi: The Thirumullavaram Beach is 8.5 KM from Kollam city centre, you can reach there in around 24 minutes via Panvel - Kochi - Kanyakumari Hwy. Visitors can also take taxis from the city centre to the Thirumullavaram Beach.
By Bus: Local KSRTC and private buses run from the Kollam city centre. The beach is located near the Vellayittambalam Junction Bus Station area, from where you can take a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Peak Season (October to March)
Moderate Season (July to September)
Low Season (April to June)
Know Before You Go
Get a chance to witness the Nyarazcha rock formation, which is visible when waves are low and the weather is clear. This formation is uniquely present far from the coast and is often a favourite subject for photographers.
Involve yourself with the local fishermen, observing their traditional fishing methods and using traditional boats and nets. This beach is far from the commercial chaos of bigger beaches and promotes a sense of peace and serenity.
Visitors can visit the famous Sree Maha Vishnu Temple, which is located near the beach. This temple is popular for the Karkidaka Vavu Bali ceremony held every year. After soaking in the beauty of the Thirumullavaram beach, this temple is a must-visit for visitors.
The Thirumullavaran Beach is just fine for taking a small dip or enjoying near the shore, but it is not recommended to swim far from the beach as the waves are sometimes unexpected. There are no lifeguards at the beach, so take care of yourself while running towards the sea. Be cautious of the tides and do not opt to swim if you’re not a confident swimmer.
The Karkidaka Vavubali ritual is a significant religious ceremony that is performed annually during the months of July and August. The devotees gather on the beach in good numbers to offer prayers and rice balls (bali) to their ancestors. This is a ritual that is believed to bring peace to the departed souls.
Yes, there are a few small food shacks, stalls, and cafes happily offering basic refreshments and local delicacies to visitors. There are also sellers selling banana chips and other snacks famous in the region. There are not many varieties of options available, but the ones which are are totally worth a try.