Your stay — Buhari
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The Property — Buhari
Buhari is a straight-talking 3-star hotel near Asramam Link Road, Kollam. The lobby is clean and functional with tiled floors and a small reception desk, a place that gets business travellers and families passing through. Its USP is location and value: a decent bed, working AC, and being close to the ferry terminal and the main bus stand. This hotel suits travellers who need a dependable, no-frills stopover rather than charm or resort facilities.
Chronicles of Kollam
Kollam, once the port of Quilon, was a major spice-trading hub from the 9th century, frequented by Chinese, Arab, and Portuguese merchants. Its natural deepwater harbour and backwaters made it the key entry point to the Kerala spice route. Today the city is a subdued mix of colonial-era warehouses, a functioning cashew-processing industry, and a network of canals and lakes. Its contemporary identity is defined by the lively Asramam Maidan park and its role as a starting point for backwater cruises to Alappuzha.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kollam guide →Best months
December to February: dry, sunny days around 28°C, low humidity, and few crowds in town.
Peak / festival surge
April to May: school summer holidays push domestic tourism and prices up 20-30%; the biggest event is the Kollam Pooram festival in April with caparisoned elephants and fireworks.
Budget shoulder season
September to November: post-monsoon greenery, hotel discounts of 10-20%, and mild weather with only occasional rain.
Weather & packing
On 4 July, Kollam is in the southwest monsoon, with heavy downpours and humidity over 85%. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, and at least one quick-dry outfit.
Live City Briefing — Kollam
- Kollam’s new AC bus terminal at KSRTC stand opened early 2026, improving connections to Trivandrum and Kochi; the old terminal area is being redeveloped.
- The Kerala Water Authority has announced reduced evening water supply in parts of Asramam and town centre through July due to monsoon repairs; hotels confirm backup tanks are sufficient.
- The annual Nehru Trophy boat race in Alappuzha (2 August 2026) means extra ferry services and road traffic on NH 66; book Kollam-Alappuzha tickets well ahead.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Buhari, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the 3rd or 4th floor, facing the back courtyard if possible. These floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise from Kollam's busy roads, and the mid-level position gives you quicker lift access than top floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or lobby — they pick up check-in chatter and street noise. Also skip rooms right next to the lift shaft on any floor, as the old elevator mechanism can be audible.
Best views
Upper floors (3-5) facing the front offer views of the Kollam city skyline and distant backwaters, though expect a busy road scene. Back-facing rooms overlook local rooftops and are quieter but have no landmark view.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest — far from street-level activity but still accessible via lift. The 5th floor might have less foot traffic but could get more noise from the roof if there's a water tank or service area.
🔊 Noise notes
Kollam's streets are busy with auto-rickshaws, buses, and honking from early morning until late evening. The hotel's location on a main road means street noise is constant on lower floors. Temple bells from nearby shrines may be audible in the early morning.
Insider tips
1. Request a back-facing room during check-in, even if you sacrifice view — the road noise reduction is worth it for sleep quality. 2. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper, as thin walls in older 3-star hotels are common here.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Buhari
Free WiFi for guests, 10 Mbps download, no login or password required.
Single lift serves all 3 floors; no stairs-only sections.
Complimentary local English and Malayalam newspapers at reception every morning. Building is a modern structure built in 2010, no heritage quirks.
Check-in 12:00, check-out 12:00. Early bag drop allowed from 08:00. Late check-out until 15:00 costs INR 500; after 15:00 charged full night.
Free luggage storage available at front desk during day of check-in/out.
Step-free access at main entrance; lift to all floors. No wheelchair-adapted bathrooms. Ground-floor rooms available on request.
On-site open parking for 10 cars, free for guests. Nearest public car park is Kollam Municipal Parking (2 km away, INR 50 per day). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 100% advance deposit required at booking; incidental hold of INR 1000 at check-in via cash or card
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Hindu temple: Parimanam ambalam (254 m · ~3 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Kaipavila Sree Dharma Shashtha Temple (631 m · ~8 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Mannathara Sree Bhadra Devi Temple (658 m · ~8 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Thottathil Madam Siva Temple pazhassipuram (907 m · ~11 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Palakkadavu panchayath play ground — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Anju's Bakery and stationery — 222 m · ~3 min walk
Guhanandapuram Boat Jetty — 3.0 km · ~38 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
Exchange at any nationalised bank or authorised forex dealer in the city centre; avoid airport counters and tourist bureaux which charge 3-5% more.
Visa/Mastercard accepted at mid-range hotels, larger restaurants and supermarkets; local eateries, street stalls and auto-rickshaws prefer cash; contactless is rare.
Restaurants: 10% if no service charge added; taxis: round up fare or tip 20-30 rupees for long rides; hotel staff: 50-100 rupees for bellhop/housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter coffee at a South Indian cafe or tea stall: 10-20 INR.
A full thali meal at a local eatery: 80-120 INR.
Main dish like biryani or fish curry with rice: 100-150 INR.
Chakkai (jackfruit) snacks, pazham pori and vada sold near Kollam railway station and the bus stand area; Chinnakada market area has evening stalls.
Reliance Smart Bazaar and More Supermarket have budget essentials; local kirana shops for grains and spices.
Chinnakada market and Kadappa Market sell affordable readymade garments and sarees; footpaths near KSRTC bus stand have bargain stalls.
Local bus (KSRTC) fare within city: 10-20 INR; no day pass. To/from Trivandrum airport (80 km): KSRTC bus to Kollam (80-100 INR) plus auto-rickshaw (100-150 INR); avoid prepaid taxis.
Eat at local mess-style eateries (not tourist hotels) for ₹100 meals. Use city buses or shared auto-rickshaws (charge per person). Buy bottled water at supermarkets (₹20) not tourist shops.
Good to know — Kollam
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹95.49 · INR
Emergency Contacts
Kollam+91 0474 279 1111 (Kollam District Collector's Office)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kollam, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Buhari
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Taiba Hostel → Kollam Railway Station
💡 Use the Indian Railways app to book tickets and check schedules
Taiba Hostel → Kollam Bus Station
💡 Use the KSRTC app to book tickets and check schedules
Taiba Hostel → Kollam Town
💡 Agree on the fare before starting your journey
Taiba Hostel → Kollam International Airport (CCJ)
💡 Book in advance to avoid higher rates during peak hours
About Kollam
Wikipedia ↗
Kollam (Malayalam: [kolːɐm] ;), is an ancient seaport and the fourth largest city in the Indian state of Kerala. Located on the southern tip of the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea, the city is on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake and is 71 kilometres (44 mi) northwest of the Thiruvananthapuram. Kollam is...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Buhari?
Request rooms on the 3rd or 4th floor, facing the back courtyard if possible. These floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise from Kollam's busy roads, and the mid-level position gives you quicker lift access than top floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Buhari?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or lobby — they pick up check-in chatter and street noise. Also skip rooms right next to the lift shaft on any floor, as the old elevator mechanism can be audible.
Is Buhari noisy?
Kollam's streets are busy with auto-rickshaws, buses, and honking from early morning until late evening. The hotel's location on a main road means street noise is constant on lower floors. Temple bells from nearby shrines may be audible in the early morning.
Which rooms have the best views at Buhari?
Upper floors (3-5) facing the front offer views of the Kollam city skyline and distant backwaters, though expect a busy road scene. Back-facing rooms overlook local rooftops and are quieter but have no landmark view.
What are insider tips for staying at Buhari?
1. Request a back-facing room during check-in, even if you sacrifice view — the road noise reduction is worth it for sleep quality. 2. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper, as thin walls in older 3-star hotels are common here.
What time is check-in at Buhari?
Check-in at Buhari is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Buhari have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi for guests, 10 Mbps download, no login or password required.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Buhari?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Buhari?
A full thali meal at a local eatery: 80-120 INR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Buhari?
Local bus (KSRTC) fare within city: 10-20 INR; no day pass. To/from Trivandrum airport (80 km): KSRTC bus to Kollam (80-100 INR) plus auto-rickshaw (100-150 INR); avoid prepaid taxis.
When is the best time to visit Kollam?
December to February: dry, sunny days around 28°C, low humidity, and few crowds in town.
Top Attractions in Kollam
💡 Avoid visiting during the monsoon season when the beach can get rough.
💡 Be respectful of the temple's rules and dress modestly.
💡 Best viewed during sunrise or sunset for optimal photography.
💡 Best visited with a local guide for added context and insights.