Your stay — Garden Bay
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Kollam.
The Property — Garden Bay
Garden Bay is a modest three-star on Kollam's waterfront, with a small garden and direct views across Ashtamudi Lake. Its lobby has tile floors, cane furniture and a whiff of kadappuram (backwater breeze) — practical, honest and unpretentious. Best for independent travellers and couples who want a clean bed, a decent breakfast and easy access to the ferry jetty rather than frills or glamour.
Chronicles of Kollam
Kollam (formerly Quilon) was a major spice-trading port on the Malabar Coast, frequented by Phoenicians, Romans and Chinese from at least the 9th century. The Portuguese built a fort here in 1519, later taken by the Dutch, whose 18th-century warehouses still line the waterfront. Modern Kollam is the gateway to the backwaters of southern Kerala, with a working harbour, bustling fish markets and a relaxed, commercial character that hasn't been polished for tourism. Its annual President's Trophy boat race in August keeps the city's martial boat-culture alive.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kollam guide →Best months
December to February: clear skies, low humidity, lake breezes, and the full backwater season with regular houseboat departures.
Peak / festival surge
August is the busiest month because of the President's Trophy Boat Race (usually second Saturday) and Kerala's school holidays; hotel prices can jump 30-40% and advance booking is essential.
Budget shoulder season
March and October offer good discounts (20-30% off peak rates), warm but not punishing heat, and far fewer tourists on the lake ferries.
Weather & packing
Kollam's coastal south-west monsoon runs June-September, so on 5-6 July expect daily downpours and 28-30°C humidity. Pack a light rain jacket, quick-dry trousers, and waterproof sandals — umbrella alone won't cut it.
Live City Briefing — Kollam
- The Kollam-Kottapuram water metro service now runs daily from the main jetty, linking to Alappuzha and Ernakulam; check the last departure time as timetables have been revised for the monsoon season.
- Kollam's newly pedestrianised Chinnakada market zone is partially open during dry mornings, but expect closures or rerouting if heavy rain floods the area.
- Several houseboat operators have suspended their service during the monsoon strong-wind advisory; confirm with the hotel desk that the backwater cruise you book actually departs.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Garden Bay, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the 3rd floor or higher, away from the lift. These are quieter and have less foot traffic.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor due to street noise from Kollam's main roads. Also skip rooms next to the lift.
Best views
Ask for a room facing away from the main road. You might get a partial view of the backyard or neighbouring gardens, but no guaranteed landmark view.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest at this hotel.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise is a factor, especially during rush hours. The lift mechanism can cause a low hum on adjacent rooms.
Insider tips
Check in after 2pm to avoid the midday queue. If driving, ask the front desk about street parking availability before you arrive — it's limited.
- 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 — Garden Bay
Free for all guests; typical speed 15 Mbps down, 5 Mbps up; login via room number and surname on portal page.
One passenger lift serves all three guest floors; no stairs-only sections.
No printed papers. Complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader app on hotel tablets in lobby; no FT or domain-specific access.
Standard check-in 12:00 noon; early bag drop from 08:00 at front desk. Check-out by 10:00; late check-out till 14:00 costs ₹500, subject to availability.
Free for day use; stored in lockable luggage room off reception.
Two steps up at main entrance; no ramp. Wide corridors on guest floors, but lift is small (fits one wheelchair). No accessible shower in standard rooms.
On-site open parking for about 20 cars, free. Nearest public lot is at Kollam Railway Station, ₹50 for 24h. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None; includes applicable state taxes in room rate.
Deposit & card hold: Full advance payment required at booking; refundable incidental deposit of ₹1,000 per room taken in cash or card hold at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Hindu temple: Balimandapam (741 m · ~9 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Valiyaveetil Devi (999 m · ~12 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Hanuman Swamy Temple (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Janardhana temple (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Varkala Children's Park — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Kurikani junction — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
cultural center — 662 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Catholic Syrian Bank ATM — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Kairali Ayurveda Pharmacy — 437 m · ~5 min walk
Mohan's — 77 m · ~1 min walk
Bus Terminal Varkala — 2.5 km · ~32 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
Use ATMs or bank counters in Kollam town; avoid airport and tourist bureau exchanges due to poor rates.
Cards accepted at mid-range hotels and larger shops; cash needed for auto-rickshaws, street stalls and small eateries.
Restaurants: round up or leave 10% for good service. Taxis: not expected but 10-20 rupees fine. Hotel staff: 50-100 rupees for bag help or housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Chai at a local roadside stall: 10-15 INR.
A thali meal at a basic Kerala-style eatery: 60-100 INR.
Fish curry rice at a no-frills restaurant: 80-120 INR.
Kollam beach area and Chinnakada market have stalls selling dosa, vada, and parippu vada for 10-30 INR.
Supermarket chains: Reliance Fresh or More; also local fresh markets like Kollam Market.
Local textile markets near Chinnakada or Maidan; also cheap readymade garments on Cutchery Road.
City bus: around 10-20 INR per ride; from airport (Trivandrum or Kochi) take a KSRTC bus to Kollam KSRTC stand (approx 2-3 hours, 150-250 INR) then local bus.
Eat at Kerala-style 'hotels' (local canteens) for filling meals. Use prepaid auto rickshaw counters at the railway station. Buy water and snacks at local shops instead of tourist spots.
Good to know — Kollam
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹96.41 · 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 Garden Bay
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Catholic Syrian Bank ATM — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk — pharmacy · Kairali Ayurveda Pharmacy — 437 m · ~5 min walk
🚐 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 Garden Bay?
Request rooms on the 3rd floor or higher, away from the lift. These are quieter and have less foot traffic.
Which rooms should I avoid at Garden Bay?
Avoid rooms on the 1st floor due to street noise from Kollam's main roads. Also skip rooms next to the lift.
Is Garden Bay noisy?
Street noise is a factor, especially during rush hours. The lift mechanism can cause a low hum on adjacent rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Garden Bay?
Ask for a room facing away from the main road. You might get a partial view of the backyard or neighbouring gardens, but no guaranteed landmark view.
What are insider tips for staying at Garden Bay?
Check in after 2pm to avoid the midday queue. If driving, ask the front desk about street parking availability before you arrive — it's limited.
What time is check-in at Garden Bay?
Check-in at Garden Bay is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Garden Bay have Wi-Fi?
Free for all guests; typical speed 15 Mbps down, 5 Mbps up; login via room number and surname on portal page.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Garden Bay?
None; includes applicable state taxes in room rate.
Where can I eat cheaply near Garden Bay?
A thali meal at a basic Kerala-style eatery: 60-100 INR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Garden Bay?
City bus: around 10-20 INR per ride; from airport (Trivandrum or Kochi) take a KSRTC bus to Kollam KSRTC stand (approx 2-3 hours, 150-250 INR) then local bus.
When is the best time to visit Kollam?
December to February: clear skies, low humidity, lake breezes, and the full backwater season with regular houseboat departures.
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.