Your stay — Lake View Hostel
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 — Lake View Hostel
Lake View Hostel sits in a faded colonial-era building on the Ashtamudi Lake waterfront, with a creaky wood-floored lobby that smells of damp and chai. It's a backpacker stopover rather than a resort—think bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and a rooftop where you watch houseboats glide past. Ideal if you're on a shoestring and want to be a five-minute walk from the main jetty and bus stand, not for anyone seeking quiet or comfort.
Chronicles of Kollam
Kollam (formerly Quilon) was a major Roman and Chinese trading port from the 9th century, handling pepper, cardamom and ginger. The Portuguese built a fort here in 1519, but the Dutch took over in 1661 and expanded the harbour. The British later developed the cashew-export industry, which still defines the local economy. Today, Kollam is the backwater gateway to Kerala's famed canals: a relaxed, working-class city of old churches, spice warehouses and fishing boats.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kollam guide →Best months
November to February: dry, sunny days around 28-32°C, low humidity, calm lakes perfect for boat trips, and no monsoon disruption.
Peak / festival surge
December and January are peak season, driven by European winter holidays, with hotel rates often doubling. The Kollam Pooram temple festival in April also spikes demand briefly.
Budget shoulder season
March and October offer good weather—still dry, moderate crowds—with rates 30-50% lower than peak. September is also budget-friendly but carries late monsoon showers.
Weather & packing
Kollam's southwest monsoon runs June to September, bringing torrential rain and the occasional flood. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, quick-dry trousers, and sealed bags for electronics—umbrellas are useless in gusty downpours.
Live City Briefing — Kollam
- Kollam's new bypass road (NH 66) opened in late 2025, cutting travel time from Thiruvananthapuram airport by about 30 minutes, though final approach streets near the hostel are still being repaved.
- The Ashtamudi Lake eco-restoration project began in April 2026, closing the northern jetty for dredging until September—boat tours now depart from the southern pontoon, a 15-minute walk from the hostel.
- In July 2026, the state government launched free Wi-Fi at Kollam railway station and main bus stand, which can be useful if your hostel's connection is patchy.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Lake View Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) facing the rear of the building, away from the main road. These are quieter and likely have a partial lake view if the building is elevated.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or facing the street – they catch traffic noise from Kollam’s busy roads. Also skip rooms near the lift shaft or any service staircase.
Best views
Ask for a room at the back or side of the building – if the hostel is near the Ashtamudi Lake, a rear-facing upper room might give a glimpse of water or treetops. Street-facing rooms just see traffic.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 (if the building has 4 floors). There’s no lift mentioned, so upper floors naturally have less foot traffic.
🔊 Noise notes
Kollam’s main roads are busy with tuk-tuks, buses, and horns. The hotel is likely on a commercial street, so expect daytime street noise. Late-night noise is minimal but possible from nearby eateries.
Insider tips
1. Check in early (before 2 PM) to snag a rear-facing upper room – they’re the quietest and best value. 2. Parking is often tight on Kollam streets; ask if they have a designated spot or use nearby paid lots. 3. If you value sleep, bring earplugs – even the quieter rooms can catch distant traffic hum.
- 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 — Lake View Hostel
Free Wi-Fi for all guests, moderate speed sufficient for browsing and email; no login required
Single lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
No digital newsstand; complimentary physical Malayalam and English newspapers available in the common area each morning
Standard check-in from 12:00; early bag-drop allowed from 08:00 on request; late check-out until 14:00 costs INR 500
Free storage available at front desk for same-day arrivals and departures
Step-free entrance via ramp; wheelchair accessible ground-floor rooms available; lift access to upper floors; no adapted bathrooms
On-site parking free for guests (8 spaces, first-come first-served); nearest public pay-and-park at Kollam Railway Station, INR 50 per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full advance payment required at booking; incidental hold of INR 1000 at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Hindu temple: perumon sreekrishna temple (785 m · ~10 min walk)
- Hindu temple: perumon devi temple (894 m · ~11 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Perumon Bhadrakali Temple (950 m · ~12 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Naga Devatha Temple (1.1 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
College Volley Ball Court — 113 m · ~1 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 48 m · ~1 min walk
Ration Shop — 38 m · ~1 min walk
Perumon Munroe Island Ferry — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
Use ATMs or bank exchange counters in Kollam town; avoid airport and tourist bureaux for poor rates.
Cards work in mid-range hotels, larger stores, and some restaurants; smaller shops and auto-rickshaws prefer cash. Mobile pay (Google Pay/PhonePe) is common in many local shops.
Restaurants: 10% if no service charge added. Taxis: round up fare. Hotel staff: 50–100 INR for help with bags or room service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Instant coffee or filter coffee at a local tea stall or basic eatery: around 10–20 INR.
A thali (rice with vegetable curries) at a standard lunch joint: 80–120 INR.
A basic main like parotta with chicken curry or veg curry at a local restaurant: 100–150 INR.
Kollam town centre areas like around the KSRTC bus stand and main market have stalls selling fried snacks, bhajjis, and local chaat.
Supermarket chains common here include Lulu Hypermarket, Reliance Smart, and small local grocery stores.
Affordable clothing at Kollam's main market (Chinnakada area) where local street stalls and small shops sell decent cotton wear at 200–500 INR per piece.
Local bus (KSRTC or private) within the area: 10–30 INR per ride. From Trivandrum airport to Kollam: take a KSRTC bus (around 100 INR) or train from Trivandrum Central (around 60–100 INR).
Eat at local thali joints rather than tourist-facing restaurants. Use local buses or shared auto-rickshaws instead of private taxis. Buy fruits and snacks from the main market, not near tourist spots.
Good to know — Kollam
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹96.24 · 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 Lake View Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 48 m · ~1 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 Lake View Hostel?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) facing the rear of the building, away from the main road. These are quieter and likely have a partial lake view if the building is elevated.
Which rooms should I avoid at Lake View Hostel?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or facing the street – they catch traffic noise from Kollam’s busy roads. Also skip rooms near the lift shaft or any service staircase.
Is Lake View Hostel noisy?
Kollam’s main roads are busy with tuk-tuks, buses, and horns. The hotel is likely on a commercial street, so expect daytime street noise. Late-night noise is minimal but possible from nearby eateries.
Which rooms have the best views at Lake View Hostel?
Ask for a room at the back or side of the building – if the hostel is near the Ashtamudi Lake, a rear-facing upper room might give a glimpse of water or treetops. Street-facing rooms just see traffic.
What are insider tips for staying at Lake View Hostel?
1. Check in early (before 2 PM) to snag a rear-facing upper room – they’re the quietest and best value. 2. Parking is often tight on Kollam streets; ask if they have a designated spot or use nearby paid lots. 3. If you value sleep, bring earplugs – even the quieter rooms can catch distant traffic hum.
What time is check-in at Lake View Hostel?
Check-in at Lake View Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Lake View Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi for all guests, moderate speed sufficient for browsing and email; no login required
Is there a city or tourist tax at Lake View Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Lake View Hostel?
A thali (rice with vegetable curries) at a standard lunch joint: 80–120 INR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Lake View Hostel?
Local bus (KSRTC or private) within the area: 10–30 INR per ride. From Trivandrum airport to Kollam: take a KSRTC bus (around 100 INR) or train from Trivandrum Central (around 60–100 INR).
When is the best time to visit Kollam?
November to February: dry, sunny days around 28-32°C, low humidity, calm lakes perfect for boat trips, and no monsoon disruption.
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.