Thangasseri, situated 5kms from Kollam town was once a favourite settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. Literally meaning 'gold village', this seaside village sprawling over an area of 99 acres, has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches belonging to the 18th century. The Portuguese fort is believed to be built in 1517 and only one wall of this fort remains now. The major attraction of Thangasseri is the lighthouse, built in the year 1902. The 144 ft. lighthouse stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery. Tourist are permitted to visit the lighthouse between 3.30pm and 5.30pm and one could have a picturesque view of the sea from there. February to November is the best time to visit Thangasseri. Kollam railway station is the nearest station to Thangasseri village and it is well connected to town by road also.