Kollam

The country's cashew trading and processing industry is located in Kollam. It is also an important hub for the state's marine products industry, with the port of Neendakara being the centre for travelers and ice plants. For all its natural gifts of wide rivers, dominant hills and forest, lakes and plains, there is the throb of a vibrant industrial activity. Kollam is gifted with the representative features - sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forest, vast green fields and tropical crop of every variety both food crop and cash crop.

Bustling with industrial activity, Quilon is a place where nature can be seen at its best. People from places as far as Persia, Arab, Rome and China traded here. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to set up a trading centre followed by the Dutch and British. A perfect blend of modernism and antiquity, the developed city of Quilon brings to the fore the memories of a bygone era.

There is plenty of seasonal rainfall with a tropical humid climate. The summer, lasting from March to May, is followed by the monsoon from June to November. The rest of the year is generally dry. The eight hour boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest and the most enchanting experience of backwaters in Kerala.

Access
Air : The nearest airport, Thiruvananthapuram, is 72km away.
Rail : Quilon is connected by rail with several important cities.
Road : Quilon is connected by road with many tourist centres in India.

Places of interest - Kollam
Kollam Beach : Kollam (Quilon) is a charming old port city on the banks of the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake is now known more as the centre of cashew industry. Traces of a once prosperous trade with China are still seen in the form of Chinese fishing nets, huge Chinese water pots, blue and white porcelain and sampan-like boats. Kollam is an inviting gateway to Kerala's backwaters. For an amazing backwater experience, take the regular ferry to Alleppey, a rigorous ride lasting more than 8 hours. As the old ferry putters from one village on the waterfront to another, you are treated to a full range of lives and activities and some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Shorter cruises are also made in the larger comforts of the houseboats with idyllic villages such as Alumkadavu as your launch base.

Thangassery : Thangasseri is 5 km from Kollam town. This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The Thangasseri lighthouse which is 144 ft high, is open to visitors from 1530 - 1730 hrs. There are buses at 15 minute intervals from Kollam town.

Thirumullavaram Beach : Thirumullavaram is a few kms north of Kollam, it is a beautiful beach that's well linked by road and with good facilities. This beautiful beach filled with coconut palms is ideal for an early morning walk as one can see fishermen gliding into the sea for the days catch. The beach has good bathing facilities.

Read more about Thirumullavaram Beach

Oachira : Oachira is a unique pilgrim center. Situated 32 km north of the Quilon–Alappuzha National Highway. The city has no temple buildings and no idols. People worship the presiding deity, the Parabrahmam. Oachira which draws thousands of pilgrims for Oachirakkali, a festival held annually in June. Another festival held here is Panthrandu Vilakku in November–December, which lasts for 12 days. Oachira is famous for its fancy articles of screw pine mats.

Mayyanad : This place is popular for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Mayyanad.

Rameshwara Temple : The influence of the Pandyas is manifest in its design having inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple give one the impression that the creatures are animated and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.

Jatayupara : A huge rock at Chadayamangalam, Jatayupara takes its name from the mythical bird Jatayu in the epic Ramayana, who is believed to have collapsed on the rock after failing in his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita. The Crafts Festival is held annually during December-January, featuring the work of craftsmen from all over the country

Sasthamkotta : Sasthamkotta is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala, surrounded by hills on three sides. The ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. There are frequent bus services from Kollam. Sasthamkotta 29 km from Kollam town.

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram : The residence and headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The ashram is accessible both by road and boat. Thirumullavaram beach (6 km north of Kollam town): This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.

Picnic Village : This village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.