Tourism in Kollam

TTHE CASHEW COUNTRY
An old seaport on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, Quilon, 72 km away from Thiruvananthapuram is also known as the gateway to Kerala.

The district is fairly important for the State's trade and commerce and is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry.

It is also an important hub for the State's marine products industry, with the port of Neendakara being the centre for trawlers and ice plants.

Throbbing 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. Quilon, which is a veritable Kerala in miniature is gifted with Kerala's very 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.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
CITIES
Thangassery (5 km): A seaside village of historic importance, with the ruins of an old portuguese fort and a few 18th century churches strewn all over, Thangaserry is a city located 5 kms from Kollam. One of the main attractions of the place is the Light House at Thangaserry, which is 144 feet high. more...

Mayyanad (10 km): The place is primarily noted for its shrines and temples, the most important of the nine temples being the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor.

Karunagappally:Karunagappally is situated 27 kms. north of Kollam. It is linked with Kollam by rail and road. An idol of Buddha, recovered from a local tank here, is now preserved in the Krishnapuram Palace, situated north of Ochira. The town has a temple dedicated to Lord Siva, two old mosques and a Mar Thoma Church.

Kottarakkara: Kottarakkara, the place from where the famous Indian classical dance form originated is the headquarters of Kottarakkara Taluk. It was once the capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family.

BEACHES
Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km): An ideal picnic spot, it is a secluded beach, well connected by frequent bus services. more...


TEMPLES
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.

Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple (11 km): It is a magnificent temple, situated on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam MC Road.

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

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.

EXCURSIONS
LAKES
Sasthamkotta Lake (29 km): The vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three sides, sasthamkotta is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple is an important pilgrim centre. more...

Ashtamudi Lake The Scenic and Calm Ashtamudi Lake is located in the Kollam district of Kerala. One of the biggest Backwaters of Kerala, this lake boasts of a magnificent view. more...

TEMPLES
Oachira Temple (34 km): Located to the north of Kollam town, Oachira Temple is the unique pilgrim centre, with no idol or deity. The famous Parabrahma Temple is dedicated to the Universal Consciousness. more...

Kulathupuzha Temple (64 km): Renowned for the Sastha temple, Kulathupuzha is situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road. more...


WATERFALLS
Palaruvi waterfalls (75 km): The enchanting waterfalls, meaning the stream of milk, offer a splendid view of the water cascading from a height of 300 feet. The Palauruvi woods form a beautiful picnic spot. Travel Information

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary: Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary located 70 kms from Kollam, on the Kollam-Shencotta Road, is a green valley of splendid forests, situated on the banks of the Shendurny River. more...


CITIES
Mannadi: Mannadi is located 13 kms from Adoor and 45 kms from Kollam. Veluthampi Dalawa, a diwan of the erstwhile state of Travancore, met his tragic death here. more...


BEACHES
Thangassery Beach: Located 5 kms from Kollam town is the which is a sea side village of historic importance. more...


HOW TO GET THERE
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.

Local Transport: For local transport, one can use private and KSRTC buses, yellow-top and tourist taxis, and autorickshaws.

PLACES TO STAY
Government Guest Asramam.
House Hotel, Karthika Chinnakada.
Hotel Prasanthi, Near Beach.
Hotel Sea Bee, Jetty Road.
There is a PWD Rest House.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Kottangulangara Chamayavilakku
Oachira Kettukazcha
Oachirakkali

TOURIST INFORMATION
DTPC Tourist Information Centre, KSRTC Bus Stand, Kollam Ph: 745625.
DTPC Tourist Office, Guest House Complex, Asramam Ph: 742558.
Department of Tourism-District Office, Govt. Guest House. Ph: 743620. ATDC, Opp. Bus Station.

NEARBY CITIES
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) (71 km)
Alappuzha (Alleppey) (89 km)
Kottayam (105 km)
Kochi (145 km)


GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 2579 sq. km.
Population: 2,398,285.
Climate: Tropical.
Rainfall: 270 cm. (Annual).
Temperature:
Mean Max: 36.0°C
Mean Min: 22.4°C
Clothing: Tropical.