Kollam, Kerala

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.

House Boats in Kollam, Kerala, India 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 of Kollam, Kerala

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.

Kottangulangara Chamayavilakku : Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku is a unique festival, which is held at the Kottankulangara temple in Chavara, near Kollam, where hundreds of sturdy men dress up as comely females. This is an offering to the goddess Bhagavathy, the deity of the temple.

Oachira Kettukazcha : A major festival, Kettukazcha is held during the months of August/ September- September/ October at the Oachira Temple. Unlike other temples, there is no shrine or idol at the Oachira temple, located nearly 32 kms from Kollam.

Oachirakkali : The Oachira Temple is the venue of the famous Oachirakkali (Oachira dance) held in June, a sort of ancient choreographed mock battle. Unlike other temples, there is no shrine or idol at the oachira temple, located nearly 32 kms from Kollam.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Excursions from Kollam

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

Mannadi (45Km.) 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..

Oachira Temple (34Km.) : 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..

Sasthamkotta Lake (29Km.) : 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..

Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary (70Km.) : 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..

Thangassery (5Km.) : 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. more..

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

Karunagappally (27Km.) : 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.

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

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

Palaruvi waterfalls (75Km.) : 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 .

How To Get There - Kollam

By Air : The nearest airport, Thiruvananthapuram, is 72km away from Kollam.
By Rail : Quilon is connected by rail with several important cities.
By 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.