Kollam

Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast, Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. Thirty per cent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.

The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style

 

Situated on the edge of the Ashtamudi Lake, Quilon has a rich history with the town being known as Desinganadu, Kollam and Quilon at various points of time. There was a flourishing Chinese settlement in the city in the 14th century with the rulers of Quilon and China maintaining diplomatic relations and exchanging embassies with each other during that period. The great Venetian traveler Marco Polo visited the city in 1275 in his capacity as a Chinese Mandarin. From the beginning of the 16th century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British came in quick succession to establish trading centres at Quilon. The British stationed a garrison at Quilon in pursuance of a treaty between Travancore and British in the 18th century. The eight hour boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest and the most enchanting expirence of backwaters in Kerala.

Places to See in Kollam

Thangasseri (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 is open to visitors from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. There are buses at 15 minute intervals from Kollam town.

Rameshwara Temple:

This temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th century. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple are carvings which give one the impression that the creatures are animate and are actually climbing upstairs with their outstretched paws.

Mayyanad (10 km south of Kollam town):

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

Sasthamkotta (29 km from Kollam town):

The vast fresh water lake here is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. There are frequent bus services from Kollam. Accommodation is available at the PWD Rest House.

Ochira (34 km north of Kollam town):

The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku in November/December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.

Kulathupuzha (64 km from Kollam town):

Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here.

Thenmala (66 km east of Kollam):

The area is covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations. An Eco Tourism Development Project is under implementation here. Thenmala is also a dam site.

Ariankavu (70 km from Kollam town):

Situated on the Kollam - Shenkottai road, Ariankavu is famous for the shrine dedicated to Lord Sastha. Mandala Pooja and Trikalyanam celebrated in the month of December are the main festivals here.

Palaruvi Waterfalls(75 km from Kollam town):

Palaruvi which means "milky stream" makes its `milky way'down the rocks, falling from a height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. There are frequent buses to Ariankavu from Kollam. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel offer comfortable accommodation.

 

 

Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km north of Kollam town):

This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu :

The residence and the headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, one of India's female gurus, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The ashram is accessible both by road and boat.

Picnic Village:

This village is located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. The 200 year old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, the Tourist Boat Club, the Children's Traffic Park and the Yatrinivas are situated in this vast tourist complex.

Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple (11 km from Chadayamangalam):

This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam MC Road is an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture.

Jatayupara:

A huge rock at Chadayamangalam 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.

Beaches in Kollam

The Thanagasseri Beach:

( 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 is open to visitors from 1530 - 1730 hrs.

 

The Tirumullavaram Beach:

(6 km from Kollam town): This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.

Allappuzha Beach

This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is about 140 years old.

How to Reach Kollam

Air The nearest airport from Kollam is Thiruvananthapuram, which is 72km away from Kollam/Quilon.

Rail Kollam is connected by rail with several important cities of Kerala and India.

Road Kollam/Quilon is well connected by road with many tourist centers in Kerala as well as India.

Local Transport For local transport, many options are available in Kollam. One can use private and KSRTC buses, yellow-top and tourist taxis, and auto rickshaws.