About KOLLAM
One of the leading trade capitals of the Old World, Kollam is the centre of the country�s cashew trading and processing industry. Extolled by Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta in glowing terms, this was once a famous port of international spice trade. Thirty percent 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 momentous decision to introduce a new Malayalam era was convened at Kollam and hence the Malayam calendar came to be known as kollavarsham.
Telephone Access Code: +91 474
Altitude: Sea level
Area: 2,579 sq. km
Population: 1,204,078 (2011 census)
major tourism attractions
Ashtamudi Backwaters
So called because of its 8 arms or channels, Ashtamudi Lake is the gateway to the backwaters. This 16 km long lake is the second largest in Kerala, finding its way into the sea through the Neendakara estuary. The Kollam Boat Club provides boat rides as well as houseboat cruises.
Thenmala Ecotourism
India's first planned ecotourism destination, Thenmala, or the hills that flow with honey, is the nerve - centre of a chain of ten satellite ecotourism destinations. A natural habl of diverse flora and fauna, this unique place harbours a fragile ecosystem.
Palaruvi Waterfalls
Palaruvi. which means stream of milk, makes its way down the rocks from a height of 300 ft. A sought after picnic spot, the scenic beauty of this place is enhanced by hills, valleys and waterfalls. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC offers comfortable accommodation.
Jatayupara
Celebrated for its mythical links to the Hindu Epic Ramayana, The 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.
Kollam Beach
An array of beach and activities attract thousands of tourists through out the year to this perfect beach setting offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Kulathupuzha
Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai Road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha Temple. The Vishu Mahatsavam is the most important festival.
Alumkadav
This is where the first houseboats in India were built. Here you can spend an entire day watching the crafting of kettuvallams at the houseboat building yard.
Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple
Situated on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam MC Road, this temple is a fine example of rock cut temple architecture.
Vallikavu-Amritapuri Asramam
The residence and headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu, where she was born.
Munroe Island
Formed by the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake, and Kallada River, this island is named after Colonel Munroe, the British Resident of Travancore State.
Picnic Village
Located in the sprawling 200-year-old Guest House campus where Lord Munroe once stayed, this tourist Village at Ashramam,
Police Museum
The only such establishment in the country, it traces the history and development of the police force.The star attraction of the museum is the Martyr's Gallery.
Thankasseri
Thangasseri or 'Dutch Quilon' as it was called, was ~once a British enclave. Meaning 'gold village' in local parlance, this was the hub of a flourishing trade that used gold as currency.
Thirumullavaram
A secluded beach away from the hustle-bustle of the city, Thirumullavaram Beach is the ideal picnic destination. Legends say that the Thirumullavaram Maha Vishnu Temple located here was built by Parasurama.
Neendakara
Under the Indo Norwegian project is a harbour located 7km away from Kollam- the Neendakara Fishing Harbour. One of the largest fishing harbours in the state,
Pozhikkara
Pozhikkara, yet another popular picnic destination in Kollam, attract hordes of tourists every year. It is a must visit destination and an ideal locale for spending the evenings.close to Varkala Beach.