Kollam,Kerala
Quilon (also Kollam) is situated in the southwest corner of India in the state of Kerala. The district is encircled by Alappuzha in the north, Pathanamthitta in the northeast, Thiruvananthapuram in the south, Tirunelveli (Tamilnadu) in the east, and the Arabian Sea in the west.
Kollam pronounced as koy-lon) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city is situated about 71 kilometres (44 mi) north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. It is the headquarters of the Kollam district. Kollam is the fourth largest city in Kerala and is known for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. The city lies on the shores of Ashtamudi Lake. It is the southern gateway to the Kerala Backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination.
The Malayalam calendar, or Kollavarsham, was created in Kollam at meetings held in the city in 825 CE. The name Kollam is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word Kollam, meaning pepper.The Malayalam calendar, or Kollavarsham, was created in Kollam at meetings held in the city in 825 CE. The name Kollam is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word Kollam, meaning pepper.
Kollam was formerly called Quilon and Tarsish. During the rule of the Travancore monarchy in southern Kerala, Kollam was the focal point of trade. Today, Kollam is a major business and commercial centre in the central Travancore region of Kerala.
District Map
Tourist Attraction in and around Kollam
1.Thangassery beach & Light House
Thangassery Beach, located 5 km from Kollam in a seaside village of historical importance, is one of the major attractions to visit. Near the beach are the leftovers of the Old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. However, the 144 m high Thangassery lighthouse, built in 1902, remains the centre of attraction and is open to visitors every day. Water sports, like scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, and catamaran riding are also present to delight adventure lovers.
2. Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi, derived from 'Ashta' meaning 'Eight' and 'Mudi' meaning 'Branch', is a lake known for merging of eight backwaters. In the 14th century AD, the Ashtamudi Lake was considered one of the five important ports used for Chinese trade. Today, it is known as the stairway to heavenly backwaters of Kerala and is a hub of houseboat cruises. The scenic beauty, coupled with sightings of animals, birds, and butterflies attracts thousands of visitors year around.
3. Police Museum
3. Police Museum
Sardar Vallabhai Patel Museum situated in Kollam district is a one-of-a-kind in India. The museum displays the developments of the police force in our country. Arms and ammunitions used in the 18th and 19th centuries - various guns, bullets, machines, and other weapons are to be spotted here. Apart from this, the museum houses various details and charts about the fingerprints, DNA tests, snaps, and medals awarded to policemen.
4. Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum
4. Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum
Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum, located in the Kollam district, was established in the memory of the father of Kathakali, Kottarakkara Thampuran. Dedicated to the popular art form Kathakali, various models of it, like costumes, ornaments, musical equipments, sculptures, and many other things are kept here on display.
5. Sasthamkotta Lake
5. Sasthamkotta Lake
Sasthamkotta Lake, situated 19 km from Kollam in the beautiful village of Sasthamkotta, is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala and serves the drinking water needs of about half a million people of the Kollam district. Surrounded by hills on all sides, Kollam is home to the popular Sasthamkotta Dharmasastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, which serves as an important pilgrim centre drawing many devotees on a daily basis.
6. Neendakara
6. Neendakara
About 8 km north of Kollam, Neendakara is the headquarters of Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community Project, established in 1953. The boat building yards at Sakthikulangara, the fishermen's training institute, the ice factory, and the refrigeration plant are the important institutions that come under this project. Also, located here is the hub of fishing activities, the Neendakara port.
7. Punalur
7. Punalur
Situated 45 km north of Kollam, Punalur is the second largest town of the district and is one of the important industrial towns in Kerala. The 400-feet long concrete suspension bridge, built in 1877 by Albert Henry across the Kallada River, is the only one of its kind in the entire South India.
8. Alumkadavu Backwaters
8. Alumkadavu Backwaters
Located about just 23 km from Kollam along the lakeside of Kollam-Alappuzha National Waterway is an ideal place to take a quiet and relaxing houseboat cruise with blue green stretches of backwaters and breezy green expanse of coconut and palm groves. And with hundreds of artisans seen working together to build a traditional houseboat, it is one of the definite places to pay a visit!
9. Mayyanad Village
9. Mayyanad Village
Mayyanad is a beautiful village, situated 10 km south of Kollam District along the banks of Paravur Lake and along the coastal line of Arabian Sea. The village is an important fishing as well as pilgrim centre with several temples and shrines like Umayanallor, dedicated to Lord Subramanian, Valiyavila Temple, three churches, and a mosque. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Shankaracharya of Kaladi.
10. Thenmala
Boating, trekking, mountaineering, cycling, butterfly safari, gardens, musical dancing fountain, and sculpture garden - all packed in one fabulous destination, Thenmala. Thenmala is the first planned eco-tourism destination of India and attracts locals and foreign tourists alike. However, a tree house stay in the deer rehabilitation centre that's nearby is the focal point of places to be at.
11. Kollam Backwaters
Kollam is famous for its beautiful backwaters and a boat ride through the meandering lagoons and rivers is sure to be a mind-blowing experience.
12. Adventure Park
This delightful amusement park is located near the Kollam bus stand and never fails to amuse kids and adults alike.
13. Ariankavu Pilgrimage
This popular pilgrim center is located at some distance from Kollam, yet is worth the visit. The temple holds its annual festival in December and is a grand spectacle to watch out for.
14. Mahatma Gandhi Beach
This beautiful beach is located just 2 kilometers from Kollam and is a fascinating place for taking long walks along the seashore. The sea is calm over here, which makes it ideal for bathing, and swimming.
15. Palaruvi Waterfalls
The Palaruvi waterfalls are a series of beautiful rapids, cascading through steep heights and falling down below to make a shallow pool. The water over here is almost white in color giving an impression that it is milk instead of water.
Kollam is famous for its beautiful backwaters and a boat ride through the meandering lagoons and rivers is sure to be a mind-blowing experience.
12. Adventure Park
This delightful amusement park is located near the Kollam bus stand and never fails to amuse kids and adults alike.
13. Ariankavu Pilgrimage
This popular pilgrim center is located at some distance from Kollam, yet is worth the visit. The temple holds its annual festival in December and is a grand spectacle to watch out for.
14. Mahatma Gandhi Beach
This beautiful beach is located just 2 kilometers from Kollam and is a fascinating place for taking long walks along the seashore. The sea is calm over here, which makes it ideal for bathing, and swimming.
15. Palaruvi Waterfalls
The Palaruvi waterfalls are a series of beautiful rapids, cascading through steep heights and falling down below to make a shallow pool. The water over here is almost white in color giving an impression that it is milk instead of water.
16. Picnic Village
The Picnic Village is located at Ashramam, along the backwater front and is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. The tourist complex has a 200 year old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children’s Traffic Park and a Yatri Niwas.