KOLLAM (QUILON)

Kollam district, earlier known as Quilon district, is one of fourteen districts of Kerala state. Considered as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, the district takes the credit for being the hub of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. It was formerly a renowned trading point for spice. The district is a leading center for fishing in Kerala and is home to the largest fresh water lake in Kerala – Sasthamcotta. A boat cruise starting from the Ashtamudi backwaters in Kollam to backwater networks in the adjoining district of Alappuzha and further is a delightful experience

Kollam Town

Kollam town is situated about 71 Kms. north of Thiruvavanathapuram. he town edges with the famous Ashtamudi lake There are several Churches and Mosques in and around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. One of the oldest and most important Mosques in the Chinnakkada Palli. The Thangal Kunju Musliar College of Engineering, the first of its kind in the private sector in the state, is at Kilikolloor, about 7 Kms. east of Kollam town. Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic Village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing, Mahatma Gandhi beach lies just 2 Kms. from the town. It is fascinating place for an evening. Thirumullawaram Beach is 5 kms. from the town. The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing. Asramam picnic village is located in the 48 acre Guest House Complex. This is the centre of various tourism development activities of the district.

The Government Guest House here is 200 years old. It stands along Ashtamudi lake and is a major attraction for its elegance rates. The adventure park, located in the shores of the Ashtamudi backwaters, is a novel experiment in the country. Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats, are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the Adventure Park. A budget hotel for tourists, Yatri Nivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village. The village is just 2 kms. away from the town.

Palaravi Waterfall

Palaruvi is a slender thread of water hurtling down from a height of about 300 feet. Situated 75 km from Kollam town on Kollam-Shencottai road, this area was once a retreat for the Maharajas of Travancore. Palaruvi, which literally means 'stream of milk' collects in a little pool below, where visitors are allowed to take a dip. The remnants of yesteryear grandeur in the form of 'mandapams' and a stable can still be seen here. To get to the falls, one has to trek through narrow paths that run through the woods. Covered with dense tropical forests, the scenic beauty of the place enhanced by hills, valleys and cascades, is breathtaking. A sought-after picnic spot, the Palaruvi Falls is managed by the local community and is best visited after the summer months. Facilities for trekking to evergreen forests and to sandal trees bearing forests are also available

Thangasseri

Thangassery is a place of historical importance a situated 5kms away from the Kollam town.Thangasseri, the picturesque seaside village has a three kilometre long beach on which stands a 144 feet tall lighthouse - a silent sentinal warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of the Thangasseri, since 1902.Thangasseri was once a favorite settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English in succession, as Kollam was one of the oldest and most important port for international cashew trade on the Malabar coast. Today, it showcases a few ruined forts built by the Portuguese, and the Dutch and some 18th century churches.

Jatayupara

Jetayu Para, a huge rock, is another attraction in Kollam district. This huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C road. The name comes from the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic, fell after failing in its attempt to spot Ravana from taking sita away. The rock is ideal for trekking by the lovers of adventure. The rock can be seen from the Chadayamangalam junction. itself.

Thirumullavaram Beach

Thirumullavaram Beach is almost 6km north of Kollam, Thirumullavaram is a beautiful beach that's well linked by road and with good facilities. This beautiful beach filled with coconut palms is perfect for an early morning walk as one can see fishermen gliding into the sea for the days catch. The beach has good bathing services

Sasthamkotta Lake










Sasthamkotta, situated about 29 km from Kollam town, can be rightly called the 'Queen of Lakes'. This vast fresh water lake flanked by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple, which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. This temple dedicated to both Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa is surrounded by hills and forests

Punalur

Punalur is one of the important industrial centers of kerala. It is 45 kms from Kollam on the Kollam-Shencotta railway line and is also linked with Kollam by road. The Suspension bridge accross the Kallada river erected in 1877,is the only one of its kind in south India and it is 400 ft long. A concrete bridge has been constructed near by and now the suspension bridge is only of archaeological interest.