Fast Facts
District : Kollam
Old Name : Quilon
Distance : 63 kms, north of Trivandrum
Attractions : Quilon, Thirumullavaram Beach, Ashtamudi
Lake, Anchal town
Best Time to Visit : August to April
Location
Kollam
is a small and beautiful town situated on the Ashtamudi Lake, some 71 kms
from Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. The town lies in the lower
quarters, that is towards the south of the state. Kollam shares its eastern
borders with the state of Tamil Nadu, the northern side is bounded by
Pathanamthitta, southern by Trivandrum and towards the west lies the
stretched out Lakshwadeep Sea. The place is connected with the rest of the
state with continuous railway lines and roads. The town can be seen as
sandwiched between Ashtamudi Lake and the Lakeshwadeep Sea.
Introducing Kollam
Kollam is considered as one of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast and
has long been drawing the attraction of international countries. The town
served as leading spice market in the medieval and modern India. The name of
the place that is Kollam, is believed to have been derived from Sanskrit
word 'Kollam' meaning pepper. The present town area is believed as having
been built by a Syrian merchant, Sapir Iso, in the 9th century A.D.
The first foreign community to settle in Kollam were Chinese. Trade
relations were established as early as 14th century. The first among the
Europeans to land in this prosperous town were Portuguese, followed by Dutch
and then British. Kollam in the bygone days was famous for its palaces and
the place was sometimes called as the 'City of Palaces'. The region also as
a reputation for cashew plantations.
Tourist Attractions in Kollam
Ashtamudi Lake: The serene Ashtamudi Lake is a great place
to hanker for in the Kollam district. The house boat trips here are great
pleasures and so is the boat cruise. The boat cruise to Munroe Islands is a
wonderful experience. The popular cruises one can avail at the place are
Kayal Pradkashina Cruise and Sayanthanam Sunset Cruise.
Quilon: The Dutch Quilon as
it was called used to be a British Enclave. The place is also popular as
Thangasseri. The lighthouse built at Quilon by the British in the year 1902
is visible as far as 13 miles in the sea. The lighthouse stands to an
amazing height of 144 feet. The picturesque view of the sea from the place
where lighthouse stands is breathtaking. In the vicinity lies the Portuguese
Fort. The fort was built in the year 1517 and at present only a wall of the
fort has escaped the assaults made by the time.
Thirumullavaram
Beach: The beach is located about 6 kms from Kollam. The place features
a number of legends. Located on the beach is Maha Vishnu Temple, dedicated
to Lord Vishnu. The temple houses two images of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva
facing the east and the west directions. The legend has it that the original
temple lies beneath the sea, about a kilometre away.
Thevally Palace: Thevally palace is popular for the
legendary love of a British resident with a lady from the palace. The place
is currently occupied by the army and Public Works Department.
Jetayu Para: Jetayu Para is a huge rock the reference of
which has been mentioned in the epic Ramayana. The rock is believed to be
the spot where the large bird 'Jetayu' fell after failing to spot Ravana
while he was taking Sita away.
Anchal: Anchal is a small town known for its cattle
market. The cattle market is held twice in a month and is a large crowd
puller. The Mudi festival, celebrated after every 12 years also witnesses a
great rush of the people.
Chavara: Chavara is one important industrialized zones in
the state of Kerala. There are large mineral deposits located in the Chavara
region. The place supports four major industrial establishments which
includes Indian Rare Earths, The Kerala Premo Pipe factory, Kerala Mineral
and Metal factory and Titanium Complex.
Sasthamcotta: The small town of Sasthamcotta, located
about 19 kms from Kollam, is a very beautiful place and an acknowledged
picnic spot. The fresh water lake at Sasthamcotta is one of the largest in
Kerala.
Mayyanad: Mayyanad lies to the south of the Kollam, the
distance being some 10 kms from the city. The place features several
important worshipping places in and around the city. The shrines and temples
located here are prime attractions. Temples dedicated to Lord Subramoniya
and Shri Shankaracharya are very famous. Apart from temples there are also
some popular mosques and churches present in the town.
Accommodation
A range of rooms are available at various hotels and resorts at Kollam.
Ashtamudi Resort offers luxury rooms, the best in Kollam. The said providers
also provide house boat rooms. Some other deluxe resorts and hotels include
Aqua serene and Palm Lagoon. Low budget accommodation providers at Kollam
include Ram Kamal Residency, Yatri Niwas, Hotel Sudarsan.
Accessibility
Kollam has well established rail and road links with the neighboring cities
and the rest of the Kerala. There is a major railway junction and an
established bus stand that sees to the tourists coming from other cities of
Kerala and beyond Kerala. The nearest airport is grounded at Trivandrum, the
capital city of Kerala. The distance from airport to Kollam is about 71 kms.
