KOLLAM
ABOUT KOLLAM:
- One of the oldest sea ports on the Malabar Coast was a flourishing centre of trade of commerce.
- It had trade links with the Arab China, Greek, Roman and later on with Portuguese Ditch and British.
- Early travellers mentioned it as the largest port in the world and its market as one of the finest in India.
- Historic town is still an important centre for cashew trading and processing industry.
- Over thirty per cent of Kollam is covered by Ashtamudi Lake, making it the southern gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.
MODE OF COMMUNICATION:
- Airport: Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), 71 kms away from Kollam town.
- Rail: Kollam Railway Station, Kollam, 39 kms away from Kollam town.
- Road: Well connected by road.
- Ferry Service: Ferry station lies near central bus stand.
SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:
|
FORT & MONUMENTS |
Thangasseri |
|
HOLY CENTRE |
Thangasseri |
|
BEACHS |
Kochupilamodu Beach Thirumullavaram Beach |
|
BACKWATERS |
Kollam Backwaters |
|
LAKES |
Ashtamudi Lake |
|
OTHERS |
Picnic Village |
|
FAIRS & FESTIVALS |
Crafts Festival |
For more information visit https://kollam.nic.in/en/about-district/
ATTRACTIONS OF KOLLAM
Ashtamudi Lake:
- Scenic lake amidst red cliffs and swaying palms stretches northwards from Kollam town.
- Huge lake is named ‘Ashtamudi’ as it braches off into 8 creeks.
- Eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala.
- It also provides extensive facilities for retting coconut husks which makes the district a hub of coir industry.
- Chinese fishing nets add to the spectacular scenic beauty of the lake.
Kochupilamodu Beach:
- Model Park at the beach is worth a visit.
Crafts Festival:
- Annual festival in December/ January features the works of master craftsmen from all over the country.
Thangasseri:
- Known for the churches and bungalows built during the colonial era.
- 44 metre high light house is the special attraction of the town.
Thirumullavaram Beach:
- It is yet another attraction of Kollam.
Picnic Village:
- Centre of recreational activities is located at Ashramam, along the backwater front.
- The tourist complex has a 200 year old Govt. Guest House, Adventure Park, Tourist Boat Club, Chilrden’s Traffic Park and Yatri Nivas.
Kollam Backwaters:
- Beautiful backwaters are the very essence of Kerala.
- A cruise on the lovely backwaters is a must for every visitor coming to this part of the world.
- Water crafts travelling at a leisurely pace along narrow shady canals and palm fringed lakes provides a close-up view of rural Kerala.
- Most popular backwater tour is from Kollam, situated between Ashtamudi Lake and the Arabian Sea to Alappuzha on the edge of Vembanad Lake.
- Traditional kettuvallams or ‘boat with knots’ earlier used for transport and cargos have been converted into exotic houseboats for leisure trips.
- Houseboats have all the comforts of a good hotel and are becoming very popular among tourists.
