KOLLAM

Kollam is the center of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. A veritable Kerala miniature, Kollam is gifted with Kerala’s very representative features - sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forests, vast green fields and tropical crops of every variety both food crop and cash crop. 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.

Places of Attraction

Thirumallavaram Beach (6km north of Kollam town): This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic center and has frequent bus connections to the town.

Thenmala (66km east of Kollam): The area is covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations. India’s first planned eco-tourism project is situated here and is now open for visitors. Thenmala is also a dam site.

Palaruvi Waterfalls (65km from Kollam town): Palaruvi which means ‘stream of milk’ makes its way down the rocks, from a height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot.

Thangasseri (5km from Kollam town): This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an Old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The Thangasseri lighthouse, which is 144 feet high, is open to visitors from 15.10-17.30 hours.

Adventure Park: Next to the government Guest House at Asramam, 3km away from the central bus stand, is an adventure park, which delights children. The Quilon District Tourist Promotion Council organizes backwater cruises from there and during the season conducts cruises to Alleppey.

Backwaters: A particularly picturesque town standing on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam’s contemporary fame among today’s travelers is as the inviting gateway to Kerala’s exceedingly beautiful backwaters. The famous ‘Cheena Vala’ of Chinese Fishing Nets can also be seen along with backwaters.

Sasthamkotta (29km from Kollam town): This vast fresh water lake surrounded 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 center.

Ochira (34 km from north of Kollam town): The unique feature of this famous pilgrim center is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to the Universal Consciousness.