» Introduction
» Prime Attractions of Kollam
» Tour from Kollam
How To Reach Kollam
By Air
The nearest airport, Thiruvananthapuram, is 72km away from Kollam.
By Rail
Quilon is connected by rail with several important cities.
By Road
Quilon is connected by road with many tourist centres in India.
Local Transport
For local transport, one can use private and KSRTC buses, yellow-top and tourist taxis, and autorickshaws.
Climate
Temprature
Mean Max: 36.0°C
Mean Min: 22.4°C
Rainfall
270 cm. (Annual).
Kollam - The Land of Cashew
An old seaport on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, Quilon, 72 km away from Thiruvananthapuram is also known as the gateway to Kerala. The district is fairly important for the State's trade and commerce and is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry.
It is also an important hub for the State's marine products industry, with the port of Neendakara being the centre for trawlers and ice plants. Throbbing with industrial activity, Quilon is a place where nature can be seen at its best. People from places as far as Persia, Arab, Rome and China traded here. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to set up a trading centre followed by the Dutch and British.
A perfect blend of modernism and antiquity, the developed city of Quilon brings to the fore the memories of a bygone era. Quilon, which is a veritable Kerala in miniature is gifted with Kerala's very representative features - sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forest, vast green fields and tropical crop of every variety both food crop and cash crop.
Prime Attractions of Kollam
Ashtamudi Lake
The Scenic and Calm Ashtamudi Lake is located in the Kollam district of Kerala. One of the biggest Backwaters of Kerala, this lake boasts of a magnificent view. The Ashtamudi Lake, so named because of its eight 'arms' or channels is the gateway to the backwaters, It has a length of 16 Kms.. Ashtamudi is famed for its panoramic for its magnificent views. The Ashtamudi Lake, which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second largest lake and is considered the gateway to the Backwaters.
The backdrop of Chinese fishing nets lends an oriental ambience. The quiet town of Kollam is situated on the edge of this lake .
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The exceedingly beautiful Ashtamudi Lake is fringed with coconut groves and palm trees. Some picturesque promontories extend from the north side. One can hire boats for cruising through the placid lake, from the Kollam Boat Club. |
Backwater Cruising on this lake from Kollam to Alappuzha lulled by the lapping waters and the shade of swaying palm fronds is an enthralling experience. The famous 'Cheena Vala' or Chinese fishing nets dot the waterline along the cruise.
Significance : Gateway To The Backwaters
Main Attraction : Kollam Boat Race
Kottangulangara Chamayavilakku
Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku is a unique festival, which is held at the Kottankulangara temple in Chavara, near Kollam, where hundreds of sturdy men dress up as comely females. This is an offering to the goddess Bhagavathy, the deity of the temple.
Celebration Trends And Rituals
In this unique ritual called 'Chamaya Vilakku' (make-up lamp), the 'Damsels' come to the temple at night in a long procession with lighted lamps in their hands. The ritual occurs during March - April each year.
Oachira Kettukazcha
A major festival, Kettukazcha is held during the months of August/ September- September/ October at the Oachira Temple. Unlike other temples, there is no shrine or idol at the Oachira temple, located nearly 32 kms from Kollam.
The principal deity is a concept called Parabrahmam (Cosmic Consciousness). Large effigies of Lord Siva's vehicle 'Nandi', the bull are taken out in procession.
Timings : August/September Or September/October.
Oachirakkali
The Oachira Temple is located 32 kms from Kollam. The venue of the famous Oachirakkali (Oachira dance) held in June, a sort of ancient choreographed mock battle. Unlike other temples, there is no shrine or idol at the oachira temple.
The principal deity is a concept called Parabrahmam (Cosmic Consciousness). Rows of men dressed up in ancient soldier's constumes wave wooden swords and shields and advance and retreat to the rhythm of traditional drums.
Timings : June. |
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Jatayupara
A huge rock at Chadayamangalam, Jatayupara takes its name from the mythical bird Jatayu in the epic Ramayana, who is believed to have collapsed on the rock after failing in his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita. The Crafts Festival is held annually during December-January, featuring the work of craftsmen from all over the country.
Kottarakkara
Kottarakkara is the headquarters of Kottarakkara Taluk. It is linked with Kollam, both by road and rail, a distance of 27 kms.
Kottarakkara, the place from where the famous Indian classical dance form originated is the headquarters of Kottarakkara Taluk. It was once the capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family.
The internationally famous dance drama Kathakali had its small beginnings in this town and it flourished under the patronage of Raja of Kottarakkara who lived in the first half of the 19th century.
Kottarakkara has a very old temple dedicated to Lord Ganapathy and a church belonging to Mar Thomas. This church is 700 years old.
Picnic Village
Located at Ashramam about 3 kms from Kollam, along the backwater front, picnic village is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House and Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.
Rameshwara Temple
The influence of the pandyas is manifest in its design having inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple give one the impression that the creatures are animated and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.
Tour from Kollam
Kulathupuzha Temple
64 Kms distance form Kollam. Kulathupuzha Temple is situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkotta road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple.
The Vishu Mahotsavam celebrated in April/May is the most important festival. Pilgrims flock to the shrine during the Vishu Mahotsav, celebrated with much pomp.
Mannadi
Mannadi is located 13 kms from Adoor and 45 kms from Kollam. Veluthampi Dalawa, the great patriot, fought against British imperialism and became a martyr on march 29, 1809 at mannadi. The monument of his martyrdom at mannadi in Adoor taluk is of great historical importance.
After leading a brief rebellion against the British, he is said to have ended his life rather than face humiliation at the hands of his opponents. There is a monument erected here as a memorial to his valour.
The ancient Bhagwathy Temple
The ancient Bhagwathy Temple, 13 kms from Adoor here has some exquisite stone sculptures. The annual festival is held here in February or March. The Kerala institute of folklore and folk arts functions from here.
Sasthamkotta Lake
Shasthamcotta Lake is 29 kms awaya from Kollam. Tthe fresh water lake set in picturesque surroundings and surrounded by hillocks on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. An ancient Sastha Temple on its shores, with resident tribes of monkeys, adds sanctity to the waters.
The majestic size of the lake is by itself a spectacular sight. The ancient Sastha Temple, which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre.
Covering an area of approximately 375 hectares, Shasthamcotta Lake does not get frozen in winter and fresh water is available 365 days a year. This large lake is totally devoid of any flora and there is no plant growth in the waters of the lake. A larva called "Cavaborus" abounds in the lake. They eat up the viruses and bacteria in the water thus contributing substantially to the high degree of purity of the water.
Shasthamcotta Lake supplies drinking water to approximately 10 million people including the population of the Municipality of Kollam. This project was undertaken and completed by Indo-Norwegian consortium.
Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary
Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary located 70 kms from Kollam, on the Kollam-Shencotta Road, is a green valley of splendid forests, situated on the banks of the Shendurny River. Steep and rugged peaks surround the sanctuary, which is dotted by several breathtaking ravines. On the northern side of the sanctuary is Palaruvi, a beautiful picnic spot. In the tropical evergreen and mixed deciduous forests here are found a variety of animals. More»».
Thangassery
Located 5 kms from Kollam town is the Thangassery Beach, which is a sea side village of historic importance. The rural settlement has the ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. The 144 feet high Thangaserry Lighthouse is open to visitors from 1530-1730 hours every day.
Thirumullavaram Beach
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Around 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 ideal for an early morning walk as one can see fishermen gliding into the sea for the days catch. The beach has good bathing facilities. |
Karunagappally
Karunagappally is situated 27 kms. north of Kollam. It is linked with Kollam by rail and road. An idol of Buddha, recovered from a local tank here, is now preserved in the Krishnapuram Palace, situated north of Ochira. The town has a temple dedicated to Lord Siva, two old mosques and a Mar Thoma Church.
Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple
Seperated from Chadayamangalam, by a mere 11 km on the M.C.Road between Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam,this temple is an excellent specimen of rock cut architecture.Hundreds of visitors,come,stand and admire.
Mayyanad
Mayyanad is situating 10 Kms away from Kollam. Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The Subramanya Temple at Umayanelloor is perhaps the most noted of the several temples and shrines in Mayyanad. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya of Kaladi. The village also has 3 (or more) churches (at Kakkottumoola, Mukkom and Pulichira) and a few mosques.
Palaruvi waterfalls
Palaruvi is 75 kms away from Kollam. This waterfall falls in the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu. Its access is 35 kilometers east of Punalur on the Quilon - Shenkottah road. It is near Ariankavu mountain pass. 5 kilometers away is the spectacular Palaruvi waterfall at an attitude of 300 ft. with smaller cascades nearby. There you can see ruins of ancient temples. The water is said to be medicated as it flows down from the forest and is said to be a preventive for many diseases.
Thenmala
Thenmala is a sleepy village at the foothills of Western Ghats, about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala State. Thenmala is India’s first planned Ecotourism destination. This is a well -Planned Ecotourism destination with Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at its backdrop. The Eco-friendly General Tourism activities, which are consciously developed as a familiarization zone for prospective ecotourists, have already started near the Thenmala dam. In local parlance "Then" means honey and "Mala" means hillock and hence Thenmala mean Honey Hills. Spread over acres of forestland and situated at 500m above sea level, Thenmala hills are the natural habitat of diverse flora and fauna. It has about 1500 flowering plants, more than 40 mammal species and nearly 200 species of birds.
The nearby Shenduruney, which was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in 1982 is the most important Ecotourism resource. The construction of the Parappar Dam at the confluence of the Shenduruney Kazhuthurutty, and Kulathupuzha rivers resulted in the creation of an artificial lake of about 26 sq. km, which forms the heart of the sanctuary.
Thenmala offers a wide range of activities for the nature enthusiasts, including trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing and bird watching. Construction has been kept to a minimum and permanent structures are restricted to degraded forestland. Only temporary stays and visits are permitted inside the project.
The Thenmala Project envisages three components: eco friendly general tourism, eco tourism and pilgrimage tourism. Eco friendly general tourism is spread over three zones namely culture zone, leisure zone and adventure zone. This is intended to introduce the concept of eco tourism to the general tourists and create awareness among them. The amphitheatre and musical dancing fountain are the main attractions at the culture zone. The restaurant and shop court give the tourists an opportunity to have a first hand experience of Kerala cuisine, handicrafts and natural wealth.
The leisure zone caters to the requirements of those who want to explore the intrinsic qualities of the zone. The boardwalk and the sway bridge provide excellent viewing points. The plazas, the view deck and the courts expose the tourists to a different vocabulary of landscape. |
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The elevated walkway is the main attraction of the adventure zone. This wooden bridge over the treetops and through the canopy allows the visitor to have a feel of the wilderness and a bird's eye view of the forestland. He can explore the flora and fauna of the region from this walk way. This trail has unique resting points in the form of machans constructed over treetops.
Adventure enthusiasts can try mountain biking, rock climbing and river crossing. Professionals from National Adventure Foundation are there to help those who are uninitiated in these activities.
Please find a model itinerary for visiting Thenmala Ecotourism. The model itinerary only gives an example of how effectively one can see that in a day excursion.
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