Sightseeing Highlights:
Thangasseri is an important historical place, just 5 Km from the town. Its major attraction is a 144 ft lighthouse built by the British in 1902. There are the old ruins of Portuguese and Dutch forts close by. Thevalli Palace on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake is another attraction and has interesting architecture.
Mayyand, 10 Km from Kollam, is noted for its shrines and temples such as Lord Subramanya and Shri Shankaracharya Temple. The scenic Thirumullavaram Beach is a popular spot among tourists. The Maha Vishnu Temple on the beach is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Pullichira Church was built in 1700 A.D and Chinnakkada Palli is one of the oldest and most important mosques in Kollam.
Activities:
By far the most important activity in Kollam is the backwater cruises and houseboat trips. The eight hour boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest and the most enthralling backwater experience in Kerala. Other cruises include the Kayal Pradakshina Cruise, Sayanthanam Sunset Cruise and the boat trip to Munroe Islands. Thirumullavaram Beach is ideal for swimming and sub-bathing. Visits to cashew gardens are a must in Kollam. Chinnakada has a number of shops from where you can buy handicraft items, spices and cashew products.
Excursions:
Thenmala, is a forested hill side 66 Km from Kollam. The main attraction here is the dam where you can do boating in the reservoir. There is also a small deer park and adventure zone offering rock climbing, river crossing, etc. The 5000-year old Thenmala Rocks are yet another attraction. The Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary near-by is home to the bonnet monkey, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, squirrels, Indian bison, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, elephants and wild boar.
Sasthamcotta, a small town located 19 Km from Kollam is known for being the largest fresh water lake in Kerala and is a good picnic spot. Kottarakkara Thamburan Kathakali Museum, 25 Km from Kollam is a must visit. The museum is dedicated to Kottarakkara Thamburan, the Father of Kathakali and is home to a vast collection of ornaments worn for the dance, sculptures and rare musical instruments.
Tourism Info:
DTPC Tourist Information Centre
KSRTC Bus Stand, Kollam
Tel: 0474- 745625
DTPC Tourist Office
Guest House Complex
Asramam
Tel: 0474 - 742558
Situated at the edge of the Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam or Quilon, has been an important spot on the ancient international trade route. Getting its name from the Sanskrit word kollam meaning pepper, this historic port town is the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. It is 71 Km north of Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital.
Kollam
is an interesting blend of rich heritage, diverse cultures and natural
beauty. The earliest foreign settlement dates back to 14th century when Chinese traders set up their base in Kollam; then came the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch and the British. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast, it is still an important centre of the marine industry and cashew trading. |
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