KOLLAM (QUILON)

KOLLAM (QUILON)

Steeped in history, KOLLAM, the headquarters of the district, is an ancient centre of trade and commerce. It is a major centre of marine products and cashew industry in the state. The port of Neendakara on the Arabian cost is the centre for trawlers and ice plants. Kollam is located 70 km north of Thiruvananthapuram on NH 47 and easily accessible by road or rail.

PALCES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND KOLLAM

THANGASSERY:

Thangassery in the town is a place of historical importance. The ruins of the DUTCH / PORTUGUESE FORT and some18th century Churches are sights worth to see here. The three km long Thangassery beach has a lighthouse.

ADVENTURE PARK

The Adventure Park, next to the Government GuestHouse in the town, is a delightful spot for children. The District Tourism Promotion Council conducts backwater cruises from here.

THIRUMULLAVARAM BEACH

The beach, 6 km north of the town,is a calm and eautiful beach ideal for swimming or bathing in the sun.

SASTHAMKOTTAH LAKE

On the bank of the river Kallada, Sasthamkottah is about 30 km from Kollam. The lake here is the largest fresh Water Lake in the state.

PALARUVI WATERFALLS

It is nearby Aryankavu on the way from Punalur to Chenkottah and close to the Kerala –Tamilnadu border. It is a very fascinating waterfall at a height of 300 feet. The waterfalls are called Palaruvi because the falls, which falls steeply down into a pool, just looks like flowing milk. This pristine spot is refreshing and ideal for swimming and bathing.

BACKWATER CRUISE

Kerala is quite unique with its vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. These backwaters are both the basis of a distinct life style and a fascinating thoroughfare. Travelling by boat along the backwaters is one of the highlights of a visit to the state. Kollam is the gateway to Kerala’s beautiful backwaters. The eight-hour backwater cruise between kollam and Alappuzha, which passes through palm-fringed lakes studded with the popular Chinese Fishing Nets, canals and water-bound villages, offers an unforgettable sight. There are tourist cruises organised for the tourists.

OTHER PLACES OF ATTRACTION

The shrine of ‘Our Lady of Velamkanni’ in Kollam town, The Parabrahma Temple at Ochira, the Matha Amrithanandamai Ashram near Karunagappaly etc.