Kollam, located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, is the center of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast, Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. It is interesting to note that about thirty per cent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most captivating experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural styleThe Kollam district is fairly important for Kerala’s trade and commerce and is the center of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry.It is also an important nucleus for the State’s marine products industry, with the port of Neendakara being the center for trawlers and ice plants. Paced with industrial activity, Kollam is a place where nature can be seen at its best. People from places as far as Persia, Arab, Rome and China traded here in earlier times. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to set up a trading center followed by the Dutch and British. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. The district which is the center of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.The place is historically significant and has many ruins of palaces and forts that are worth visiting. The scenic beaches of Kollam are a treat to those tired eyes and mind. But what truly makes this destination a paradise is the 900-kilometer stretch of the meandering backwaters of the Ashtamudi Lake. The place is known for its cashew industry and is an important center of trade. Though industrialized, the place hasn’t lost its natural beauty and is a visual treat for anyone seeking a peaceful vacation. So come to Kollam and see for yourself the best of God’s own country.Kollam is considered as one of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast and has long been drawing the attraction of international countries. The town served as leading spice market in the medieval and modern India. The name of the place that is Kollam, is believed to have been derived from Sanskrit word ‘Kollam’ meaning pepper. The present town area is believed as having been built by a Syrian merchant, Sapir Iso, in the 9th century A.D.The first foreign community to settle in Kollam were Chinese. Trade relations were established as early as 14th century. The first among the Europeans to land in this prosperous town were Portuguese, followed by Dutch and then British. Kollam in the bygone days was famous for its palaces and the place was sometimes called as the ‘City of Palaces’. The region also as a reputation for cashew plantations.
Location info:
Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram
Climate/Weather:
History of Kollam City:
Educational Institutions Kollam City:
Fatima Matha National College Kollam, Kollam, KeralaSree Narayana College Kollam, Kollam, KeralaYounis College Of Engineering Kollam, Kollam, KeralaSNTRUSTS CENTRAL SCHOOL Kollam, Kollam, Kerala – 0474 2744106TKM College of Engineering TKM College P.O., Kollam, Kollam, KeralaSt.Aloysius HS School Kollam, Kollam, KeralaGovernment Girls High School Kollam, Kollam, KeralaGovernment Boys High School High School Junction, Kollam, Kollam, KeralaSt.Joseph’s Convent Kollam, Kollam, KeralaGovt. Higher Secondary School Koickal Kollam, Kollam, Kerala – 0474 2731609Vimala Hridaya HSS Kollam, Kollam, KeralaSt John’s High School Eravipuram, Kollam, Kollam, KeralaCraven LMS High School Kollam, Kollam, KeralaKristraj Higher Seconday School Kollam, Kollam, KeralaGhss valathungal Kollam, Kollam, KeralaSNPublic School Kollam, Kollam, KeralaThe Oxford School Kollam, Kollam, Kerala – 0474 2534113Infant Jesus Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School Kollam, Kollam, KeralaAmrita Vidyalayam Kollam, Kollam, Kerala – 0474 2710161Trinity Lyceum Kollam, Kollam, Kerala
Langauge
The local language spoken here is Malayalam the mother tongue of the people of Kerala known as keralites or Malayalees
Culture:
How to reach Kollam City?
Nearest Railway Station:Kollam is an important railhead of the Southern Railways. (Railway enquiry Ph: 131)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram (71 km)
Road Transport: An excellent road network links Kollam to all major towns and cities in Kerala.
Tourist Attraction of Kollam City
Thirumullavaram Beach This secluded beach is beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.Ochira The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Para Brahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day ‘Panthrandu Vilakku’ in November/December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors an the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.Mayyanad Is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. This shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu Philosopher Sree Sankaracharaya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to mayyanad.Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary Formed around the Kallada Irrigation Project, the Shenduruny valley is one of the richest floral areas of Kerala. Elephant, tiger, leopard, bear and the lion-tailed macaque can be found here. Closeby is Tenmalai, the headquarters of this forest division. A large number of tea and rubber estates can be found here.Palaruvi Waterfalls Palaruvi which means “milky stream” makes its “milky way” down the rocks, falling from a height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. There are frequent buses to Ariankavu from Kollam. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel offer comfortable accommodation.Thenmala The area is covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations. An Eco Tourism Development Project is under implementation here. Thenmala is also a dam site.Thangasseriss 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 15:30 – 17:30 hrs. There are buses at 15 minutes intervals from Kollam town.Jatayupara A huge rock at Chadayamangalam 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.Kolattupuzha This picturesque evergreen valley is an important forest range famous for its elephants. There is also an ancient Sastha Temple on the right bank of the Kolattupuzha river.Sasthamkotta 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 centre. There are frequent bus services from Kollam. Accommodation is available at the PWD Rest House.Kulathupuzha Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram-Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10 Km from here.Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu The residence and headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The Ashram is accessible both by road and boat.Thirumullavaram Beach 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 day’s catch. The beach is also has good bathing facilities.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Kollam City:
The Beach Orchid kollamHotel Sudarsan Parameswar Nagar,KollamYatri Nivas Ashramom,KollamCambay Palm Lagoon Ashramom,KollamAadithya resorts Lake side Ashtamudi,KollamAquaserene South Paravoor P.O. KollamAshtamudi Backwater Retreat,Club Mahindra KollamFragrant Nature Resort Nedungolam, Paravur,KollamAquaserene Hotel Shaju Jose (Gm) No.V/88, Kurumandal, South Paravoor, – 691001Beach Orchid Hotel No.326, Beach Kollam, Beach Road Kollam, – 691001Karthika Hotel Nr Kollam Beach, Chinakkada Town, – 691001Ktdc Yatri Nivas Hotel Guest House Compound, Asramam Road Kollam, – 691001Nani Hotels, Opp To Clock Tower, Chinnakada Kollam, – 691501Nila Palace Hotel Cheerankavu, Ezhukone Kollam, – 691505Railview Hotel Cantonment Kollam, – 691001Sea Bee Hotel, Nr Ksrtc Bus Stn, Jetty Road Kollam, – 691001
