Kollam District in Kerala | HolidayLandmark

About Kollam District

Kollam district, earlier known as Quilon district, is one among the 14 districts of Kerala state, India. The district is representative of all the natural attributes of Kerala and is endowed with a long coastal region, a major sea port on the Arabian Sea inland in Astamudi lake and was called Tarsish.Plains, mountains, lakes, lagoons and Kerala Backwaters, forests, farm land and rivers. The area had mercantile relationship with Phoenicians and the RomansAbout thirty percent of this district is covered by the Ashtamudi Lake, thereby making it a gateway to the Kerala Backwaters.Thevalakara and Thekkumbagam panchyaths together had made the very ancient korekini(sea pointed inland) kollam port of Tarsish even in 1500 BC.

The 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 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.

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.

Educational Institutions of Kollam District

Kristraj Higher Seconday School
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

Fatima Matha National College
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

SNTRUSTS CENTRAL SCHOOL
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala - 0474 2744106

TKM College of Engineering
TKM College P.O., Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

Government Boys High School
High School Junction, Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

St.Joseph’s Convent
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

Sree Narayana College
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

Younis College Of Engineering
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

Govt. Higher Secondary School Koickal
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala - 0474 2731609

Vimala Hridaya HSS
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

St John’s High School
Eravipuram, Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

St.Aloysius HS School
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

Government Girls High School
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

Craven LMS High School
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

Infant Jesus Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

Amrita Vidyalayam
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala - 0474 2710161

SNPublic School
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

The Oxford School
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala - 0474 2534113

Trinity Lyceum
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala

Tourist Attraction of Kollam District

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 District

Cambay Palm Lagoon
Ashramom,Kollam

The Beach Orchid
kollam

Hotel Sudarsan
Parameswar Nagar,Kollam

Yatri Nivas
Ashramom,Kollam

Aadithya resorts Lake side
Ashtamudi,Kollam

Railview Hotel
Cantonment Kollam, - 691001

Sea Bee Hotel,
Nr Ksrtc Bus Stn,
Jetty Road Kollam, - 691001

Aquaserene
South Paravoor P.O. Kollam

Ashtamudi Backwater Retreat,Club Mahindra
Kollam

Beach Orchid Hotel
No.326, Beach Kollam,
Beach Road Kollam, - 691001

Karthika Hotel
Nr Kollam Beach, Chinakkada Town, - 691001

Ktdc Yatri Nivas Hotel
Guest House Compound,
Asramam Road Kollam, - 691001

Nani Hotels,
Opp To Clock Tower, Chinnakada Kollam, - 691501

Nila Palace Hotel
Cheerankavu, Ezhukone Kollam, - 691505

Fragrant Nature Resort
Nedungolam, Paravur,Kollam

Aquaserene Hotel
Shaju Jose (Gm)
No.V/88, Kurumandal,
South Paravoor, - 691001

Location info

Kollam, located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram

Climate & weather

The district has a tropical humid climate, with an oppressive summer and plentiful seasonal rainfall. The hot season, lasting from March to May, is followed by the south west monsoon from June to September. The north east monsoon occurs from October to November. The rest of the year is generally dry.

How to reach Kollam District

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.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Kerala Police Tourist Helpline: +91-471-2722255.