Kerala - Tourism - Kollam (Quillon) @ whatisindia.com

KOLLAM
Kollam, also known as Quilon, is located 72 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. Once of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast, Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. Kollam came into prominence in the 9th century AD. As cited by some historians, the Malayalam era - called the Kollam era - was established by Marthanda Varma, the ruler of Kollam in 825 AD. This beautiful land 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. The eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is a most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The climate is of tropical humid type with an oppressive summer and plenty of seasonal rainfall. Best time to visit this place is October to March.

How to get there
Air: The nearest Airport Thiruvananthapuram (71 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Bangalore, Cochin, Delhi, Madras, Male & Colombo. East West Airlines also connects Thiruvananthapuram with Mumbai (Bombay).
Rail: Quilon Junction is connected to major cities in India.
Road: Quilon is connected by road with Chavara (16 kms), Thiruvananthapuram (71 kms), Varkala (37 km), Alleppey (85 km), Kottayam (110 km), Thekkady (198 km), Ernakulam (152 km), Kundara (13 km), Trichur (229 km), Palghat (308 km), Calicut (374 km), Cannanore (461 km), Kasaragod (575 km) etc.

Thangasseri
It is situated 5 km from Kollam town. This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches which was built in the 18th century. The chief attraction of the place is the light house, built in 1902. The 144 ft. light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery. Visitors are permitted to visit the lighthouse between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Mayyanad
It is about 10 km south of Kollam town. Mayyanad is famous for its shrines and temples. Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor is the most important among the nine temples of this area. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya.

Thenmala
This area which is 66 km east of Kollam is covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations. An Eco Tourism Development Project is under implementation here. Thenmala is also a damsite.

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu
It is the residence and head quarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi one of India's great Gurus, and is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. Vallikavu is a pilgrim centre near Kayamkulam. Special boats are available for hire from DTPC boat jetty in Ashramam near the Government Guest House. There are frequent buses from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram to Kayamkulam from where there are local buses to Vallikavu.

Picnic Village
This village located at Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashramam, along the backwater front. It is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.

Chavara
Chavara is situated 14 kms, north of Kollam on the Kollam-Alappuzha road. Thousands of tonnes of mineral sand are exported from Chavara to various countries. The Koilthottam port is situated within the limits of Chavara panchayat. Four major industrial establishments - Indian Rare Earths, The Kerala Premopipe factory, Kerala Minerals and Metals and the Titanium complex - are at Chavara. The Thalappoli Mahotsavom- offerings of lighted lamps in decorated small pans - in the Kottamkulangara temple here is very famous. It falls in March - April. The interesting features of the festival is that men dress themselves as women and carry lamps. This is a time-honored custom.

Paravur
Paravur is an important fishing and coir production centre. It is situated 13 kms. South of Kollam and is connected with Kollam town by road and rail.

Punalur
Punalur is one of the important industrial centres of Kerala. It is about 45 kms. from Kollam. The Punalur Paper Mill is one of the main factories. The suspension bridge which is 400 ft. long across the Kallada river is the only one of its kind in south India. A concrete bridge has been constructed nearby and now the suspension bridge is only of archaeological interest.

Lakes and Waterfalls
Sasthamkotta
It is 29 km from Kollam town and is the largest fresh water lake of Kerala which is surrounded by hills on three sides. It is a beauty spot, a health resort and a centre of pilgrimage. The ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. Accommodation is available at the PWD Rest House in the town. There are frequent buses from Quilon. The journey takes one hour.

Palaruvi waterfalls
Palaruvi which means stream of milk, is one of the well-known waterfalls in south India, falling from a height of 300 feet. It is situated 75 km from Kollam town on Kollam-Shancottah road. The scenic beauty, with the hills, valleys and cascades, covered with dense tropical forests, is breath taking. Season to visit the place is June-January. The palaruvi wood is a beautiful picnic spot.

Courtralam falls
Though the famous waterfall at Courtralam is situated in Tamilnadu state, it shares the boundary of Kollam also. Season to visit the place is from June to January. A guest house and a number of medium range hotels are available.

Thirullavaram Beach
This Beach is 6 km N of Quilion Town. This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre. It is ideal for swimming or bathing in the sun. It is connected to Quilon town by bus.

Ashtamudi Lake
This lake has coconut palms on its banks which give a picturesque view. The Chinese fishing nets and the large-sailed dugouts carrying the local coir, copra and cashew are also be seen in the lake.

References:
http://india-tourism.com/

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