Kollam City Or Kollam Kerala
Kollam, one of the oldest sea ports on the Malabar Coast was a flourishing centre of trade and commerce and had trade links with the Arab, China, Greek, Roman and later on with Portuguese, Dutch and British. Early travellers mentioned it as the largest port in the world and its market as one of the finest in India. The historic town is still an important centre for cashew trading and processing industry. Over thirty per cent of Kollam is covered by Ashtamudi lake, making it the southern gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.
Kollam Tourist Places
Ashtamudi Lake
The scenic lake amidst red cliffs and swaying palms, stretches northwards from Kollam town. The huge lake is named ‘Ashtamudi’ as it branches off into 8 creeks. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the back waters of Kerala. It also provides extensive facilities for retting coconut husks which makes the district a hub of coir industry. Chinese fishing nets add to the spectacular scenic beauty of the lake.
Kochupilamodu Beach
The model park at the beach is worth a visit.
Crafts Festival
The annual festival in December - January features the works of master craftsmen from all over the country.
Thangasseri (5km)
It is known for the churches and bungalows built during the colonial era. The 44m high lights house is the special attraction of the town.
Thirumullavaram Beach (6km)
It is yet another attraction of Kollam.
Picnic Village
This centre of recreational activities is located at Ashramam, along the backwater front. The tourist complex has a 200 year old Govt Guest House, Adventure Park, Tourist Boat Club, Children’s Traffic Park and Yatri Nivas.
The backwaters
The beautiful backwaters are the very essence of Kerala. Cruises on the lovely backwaters are a must for every visitor coming to this part of the world. Water crafts travelling at a leisurely peace along narrow shady canals and palm fringed lakes provides a close-up view of rural Kerala. Daily backwater tours are conducted by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). The most popular backwater tour is from Kollam, situated between Ashtamudi Lake and the Arabian Sea to Alappuzha on the edge of Vembanad Lake. Traditional Kettuvallams or ‘boat with knots’, earlier used for transport and cargoe have been converted into exotic houseboats for leisure trips. These house boats have all the comforts of a good hotel and are becoming very popular among tourists.
Kollam City Distance Guide |
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| Kollam | Changannassery | 69 Km |
| Kollam | Guruvayur | 220 Km |
| Kollam | Kaladi | 168 Km |
| Kollam | Kalpetta | 400 Km |
| Kollam | Kannur | 414 Km |
| Kollam | Kasaragod | 503 Km |
| Kollam | Kochi | 148 Km |
| Kollam | Kodungallor | 182 Km |
| Kollam | Alappuzha | 84 Km |
| Kollam | Kottayam | 87 Km |
| Kollam | Kovalam | 76 Km |
| Kollam | Kozhikode | 328 Km |
| Kollam | Malappuram | 282 Km |
| Kollam | Munnar | 229 Km |
| Kollam | Muvattupula | 141 Km |
| Kollam | Painavu | 185 Km |
| Kollam | Palakkad | 283 Km |
| Kollam | Sabarimala | 126 Km |
| Kollam | Shoranur | 254 Km |
| Kollam | Sultan Bathery | 425 Km |
| Kollam | Thalassery | 392 Km |
| Kollam | Thiruvananthapuram | 63 Km |
| Kollam | Thrissur | 222 Km |
| Kollam | Vaikam | 123 Km |