Kollam Tour

Location	Southern Kerala
Temperature	Max: 36°C, Min: 22°C
Main Attractions	Beaches
Best Time to Visit	August to March

Kollam, also popular to the Portuguese as Quilon, is a city and a Municipal corporation in Kollam district of Kerala. It lies 71 kilometres north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). The town is very famous for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. It is the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, and thus, a major tourist destination.

History

Kollam was formerly called "Desinganadu". During the rule of the Travancore kingdom in southern Kerala, Kollam was the focal point of trade. It is believed that the era was started by Nestorian Christian merchants who settled in Korukeni kollam, near to the present Kollam. Kollam is supposed to be one of the state's oldest ports and hub of international spice trade.

In the ninth century Kollam was the capital of the Venad kingdom. The raja or king, Raja Uday Marthanda Varma summoned a special committee at Kollam to initiate the new epoch. This Malayalam new era, Kollavarsham, was believed to commence on August 15, 825 A.D. This calendar is still followed as the state calendar for ceremonial days and dates and religious performances in Kerala.

Kollam (Quilon) is a charming old port city on the banks of the charming Ashtamudi Lake. Traces of a once prosperous trade with China are still seen in the form of Chinese fishing nets, huge Chinese water pots, blue and white porcelain and sampan-like boats.

Kollam Beaches

Thirumullavaram Beach

Thirumullavaram, 5 kilometres from Kollam, is the best beach spot. The tranquil Arabian Sea stretches a long way and the tourists can laze around in the cool breeze pervading the place. This open beach is an ideal spot for swimming and bathing. The state's large sediments of the thorium-bearing mineral monazite, obtained in the sandy beaches of Quilon district, are proved to be very advantageous in our national atomic research and energy programmes. The amalgamation of - refined herbal cures, basking in the sun while holidaying in the beaches and colourful cultural fiestas- has led Kerala to stand amongst the ten best Paradise Found destinations. The pristine beach beckons one to visit Kollam and treasure the briny-saccharine memories forever.

Thanagasseri Beach

Located at a distance of 5 km from Kollam, Thanagasseri is a beautiful village having the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The lighthouse in Thanagasseri offers amazing views of the beach. Mahatama Gandhi Beach. Located at a distance of 2 km from Kollam, Mahatama Gandhi Beach offers serene and beautiful environment. It is ideal for bathing and swimming.

Kollam Backwaters

Mesmerizing, beautiful and rejuvenating, such are the Kollam backwaters. Offering picturesque views of the gorgeous green surroundings, the backwaters attracts tourists from far and wide. The lush green trees at lining the backwaters are homes to wonderful birds like egrets, cuckoo and ducks. The views of water lilies and lotus at the backwaters are a great delight. You can also enjoy traditional cuisine at the small restaurants on the shores of the backwaters.

Palaruvi Waterfalls

It is a beautiful waterfall cascading from steep heights. Its water looks so white that it gives the impression that it is milk not water. Surrounded by lush green vegetation, the waterfall is a perfect place to spend some quality time with nature.

Accommodation

Kollam offers a variety of accommodation options such as five-star hotels, boutique hotels, three star hotels, budget hotels and home stays.

How To Reach

By Air: Trivandrum Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 70 km from Kollam.

By Rail: The railway station at Kollam is well connected with the major cities of Kerala and India.

By Road: Kollam is easily accessible from the main cities of Kerala by road.

Shopping

Kollam offers wonderful shopping items such as handloom products, jewellery, Ayurvedic products and textiles.