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Kollam

The Land of Cashews

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu

General Information
Other Name: Quilon, District: Kollam, State: Kerala, India
Area: 2579 Sq. Km.
Languages Spoken: Malayalam, English, Hindi, and Tamil
Long Distance Code: +91-474
Importance:
Best Time to Visit: August to March
International Access: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Description
Quilon or Kollam is fairly important for the State's trade and commerce and is the center of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. It is also an important hub for the State's marine products industry, with the port of Neendakara being the center for travelers and ice plants. For all its natural gifts of wide rivers, dominant hills and forest, lakes and plains, there is the throb of a vibrant industrial activity that combines with equanimity the wonders of the modern age with the traces of a bygone era. Quilon which is a veritable Kerala in miniature is gifted as it is 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.
Location
Kollam is situated about 71 km. north of Thiruvananthapuram and is linked by rail, road and backwater transport. The town edges with the famous Astamudi Lake.

Excursions of Kollam

There are many places in and around Kollam famous historically or as ancient trade ports. The port of Neendkara is the center for travelers and ice plants. Chavara, 14 kms from Kollam, is a major exporter of mineral sand. It is also famous for Kottamkulangara temple. The 700 year ols ancient church of Kottarakkara, the wonderful waterfalls of Coutalam, the historically important Kundara and the forest ranges of Kulathuppuzha famous for elephants; all these with many natural gifts of wide rivers, dominant hills and forest, lakes and plains, with a vibrant industrial activity and much more is what Kollam offers.

Kollam Town

Kollam town, the headquarters of Kollam district and Kollam taluk, has a silvery past. It was an international emporium of trade and even now it is a prosperous commercial centre.\r\nIt was one of the early centres of Christian activity in Kerala.It is said that the present town of Kollam was built by the Syrian Merchant- Sapir Iso, in the 9th Century A.D. The popularity of Kollam has been established by the time-honored proverb once you see Kollam, you will not need your home any more. Kollam is an important commercial, industrial and trading centre. It is also the headquarters of the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation.\r\n

Mahatma Gandhi Beach

Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing. Mahatma Gandhi beach lays just 2 km from the town. It is fascinating place for an evening. Thirumullavaram Beach is 5 km. from the town. The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing. Ashramam picnic village is located in the 48-acre Guest House Complex. This is the centre of various tourism development activities of the district. The setting up of a picnic village here is progressing under the supervision of the District Tourism Promotion Council. The Government Guest House here is 200 years old.

Rameshwara Temple

This temple, which shows Pandyan influence in its design, has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th century. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple are carvings, which give one the impression that the creatures are animate and are actually climbing upstairs with their outstretched paws.

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1984, the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary situated on either side of the Shendurney River is the only one in the Kollam district. The sanctuary covers a total area of 250 sq km and is acclaimed the world over for its bio-diversity. The Parappar dam has been built across the Shendurney River and serves the purpose of irrigation in Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts. The lake covers a total area of 13.72 sq km. \r\nThe mean temperature during summer is 35 degree centigrade and during winters it around 16 degree centigrade, with the annual rainfall is approximately 3200 mm. The terrain here is rugged with gentle to steep slopes ranging 90m to 1550m.

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu

The residence and the headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, one of India's female gurus, are situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The ashram is accessible both by road and boat.

Picnic Village

This village is located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. The 200-year-old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, the Tourist Boat Club, the Children's Traffic Park and the Yatrinivas are situated in this vast tourist complex.

Backwaters of Kollam

Located 71 Km to the north of Thiruvanathapuram, Kollam is another coastal district of 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 traditional ornate architectural style.\r\nOne of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast, Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. 30% of this historic town is covered by renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.\r\nThe eight-hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala.\r\n

Temples of Kollam

There are many important temples in and around Kollam. The Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple; around 10 kms from Kollam is an ideal example of rock cut cave temple. Mayyanad 10 km south of Kollam, is noted for its Shrines and temples. The most important temple is the one at Unayanalloor, dedicated to Lord Subramaniyam. It is believed to be consecrated by the great saint Shri Shankaracharya of Kaladi. Besides the temples, there are three churches and a mosque. The Oachira temple is the most unsual temple without any shrine or any idol, but the presiding deity of Parabrahmam is worshipped by one and all. The Achencoil Temple is situated amidst dense forests and idol of the local deity Lord Sastha has been here for the past 2000 years and even more. \r\nThe other important temples near Kollam are The Bhagavathy temple (Anchal), the Aryankavu, the Sasthamkotta, and the Kulathupuzha temples.

Cochin Holiday Tour
(5 Days / 4 Nights)

On Request

Details

Cochin Holiday Tour / PI-0105 (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Kochi-Kumarakom-Alappuzha-Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram

Discover the rich culture and interesting European legacy of the historical city of Cochin that has some of the most beautiful harbors that you may have ever seen. Take a stroll down one of the most impressive and largest churches of India followed by a visit to a stunning palace famous for its fascinating murals.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Kochi
Day 2 : Kochi-Kumarakom
Day 3 : Kumarakom - Alappuzha
Day 4 : Alappuzha - Kollam
Day 5 : Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram

South India Legacy
(30 Days / 29 Nights)

On Request

Details

South India Legacy / PI-0450 (30 Days / 29 Nights)
Mumbai-Bengaluru-Mysore-Chennai-Mamallapuram-Covelong-Puducherry-Tiruchirappalli-Madurai-Thekkady-Munnar-Kumarakom-Alappuzha-Mararikulam-Kovalam-Kollam-Kochi

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Mumbai - Bengaluru
Day 2 : Bengaluru
Day 3 : Bengaluru - Mysore
Day 4 : Mysore
Day 5 : Mysore - Chennai
Day 6 : Chennai - Mamallapuram
Day 7 : Mamallapuram
Day 8 : Mamallapuram
Day 9 : Covelong - Puducherry
Day 10 : Puducherry - Tiruchirappalli
Day 11 : Tiruchirappalli
Day 12 : Tiruchirappalli-Madurai
Day 13 : Madurai
Day 14 : Madurai-Thekkady
Day 15 : Thekkady
Day 16 : Thekkady-Munnar
Day 17 : Munnar
Day 18 : Munnar - Kumarakom
Day 19 : Kumarakom
Day 20 : Kumarakom - Alappuzha
Day 21 : Alappuzha
Day 22 : Alappuzha - Mararikulam
Day 23 : Mararikulam
Day 24 : Mararikulam
Day 25 : Mararikulam - Kovalam
Day 26 : Kovalam
Day 27 : Kovalam
Day 28 : Kovalam - Kollam
Day 29 : Kollam-Kochi
Day 30 : Kochi

Backwaters and Beaches of Kerala
(9 Days / 8 Nights)

On Request

Details

Backwaters and Beaches of Kerala / PI-069 (9 Days / 8 Nights)
Kochi-Thekkady-Kumarakom-Alappuzha-Kollam-Kovalam-Mumbai

Backwaters of Kerala - the most romantic notion of a tropical country, hold great promises of enchanting holiday options! It has one of the most unique network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian sea. One of the most exciting things on the backwaters of Kerala is the kettuvallom (a traditional houseboat) the most amazing spectacle in the world. Come, experience this spectacle yourself!!!

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Kochi
Day 2 : Kochi
Day 3 : Kochi-Thekkady
Day 4 : Thekkady-Kumarakom
Day 5 : Kumarakom - Alappuzha - Kollam
Day 6 : Kollam
Day 7 : Kollam - Kovalam
Day 8 : Kovalam
Day 9 : Kovalam-Mumbai

Kollam, India Tours