Kollam
Kollam or Quilon is one of the old sea port town on the Arabian Sea situated on the Ashtamudi Lke. The district of Kollam is absolutely like the state Kerala gifeted with various natural bounties like sea, lakes, green meadows, backwaters, forests, mountains and rivers. Kollam is famous for its excellent network of waterways. From here a 130 km long chain of interlinked canals and lakes wind along Kerala as about 30% of this district is covered by the renowned Asthamudi Lake making it an excellent gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. Kollam is also a home to the flourishing cashew processing and fisheries industries. The district is one of the most industrialized regions of Kerala that produces and processes the products like coir, chemicals, ceramics, minerals and sea food. Kollam is also famous for some interesting historic remnants and number of temple built in authentic Kerala style architecture. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast, Kollam was once the port of International spice trade.
There is so much to see and explore at Kollam. Some of the places of great tourist interest are as given below:-
Ashtamudi Lake:-Astamudi derives its name from Ashta means eight and Mudi means branches. Thus Ashtamudi Lake is known for merging of eight backwaters. During the 14th century the lake was considered to be one of the five important ports used for Chinese trade. Today it is a hub of houseboat and boat cruises. The boat cruises to the Munroe Islands is a wonderful experience to the visitors. Kayal Pradakshina Cruise and Sayanthanam Sunset cruise are among the major tourist attractions.
Thangassery Beach & Lighthouse:- Located at a distance of 5 km from Kollam ,Thangassery Beach has some of the old Portuguese Fort and Churches built in 18th century. The Thangassery Lighthouse built in 1902 remains the center of attraction among the visitors and is open to the visitors every day. The other major attraction of Thangassery beach are water sports like scuba diving, parasailing, fishing etc are few of them to delight the adventure freaks.
Police Museum:- Sardar Vallab Bhai Patel museum situated in the Kollam district is one of a kind in India. The museum displays the development of the police force in our country. The museum displays arms and ammunitions of 18th and 19th century that includes guns, bullets, machines and other weapons. The museum also displays the detailed descriptions about fingerprints, Dna Charts, snaps and medals awarded to policemen.
Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum:- Establishe in the Kollam district of Kerla the museum was dedicated to the memory of the father of Kathakali, Kottarakkara Thampuran. Costumes, musical equipments, sculptures, ornaments and many other things are kept here on display.
Sasthamkotta Lake:- Situated at a distance of 19 km from Kollam is the beautiful village of Sasthamkotta . It is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala that serves the drinking needs of the people of Kerala. Surrounded by hills on all the sides, Kollam is a home to popular Sasthamkotta Dharamassatha Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It is among the most visited pilgrimages of Kerala.
How To Reach
By Air:-The nearest airport to the Kollam is Trivandrum International Airport which is located at a distance of 70 km from it.
By Rail:-Kollam has its own railway station that connects it to the various other parts of the state.
By Bus:- Kollam is also connected through a well laid out network of roads making it accessible from anywhere in Kerala.
