Kollam travel

Located 71 kms to the north of thiruvananthapuram, kollam is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports on the malabar coast, kollam was one the port of international spice trade. Thirty percent of this historic tous is covered by the renowned asthamudi lake, making it the gateway to magnificent backwaters of kerala. The eight hour boat trip between kollam and allappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

Area - 2579 sq. Kms
Population - 2,398285 (1991 census)

Places to visit :

Thangasseri - This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old portuguese fort and churches built in the 18 century. The Thangasseri Lighthouse which is 144 feet hight, is open to visitors from 1530 = 1730 hrs.Thirumullavaram Beach - Kerala

Thirumullavaram beach - 6 kms north of kollam this secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre.

Mayyand - 10 kms south of kollam mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the subramanya temple at umayanallor.

Excursions :

Sasthamkotta, Ochira, Kulathupuzha , Thenmala , Ariankavu, Palaruvi Waterfalls.

Short canal cruise :

Canal cruises to the munroe island village is the best of its kind in india which is for about 4 hrs.

Thangasseri (5 km from Kollam town):
This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century.

Infant Jesus Cathedral, Tangasseri TourThe Thangasseri Lighthouse is open to visitors from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. There are buses at 15 minute intervals from Kollam town.

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.

Ochira (34 km north of Kollam town):

The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku in November/December are the two main annual festivals.

Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.

Mayyanad (10 km south of Kollam town):

Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya temple at Umayanallor.

This shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Mayyanad.

Sasthamkotta (29 km from Kollam town):

The vast fresh water lake here is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha temple which lends its name to the town, is animportant pilgrim centre.

There are frequent bus services from Kollam. Accommodation is available at the PWD Rest House.

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu :

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

Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple (11 km from Chadayamangalam):

This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam MC Road is an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture.

Jatayupara:

A huge rock at Chadayamangalam takes its name from the mythical bird `Jatayu' in the epic Ramayana, who is believed to have collapsed on the rock after failing in his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita.

Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km north of Kollam town):

Thirumullavaram Beach, KollamThis secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.

Kulathupuzha (64 km from Kollam town):

Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here.

Thenmala (66 km east of Kollam):

The area is covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations. An Eco Tourism Development Project is under implementation here. Thenmala is also a dam site.

Ariankavu (70 km from Kollam town):

Situated on the Kollam - Shenkottai road, Ariankavu is famous for the shrine dedicated to Lord Sastha. Mandala Pooja and Trikalyanam celebrated in the month of December are the main festivals here.

Picnic Village:

This village is located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam.

The 200 year oldGovernment Guest House, an Adventure Park, the Tourist Boat Club, the Children's Traffic Park and the Yatrinivas are situated in this vast tourist complex.

Palaruvi Waterfalls(75 km from Kollam town):

Palaruvi which means "milky stream" makes its `milky way' down the rocks, falling from a height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot.

There are frequent buses to Ariankavu from Kollam. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel offer comfortable accommodation.

Access :

Air - nearest airport thiruvananthapural (71 km).
Rail - kollam is an important railhead of the southern railways.
Road - an excellent roat network links kollam to all major towns & cities.