Location :
Kerala
Tourist Attractions : Thangasseri, Sasthamkotta,
Thirumullavaram Beach
Local Tongue : Malayalam, Hindi, English
STD Code : (91) - 474
Best time to Visit : August to March
About Kollam
71 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam is an aggregation of tiny islands
with thirty percent of its area flocked by the shimmering waters of the
Ashtamudi Lake which make it a popular backwater destination. Hub of the
country's cashew trading and processing industry, Kollam has been an
important port on the Malabar coast since the ancient times, known for its
internationally renowned spice trade. The place remains thronged by visitors
throughout the year for its relaxing and rejuvenating backwater trips as
also for its umpteen tourist magnets which include historically significant
structures and temples ornate with traditional architecture style and
intricate carvings.
Climate & Best time to Visit
The climate of Kollam is tropical and humid with regular showers almost
throughout the year. The summer season (March to May) can be oppressive with
temperature and humidity climbing to high levels while the monsoon arrives
in June and continues till September, providing much needed relief to the
people. The best time to visit the place is from August to March.
Tourist
Attractions in Kollam
Thangasseri
Situated 5 km from Kollam, this historically significant town houses the
ancient ruins of a once opulent Portuguese fort and some 18th century
churches. Another attraction in the 144 feet high lighthouse (timings 3:30
PM to 5:30 PM) which can be climbed to enjoy a panoramic view of the
surroundings. Thangasseri can be easily accessed via regularly plying buses
from Kollam.
Thirumullavaram Beach
The sun kissed beach makes an ideal hangout and picnic spot, situated just
6 km from Kollam and accessed by local buses. The secluded beach is an ideal
spot for repose and a quite time away from the bustle of the city life.
Mayyanad, another tourist attraction at a short distance from the beach is
known for its shrines and temples, especially the temple of Lord Subramanya.
Sasthamkotta
Popular as a pilgrimage centre for the ancient Sastha temple located here,
the Sasthamkotta Lake is the largest fresh water body in Kerala surrounded
by beautiful hills on its three sides. An ideal place to spend a few quite
moments, Sasthamkotta can be accessed by local buses from Kollam while
accommodation can be arranged at the PWD rest house.
Ochira
34 km from Kollam, Ochira is a major pilgrimage centre housing a number of
shrines and temples. The famous Parbrahma temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma
where the festivals of Ochira Kali (mid June) and Panthrandu Vilakku
(November/December) are held every year. Frequent buses connect the place
with Kollam and Alleppey.
Get Aways
Kulathupuzha
The entire state of Kerala is known for its centres of worship, be it the
temples, churches or those of other religions. Kulathupuzha, known for the
sastha temple is situated 64 km from Kollam on the Thiruvananthapuram
Shenkottai road. The place plays host to the Vishnu Mahotsavam held every
year in April/May. Kulathupuzha can be accessed via buses from Kollam or the
Thenmala Railway station, situated just 10 km from the place.
Thenmala
A quite weekend getaway, Thenmala is located a stone's throw away from
Kulathupuzha. Amongst the prominent tourist attraction at the place are the
magnificent dam, lush forests, rubber and tea plantations.
Ariankavu
A temple dedicated to Lord Sastha and a high waterfall are the prime
attractions of Ariankavu. The water cascades down from amidst the carved
rocks from a height of 300 feet, lending the place an attractive charm. The
nearby gardens form an excellent picnic spot. Situated 70 km from Kollam,
accommodation is available in the form of PWD Inspection Bungalow and KTDC
Motel.
Things to Do
Backwater Cruise
The most interesting and exciting way to witness the diversities of this
tiny heaven is to take a cruise through its enchanting backwaters. Take a
quite stroll down the network of streams as beautiful avians paint the sky
in a hue of colors. Move along the shores lined with sun drenched beaches
and swaying palm trees. A backwater cruise is also the best way to cover the
entire city in a short period.
Shopping
Kollam is the hub of India's cashew processing industry which also make up
a must buy on a shopper's list. All the major shopping areas and the town
markets have shops that sell raw and processed cashew. Other things to look
forward to on the shopping front are textiles, south Indian sarees,
gold/silver jewellery and antiques.
Stay At
Kollam is an important port city and one of the major tourist attractions
in Kerala. The gateway to the Kerala backwaters is where most of the
tourists like to commense their escapade of God's own country. The city
boasts of a number of quality accommodation facilities which include
Aquaserene (situated in south Paravoor just 65 km from the airport and 18 km
from the railway station), Hotel Sudersan (situated in Parameswar Nagar just
70 km from Trivandrum International Airport and 1 km from railway station),
Ashtamudi Resorts (situated in Chavara south) and Palm Lagoon (situated in
Vellimon west).
Getting
There
By Air : Thiruvananathapuram International Airport
situated at Valiyathura is the nearest air connection which connects the
city with other major Indian and international cities. Indian Airlines has
connections with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai while overseas cities
include cities in the middle east, Male and Sri Lanka.
By Rail : Kollam is an important railhead of the south
railways where all the major trains on the route take a halt. A daily train
connecting Delhi with Kollam (Quilon) is the Kerala Exp. which departs from
New Delhi at 11:30 and reaches Quilon Junction at 13:00. For more
information on train timings and schedules, refer to the official website of
Indian Railways at http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ (type the destination name
as Quilon).
By Road : An excellent network of roads connect Kollam
with other cities in Kerala. KSTRC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation)
buses ply regularly between Kollam and other neighbouring cities.
By Ferry : The ferry boat station is located near the
Kollam bus stand, just 3 km from the railway station. Boat jetty is the most
exciting way to access various cities and towns in Kerala.
Distance from Major Cities
- Delhi : 1933 Km
- Kochi (Cochin) : 179 Km
- Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) : 356 Km
- Kottayam : 228 Km
- Kozhikode : 23 Km
- Alleppey : 229 Km
