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Kollam
Brief
Kollam is a shaded town with a compact centre, on the side of the Ashtamudi Lake. At the south end of the backwaters of Kerala, it is one of the main centers for boat trips up the canals. A perfect blend of modernism and antiquity, the developed city of Kollam brings to the fore the memories of a bygone era. Kollam, which is a veritable Kerala in miniature, is gifted with very representative features of Kerala - sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forest, vast green fields and tropical crops. An important hub for the marine products industry of State, with the port of Neendakara being the centre for trawlers and ice plants, it is the centre of the cashew trading and processing industry of the country.
History
Known to Marco Polo (as Koilum) its port traded with Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs as well as the Chinese; superb chinaware has been found in the area. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to set up a trading centre followed by the Dutch and British.
Kollam became the capital of the Venad Kingdom in the ninth century. The educated and accomplished king Raja Udaya Marthanda Varma convened a special council at Kollam to introduce a new era after extensive astronomical calculations with the early history of Christianity.
CultureClimate & Geogaphical Location
The climate is tropically humid throughout the year. Kollam is located at around 72 Km From Thiruvananthapuram.
How to Reach
Kollam is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram, 66Km away. It is well connected to Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi. Also there are a number of connections to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Muscat, Singapore, Male and Sri Lanka. Chartered flights arrive from the European countries in this airport during the tourist season. By rail, Kollam is the main railhead and is connected by rail with several important cities including Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai, Kaniyakumari, Mangalore, etc. By road, Kollam is connected by good motorable roads on NH 47 with many tourist centres in India. KSRTC states road transport corporations of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and private bus companies connect Kollam to all major centres in the region.
Tourist Places
Thirumullavaram Beach
An ideal picnic spot, roughly 6Km north of Kollam, Thirumullavaram is a beautiful beach thats well linked by road and with good facilities. This beautiful beach filled with coconut palms is ideal for an early morning walk as one can see fishermen gliding into the sea for the days catch. The beach has good bathing facilities.
Sasthamkotta Lake
The vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three sides, Sasthamkotta is the largest of its kind in Kerala. An ancient Sastha Temple on its shores, with resident tribes of monkeys, adds sanctity to the waters. The majestic size of the lake is by itself a spectacular sight. The ancient Sastha Temple, which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. Covering an area of approximately 375 hectares, Shasthamcotta Lake does not get frozen in winter and fresh water is available 365 days a year. This large lake is totally devoid of any flora and there is no plant growth in the waters of the lake.
Palaruvi waterfalls
The enchanting waterfalls, meaning the stream of milk, offer a splendid view of the water cascading from a height of 300 feet. The Palauruvi woods form a beautiful picnic spot. Travel Information
Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary
Located 70 Km from Kollam, Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary is a green valley of splendid forests, situated on the banks of the Shendurni River. Steep and rugged peaks surround the sanctuary, which is dotted by several breathtaking ravines. On the northern side of the sanctuary is Palaruvi, a beautiful picnic spot. In the tropical evergreen and mixed deciduous forests here are found a variety of animals. The park is rich in flora and fauna and is a haven to a variety of animals such as Elephants, Gaurs, Barking Deers, Cobra, Viper, Python and the Indian Porcupine.
Ashtamudi Lake
One of the biggest Backwaters of Kerala, the scenic and calm Ashtamudi Lake boasts of a magnificent view. Fringed with coconut groves and palm trees, the backdrop of Chinese fishing nets lends an oriental ambience. Some picturesque promontories extend from the north side of the exceedingly beautiful Ashtamudi Lake. Backwater Cruising on this lake from Kollam to Alappuzha lulled by the lapping waters and the shade of swaying palm fronds is an enthralling experience.
Thiruvananthapuram
The gateway to one of the most beautiful states in India - Kerala, the city gets its name from the word, Thiruvananthapuram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Presiding over one of the most scenic states of the country, it is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. Most visitors to Kerala use it only as an arrival point, speeding on immediately to the silvery sand beach of Kovalam. Slow paced and laid back city as it may seem to an outsider, it is the political hub of Kerala and politically very active and volatile.
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala.
Kovalam .
16 Km from Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is a dream with sparkling blue waters, silvery white sand and swaying coconut palms. Once a serene and secluded beach, it is now a busy tourist site, haunted by foreign habitués. Spend hours on the beach sipping coconut water, watching the fishermen go out to sea, gorging on fantastic seafood or splattering on an anti-tan and dozing off under a beach umbrella. A sheltered natural bay, there are a number of Ayurvedic centres providing herbal treatments to rejuvenate your tired muscles with ayurvedic massages and oil treatments. Kovalam is also the venue to indulge in many water sports including kayaking and water skiing. From the beach, you can also make inland backwater tours in country or pedal boats.
Others
JATAYUPARA - A huge rock at Chadayamangalam, Jatayupara 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 Ravanas kidnapping of Sita.
KARUNAGAPPALLY - Kottarakkara, the place from where the famous Indian classical dance form originated is the headquarters of Kottarakkara Taluk. It was once the capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family.
KULATHUPUZHA TEMPLE - Kulathupuzha Temple is situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkotta road. Renowned for the Sastha temple, the Vishu Mahotsavam celebrated in April/May is the most important festival.
MANNADI - Mannadi is located 13 Km from Adoor and 45 Km from Kollam. The ancient Bhagwathy Temple here has some exquisite stone sculptures. The Kerala institute of folklore and folk arts is also located here.
MANNARSALA - This beautiful temple dedicated to the King of Serpents is an important centre off serpent worship in Kerala. It is located near Haripad on a panoramic site of thick green forests.
OACHIR TEMPLE - Located to the north of Kollam town, Oachira is unique place of worship with neither a structure to house an idol nor an idol around which temples are usually built. The famous Parabrahma Temple is dedicated to the Universal Consciousness.
PICNIC VILLAGE - Located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, picnic village is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam.
RAMESHWARA TEMPLE - The influence of the pandyas is manifest in its design having inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries.