INTRODUCTION
Kollam popularly known as Quilon is situated at a distance of about 72 km away from Thiruvananthapuram.Kollam houses one of the oldest ports of the Malabar Coast and is known as the gateway to Kerala.Kollam once the centre of international spice trade also now leads the country in cashew trading and processing industry. Apart form this the city is also highlighted by being the leading center for fishing in Kerala.Sasthamcotta one of the largest fresh water lake in Kerala is situated in Kollam.Atleast 1/3rd of the city is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake which paves way for the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.Adding to the features of Kollam there are also many other historic remnants along with temples built in traditional style. The name Kollam is derived from a Sanskrit word Kollam which means pepper.Kollam is a quite interesting place which should be visited for it is a blend of abundantly supplied nature, glorious heritage and various culture.HISTORY
Kollam is also known by different names like Desinganadu and Quilon.Even from the period of Phoenicians and Romans, Kollam was held in a very good commercial estimation. There was a very good rapport between Kollam and China regarding trade which even exchanged embassies and this is inturn led to lot of Chinese settlement in Kollam.Kollam was considered as one of the five main ports dealing in Chinese trade by Ibn Batuta.In 1502 the first trading centre was established in Kollam by the POrtugese.The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch and then the British in 1795.As a prosecution of a treaty between Travancore and the British there was British troop stationed in a fortified place in Kollam.Kollam became very active during the rule of Velu Thampi Dalawa of Travancore for number of bazaars were built and traders from different parts of the country came here and settled. In the year 1835 Kollam became one of the headquarters of Travancore.In the year 1949 when Travancore and Cochin were desegregated, Kollam was one of the three revenue divisions in the state which soon got the status of a district.LOCATION
The geographical coordinates for Kollam are 9.28'45' N 76.28'0'.The district is bound on the north by Alappuzha district, north east by the Pathanamthitta district, east by Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, south by Thiruvananthapuram district and on the west by the Arabian Sea.FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Craft's Festival
The main highlight of this festival is to feature the different craftwork and craftsmen from all over the country. It is celebrated mostly during the month of December or January.Ashtami Rohini
Ashtami Rohini is a festival mainly celebrated in the Vadayattukotta Temple during the month of August-September. It is a five day long festival which is celebrated with lot of interesting gaieties and amusements.Muharam
Muharam is also celebrated during the month of August. During Muharam there are processions at the town mosque.Kerala Tourism Boat Races
This boat race attracts a major tourist attention from different parts of the world and is usually held on the 19th of January along with the great elephant march simultaneously.
Kollam Puram
Kollam Puram is a ten day long Vishnu festival which is celebrated in the month of April in the Ashram temple. As a part of celebration there is a long procession which takes place along with bursting of fire works.
Oachirakali Festival
Oachirakali is a festival celebrated in the Ochira temple situated at a distance of about 34 km north of Kollam town.Oachirakali festival is celebrated during the month of June to commemorate the historical battle fought between the rulers of Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha.During this festival men gets dressed up like warriors and form two groups perform mock fight as in the battle field.Vrischikotsavam
Vrischikotsavam is 12 day carnival ususally celebrated in the month of November/ December. This festival is also referred by the name Panthrandu Vilakku which means the festival of twelve lamps. Various entertainments and amusements highlight the festival. Small kudil's are specially made during the festival so that devotees can accommodate here.Kottamkulangara
This festival takes place in Kottamkulangara Temple in Chavara.During the eve of the festival there is a custom of men dressing up as women and carrying lighted lamps (Thalappoli).PLACES OF INTEREST
Jatayupara
But however Jatayu failed in his attempts and collapsed on this rock.
The crafts festival which falls in the month of December-January is held in Chadayamangalam.
Kottarakkara
Kottarakkara was earlier belonged to the Travancore Royal Family and was also the capital of Elayadathu Swarupam.The main highlight of Kottarakkara is that it is from here the famous Indian classical dance originated.Picnic Village
This place along the backwater front is one of the main area of amusement in Kollam and is situated at Ashramam which is about 3kms from the central bus stand. It is an ideal weekend spot and its attraction are a 200-year old Government Guest House and Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas.During the season there are backwater crusies which sails from Kollam to Alappuzha,which is taken care by the District Tourist Promotion Council.Rameshwara Temple
It has excellent sculptures which looks very real, especially the Vyala monster sculptures makes the viewer feel as though the creatures are animated and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.
Ananda Valleeswaram Temple
Ananda Valleeswaram is one of the most revered temples in Kollam, attracting people from far and wide. It remains open to the tourists on all the seven days of the week.Thevallay Palace
The official owned a dog which everyday used to carry a letter to his lady love by swimming across the river, but one day the Official saw his dog dead and in its remembrance he made a statue for the dog here.Unfotunately only the crumbling pedestal is seen now.
Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple
Situated on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam MC Road, Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple is a magnificent masterpiece of Sculptures.Palaruvi Waterfalls
Being the pristine spot, the waterfalls give the impression of following milk, which falls steeply down into a small shallow pool which is ideal for swimming nearby there are also smaller cascades, which gives a beautiful sight.
Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary
70 kms from Kollam on the Kollam -Shencotta Road is the Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of the River Shenduny.Sasthamkotta (Fresh Water Lake)
29 kms from Kollam, on the bank of River Kallada, is a small town called Sasthamkotta, which is famous for Kerala's largest freshwater lake. In this town there is also a temple dedicated to ford Sastha.Thangassery (Fort and Lighthouse)
The beautiful beach nearby has the lighthouse of 144 feet high.
Thirumullavaram Beach
Daroji Bear Sanctuary situated close to Hampi is oriented more towards the eastern side of the state which is very adventurous and is a home for the Indian Sloth Bears. This sanctuary was started in 1994.Thangasseri Beach
Situated 5 kms from Kollam Town, this seaside has ruins of an Old Portuguese fort and churches built in 18th century.SHOPPING
In Kollam you can purchase, typical south Indian textiles, jewelry and several handloom and handicraft items.
EAT OUTS1.Hotel Mr. JohnsChalai Bazaar Rd, Kollam, Kerala 2.Aryas hotel NH 208, Kollam, Kerala 3.Nef world Restaurant National Highway 47, Kollam, Kerala 4.Ritz Kollam, Kerala 5.Binu Restaurant Chalai Bazaar Rd, Kollam, Kerala 6.Dharani Vegetarian Restaurant Chalai Bazaar Rd, Kollam, Kerala 7.Sagar Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour Beach Road, Kollam - 691001 8.Food Manar Opp. SN Trust, Near DSP Office, Camp Junction, Kollam 9.Kollam Beach Restaurant Upgrade to Sponsored Listing Papanadam Beach, Mundakkal East, Kollam 10.Everest Hotel & Restaurant Upgrade to Sponsored Listing Mukkada, Kundara, Kollam - 691501 ACCOMMODATION1.Hotel SudarsanParameswar Nagar, Kollam - 691 001. ++91474-2744322 2.Hotel Shah International Residency Road, Kollam, Kerala 0474 2742362 3.Hotel Mr. Johns Chalai Bazaar Rd, Kollam, Kerala 0474 2747333 4.THE CENTRAL PARK Central Park Junction, Kadappakkada, Kollam - 8 0474 2749287, 2749387 5.Nila Palace Cheerancavu, Ezhukone, Kollam - 691505 Kerala +91 474 252 9301 6.Aquaserene V/88 Kurumandai - South Paravoor Kollam Kerala - 691301 7. Cambay Palm Lagoon Vellimon(W) Kollam, Kerala 691511 09048206362 8.Fragrant Nature Resort Cpii 709 Nedungolam P O Paravur Kollam, 691334 0474 2518020 9.Hotel Beach Orchid Beach Road, Kollam Kerala 10.Apichayan's Cliff Resort Ottakkal. P.O, Aryankavu Thenmala, Kerala |
Travel Guide
Travel Information
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