Kollam

Kollam

Kollam town, the headquarters of Kollam district and Kollam taluk, has a hoary past. The 144 ft. Thangassery Light House, built in 1902, is a centre of attraction. The Ananda Valleswaram Temple here, attracts people on almost all days. There are several Churches and Mosques in and around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. One of the oldest and most important Mosques in the Chinnakkada Palli. Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic Village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing, Mahatma Gandhi beach lies just 2 Kms. from the town. It is fascinating place for an evening. Thirumullawaram Beach is 5 kms. from the town. The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing. Asramam picnic village is located in the 48 acre Guest House Complex. This is the centre of various tourism development activities of the district.

Sightseeing in Kollam

Maha Vishnu Temple
This is one of the ancient temples of Kollam. It is believed to have been blessed by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The pond here has sea water but the water never tastes salty.

Thirumulavaram Beach
This beach is synonymous with Kollam and is the most famous beach of the town. Situated about 5km from kollam, this beach is ideal for relaxing and you can even take a dip in the cool waters of this beach.

Tangaseeri beach & light house
Do not miss the Tangaseeri beach and the light house at Kollam. The light House is about 144ft high and was built in the year 1902. There are a lot of old churches located at Thangaseeri too. Spend your evening at the beach, just watching the sunset or just take a stroll at the beach side. Soak your feet or simply relax, all at the golden sand beaches of Kollam.

Sasthamcotta
A small village close to the town of Kollam is a pilgrimage and health centre. There is a beautiful fresh water lake in this village which is said to be the biggest lake of its kind in Kerala. The whole town of Kollam gets its supply of water from this Lake. It is a very scenic view and is surrounded by hills on its three sides.

Thevalli Palace
When you visit this Palace, located on the banks of Astamudi Lake, Sasthamkotta, you will see the unique blend of a historical monument set in a picturesque setting. The lake is known fro its sparkling fresh water. The historically renowned Palace makes a magnificent sight, set in the lap of nature, covered by hills on all three sides.

Things to do in Kollam

Thenmala eco tourism
Thenmala is the meeting point of Kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by dense forest, 66 kms east of Kollam. There are a large number of rubber and tea plantations in Thenmala. Timber of all varieties is exported from here to all parts of the country. Themala Dam site is open for tourists. Eco tourist's center is situated at Thenmala.

Houseboat Ride
The traditional Kerala rice boat called Kattuvallam cruise is another which you can not miss. Cruises can be tailored to your needs from hourly basis to overnight cruises. These boats are upto 100 feet long and equipped with all modern amenities like bedroom, attached toilet, kitchen, sitting area etc. Enjoy the Kerala villages when these boats cruise through small canals and an unforgettable local cuisine from its kitchen.

Walk on the Beach
The beautiful beachs of Kollam Mahatma Gandhi Beach, Thangassery beach and Thirumullavaram beaches are located just 2 to 5 kilometers from Kollam and is a fascinating place for taking long walks along the seashore. The sea is calm over here, which makes it ideal for bathing, and swimming.

Picnic to Ashram Village
This is located in the 48acre Guest House complex in Kollam. Designed by NATPAC, the children's traffic and entertainment park located here. It is the largest traffic park in the state of Kerala. This adventure park is located on the shores of the Ashtamudi back waters. You can hire a boat of your choice like the motor boats, cruise boats and others from the jetty near by.

How to reach Kollam

Nearest bus stations: Kollam has both private and KSRTC bus stands in the town itself.
Nearest railway station: Kollam, in the town itself.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 70 km away