¤ About Kollam
Kollam
or Quilon, an old sea port town on the Arabian coast , stands on the
Ashtamudi lake. Kollam, the erstwhile Desinganadu, had a sustained
commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans. Fed
by the Chinese trade, it was regarded by Ibn Batuta, as one of the five
ports , which he had seen in the course of his travels during a period of
twenty four years, in the 14th century. Kollam District which is a veritable
Kerala in miniature is gifted with unique representative features - sea,
lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forest, vast green
fields and tropical crop of every variety both food crop and cash crop, so
called The Gods Own Capital. Today this town, which is 71 km from
Trivandrum, is fairly important for the state’s trade and commerce and
is the centre of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry.
It is also an important hub for the state’s marine processing industry.
It is also an important hub for the state’s marine products industry,
with the port of Neendakara being the centre for trawlers and ice plants.
¤ Major Tourist Attractions
of KollamRameshwara 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.
Jetayu
Para - Jetayu Para, a huge rock, is another attraction in Kollam
district. This huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C road.
The name comes from the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant
bird in the epic, fell after failing in its attempt to spot Ravana from
taking sita away. The rock is ideal for trekking by the lovers of adventure.
The rock can be seen from the Chadayamangalam junction itself.
Palaruvi
Water Falls - The famous waterfall in Kollam District is situated
at Palaruvi near Aryankavu, Kollam - Sencottah NH 208. 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. Season to visit the places is from June to January.
Thangassery
- Thangassery is a place of historical importance situated 5 kms.
away from Kollam town. The churches here are pretty old, having been
established in the 18th century. The chief attraction of the place is the
light house, built in 1902. The 144 ft. light house stands as a sentinel,
warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery. The construction of
a fishing harbour is in progress. Thangassery was an enclave of the
Portuguese, Dutch and British in succession. The remnants of the Portuguese
and Dutch forts still exits.
¤ AccomodationKollam
has a wide range of accomodation facilities in Government Guest Houses,
Hotels & in PWD Rest House.
¤ ShoppingThe
local craftsmen of Kollam are ace sculptors and one can find some very
beautiful sculptures and idols in local markets that are carefully packed if
you are planning to go long distance. Trivandrum is well known for its coir
products and you can buy small rugs, doormats, etc. that come in a variety
of colors and sizes. One can find small souvenirs in brass and metal that
has beautiful engravings and carvings. A unique craft item here is items
made out of coconut shells, which are quite popular among tourists. But the
most popular item that sells like hot cakes are the miniature Kathakali
masks that are available in bright colors and different shapes.
Kollam
