Kollam
Travel :
Located 71 kms to the north of thiruvananthapuram, kollam is the centre of
the country's cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest
ports on the malabar coast, kollam was one the port of international spice
trade. Thirty percent of this historic tous is covered by the renowned
asthamudi lake, making it the gateway to magnificent backwaters of kerala.
The eight hour boat trip between kollam and allappuzha is the longest and
most enchanting experience on the backwaters of kerala. The district also
has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the
traditional ornate architectural style.
Area - 2579 sq. Kms
Population - 2,398285 (1991 census)
Access :
Air - nearest airport thiruvananthapural (71 km).
Rail - kollam is an important railhead of the southern
railways.
Road - an excellent roat network links kollam to all
major towns & cities.
Places to visit :
Thangasseri - This seaside village of historic importance
has the ruins of an old portuguese fort and churches built in the 18
century. The Thangasseri Lighthouse which is 144 feet hight, is open to
visitors from 1530 = 1730 hrs.
Thirumullavaram beach - 6 kms north of kollam this
secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre.
Mayyand - 10 kms south of kollam mayyanad is noted for
its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the
subramanya temple at umayanallor.
Excursions :
Sasthamkotta, Ochira, Kulathupuzha , Thenmala , Ariankavu, Palaruvi
Waterfalls.
Short canal cruise :
Canal cruises to the munroe island village is the best of its kind in india
which is for about 4 hrs.
