Kollam is an unexplored tourist destination in Kerala with breathtaking beaches, fabulous backwaters and authentic Kerala food. People who wish to just laid back and relax while enjoying the delicious dishes of Kerala chooses this destination. With several immaculate beaches, Kollam is also a paradise for beach lovers. The picturesque landscape of this destination makes it a suitable place to capture eye-catching profile picture. Be it your honeymoon or a family vacation, Kollam is an ideal destination to choose.
A Destination Steeped In Rich Past
Kollam is a beautiful place in Kerala steeped in rich past. Located on the southwest coast of the country, this coastal district has a fabulous history and panoramic nature. Compared to other tourist destinations in Kerala, Kollam is an unexplored place with several hidden treasures to be explored. It is also among the oldest ports in Arabian Sea busy with activities since ancient time. Arab, Chinese, British and Dutch tried their hands on cashew crops and spices from this port.
A Place With Commercial Importance
Kollam has retained its importance as a commercial center till date. It is a largest producer and exporter of the best quality cashews. Even if the main town is bustling with hectic activities, there are many serene and calm places in this district to explore. Situated on the banks of the panoramic Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam town features several temples and mosques. The serene backwaters of this lake are suitable to experience unwinding boating cruise. Besides, this tourist spot is blessed with swaying coconut palms, rich green cashew plantations and traditional villages. The enchanting views, pleasant weather and mouth-watering dishes never fails it to lure travelers from different parts of the world.
A Destination With Rich History Of Centuries
Kollam, formerly known as Quilon has a rich history as a trading port and a commercial center in Kerala since 3rd century. This ancient city has been inhabited even from the time of Phoenicians. Chera dynasty ruled this place for more than 1000 years and Kollam was a major city during that time. This place was a center of artistic, literary and spiritual activity when it became the capital of Venad. It is believed that Kollam Port was built by Mar Sabor & Mar Proth, two East Syrian bishops. This town has trade activities with countries like Middle East, China and South East Asia and still has the remains of the traded commodities like pottery, beads and coins. Today, this enchanting town has a great mix of Hindu, Islamic, British and Portuguese architecture.
The Land Of Ashtamudi Backwaters
One of the main tourist attractions of Kollam is the Ashtamudi Lake. This lake has a unique shape like an octopus or a palm tree. In the local language, ashta means eight and mudi means cone and the place got its name because of its unique shape. The dense wetland ecosystem of the Ashtamudi Lake is among the internationally significant wetlands because of the sustainable utilization of the wetlands. As a famous backwater tourist destination in Kerala, there are many fantastic resorts on its banks. The coconut trees and palms interspersed with traditional houses make it a scenic location that inspires many writers.
Home To A Few Spectacular Beaches
Built on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake, the other side of Kollam is the Lakshadweep Sea. This tourist destination has been an important seaport since ancient times. Kollam is still an important trade center in the state. There is a lot to explore in this incredible tourist destination in Kerala. Kollam is blessed with several spectacular beaches such as Kollam Beach, Thirumullavaram beach and the Tangasseri Beach. These beach destinations are located only a few kilometers away from the Kollam City centre. Travelers can enjoy different water activities in these places such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
There is a port and a lighthouse built by the Portuguese at the Tangasseri beach. Apart from a great supplier of the major portion of the fresh water for the city, the Ashtamudi Lake is also a crowd puller. A backwater cruising in a houseboat is an activity every tourist to Kollam prefers to add in their travel list. Visit one of the Ayurvedic resorts in this destination to experience Ayurvedic treatments and massages to rejuvenate your body and mind. This backwater destination is also famous for lip-smacking fish and seafood items.
Punalur
Punalur is a place in Kollam district located along the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A suspension bridge stretching for nearly 400 meters hanging over the Kallada River is the main attraction of this destination. Punalur is an ideal getaway for a one-day trip because of its eye-catching nature. Apart from the gorgeous Kallada River, the beauty of this region is enhanced by the lovely woods of cinnamon, pepper, and other spices and several other exotic plants. The renowned Thenmala Ecotourism Park is near Punalur where visitors can enjoy exotic jungle experience. Punalur is also famous for different adventure sports.
Karunagappally
Another must-visit place in Kollam is Karunagappally which is about 23 kilometers away. Aside its scenic natural beauty and peaceful ambience, this destination offers boating facility at Alumkadavu. A Buddhist saint named Karinagan lived in this place and this region is on the bank of Pallikkal River. That is why this place got the name Karunagappally. Previously known as ‘Onattukara’, Karunagapally is also famous for the Krishnapuram Palace. The famous Amritapuri Ashram is located only 8 kilometers away from the Karunagappally town.
Mayyanad
Mayyanad is famous for numerous Hindu and Muslim shrines. It is almost 10 kilometers away from Kollam town. A temple dedicated to Lord Subramanian is the main attraction of this place. Besides, this destination has several old churches and an old mosque to draw people.
Palaruvi Waterfalls is another great picnic spot in Kollam located on the Kollam-Shencottah Road. It is nestled at an altitude of almost 300 feet at Palaruvi. The best time to watch the beauty of this waterfall is from June to January.
How To Reach Kollam
Thiruvananthapuram airport is the nearest airport to Kollam which is around 70 kilometers away. You can take buses or hire taxis to reach Kollam from the airport. Kollam has a railway station with good connectivity to all the major cities of India. Excellent road connectivity is another great attraction of this tourist destination. Both private and government operate ferry service between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.