Introduction:
The district is a leading center for fishing in Kerala and is home to the largest fresh water lake in Kerala – Sasthamcottah. A boat cruise starting from the Ashtamudi backwaters in Kollam to backwater networks in the adjoining district of Alappuzha and further is a delightful experience. Kollam is considered as one of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast and has long been drawing the attraction of international countries. The town served as the leading spice market in the medieval and modern times. The name of the place that is Kollam is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word Kollam meaning pepper.

Photo Credit: Thangaraj Kumaravel

Destination Facts:
 

Location: Kerala, In District Kollam
Altitude: 8880 Meters
Area: 58.18 Sq. Km.
Temperature: (summer 25 to 32°C) & (winter 18 to 25°C)
Languages spoken: Malayalam, English and Tamil

Getting there:

Nearest Airports: Trivandrum International Airport and Cochin International Airport is are the nearest airport.
Main Railway Station: Kollam is well connected by train to Cochin and Trivandrum.
Main Bus Station or Road: KSRTC buses are plenty which are connecting all the major cities in Kerala.
 

Distance of a few Major Towns from Kollam:
Mayyanad-9km, Paravur-12km, Munroturuttu-15km, Kayankulam Junction-40km

Eating Around:
Kozhivarutharacha Curry, Muthira Thoran, Carrot Payasam, Soft Chappathi, Ilameer Payasam

Places of Tourist interest:

Thevally Palace:
Thevally palace was used by the kings for meetings with the British. Built around 200 years ago during the reign of Rani Gauri Parvati Bai, this architectural beauty is nestled amid hills on three sides.
Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard- Located amid the northern backwaters of Kollam, Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard is near Karunagappally. The famous kettuvalloms or houseboats are crafted here. This area of Alumkadavu is also famous for coir making.

Ashtamudi Backwaters:
To enjoy the beauty & serenity of the Ashtamudi backwaters, DTPC organizes many cruises along the backwaters.

Mahatma Gandhi Beach:
The beguiling Mahatma Gandhi Beach is located 2 km from the town of Kollam. Ideal for long walks along the sea shore, the beach is calm making it ideal for bathing & swimming.

Munroe Island:
The palm fringed island of Munroe is tucked away in the backwaters of Kollam. Precious prehistoric finds of Stone Age tools & Megaliths prove the islands antiquity. Named after Colonial Munroe, a resident of the erstwhile Travancore state, the island is formed by the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake & the Kalladi River.

                                          Munroe Island

Palaruvi Falls:
The Palaruvi Waterfalls is set amid rolling hills & rich tropical forests. 'Palaruvi' literally meaning "stream of milky white foam" cascades amid serene environs, making it a perfect setting to enjoy the beauty of this bubbling waterfall.

Thangassery Beach:
This scenic beach is an ideal spot to kick back & stroll around the ruins of an old fort. The beach is also famous for its 144 ft lighthouse built by the British dating back to 1519.

Thirumullavaram Beach:
The sandy seashore of Thirumullavaram Beach is 6 km from Kollam. Pristine shores & peaceful environs, it is considered apt for sunbathing & swimming.

Adventure Park:
Scenically located amid the backwaters of Ashramam, the village has an adventure park, boating club & children's traffic park spanning across it sprawling campus.

Getting around the destination:
Auto rickshaws are found here to visit local places.

Shopping Areas & Entertainment:
Kollam is famous for creative designing in textiles as well as in jewelry. The jewelries available here are exquisitely crafted.

Best time to visit:
October to March is the best time to visit the destination.

Festivals:
Kollam Pooram is one of the most colorful festivals of Kerala celebrated in the month of April