Planning to spend your vacation in a place blessed with natural beauty, beaches,
waterfalls, historical importance and places to worship? Costal city Kollam would be an ideal
location.
Ashtamudi Lake, British Light House, Thenmala Eco Tourism, Thenmala Deer Park Sasthamkotta
Fresh Water Lake, Palaruvi Waterfalls and Thirumullavaram Beach are major tourist attractions in
the district.
Besides, Rameshwara Temple, Ochira Parabrahma Temple, Kulathupuzha Sastha temple are major
Hindu religious places to visit.
Entitled as the ‘Cashew Capital of the World”, Kollam is the largest processed cashew exporter in the
world. This region of the state of Kerala imports about 800,000 tonnes of raw cashes every year and
exports 130,000 tonnes of processed cashews all over the world.
Let’s take a tour to major tourist attractions of Kollam district.
Surrounded by greenery and rich with vegetation, the Ashtamudi Lake is a gateway to the Kerala backwaters. Palm and coconut trees decorate the banks of the lake, offering a visual treat to eyes. History says, the lake functioned as a port during the Chera Dynasty to bring fortunes to the Kollam city. Kollam was also one of the four early ports engaged in sea trading during 13th century. Malacca in Malaysian archipelago, Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt and the Chinese city of Quanzhou are the rest. Another interesting fact about the lake is that its clam fishery is the first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fishery in India. The fishery employs around 3,000 people. House boat trips or boat cruise are the best ways to immerse in the beauty of Ashtamudi Lake. Kayal Pradakshina Cruise and Sayanthanam Sunset Cruise are popular cruises in the terrain.
Named after the ancient Sastha temple located on its bank, the Sasthamkotta Fresh Water Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala. Located 25 kilometres from Kollam, the temple is an important religious and pilgrim centre in the city. Bus services are available from Kollam and PWD Rest House in the area offers accommodation to visitors.
Thenmala, the first planned eco-tourism destination in India, is located 66 kilometres away from Kollam. Surrounded by tea and rubber plantations, Thenmala is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. ThenmalaDam or Parappar Dam is in the near vicinity, which is a key part of the Kallada Irrigation Project. To those who prefer little bit adventures, Thenmala offers boating, rope bridge, biking, trekking etc. A deer park, home to Sambar Deer, the Spotted Deer and the Lawn Deer, also functions in Thenmala. Tree tops huts are another highlight.
The very sight of this waterfall makes the name Palaruvi meaningful. Identified as one of the highest waterfalls in the country, water falls from a height of 300 feet to form the ‘milky stream’. It is one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Buses from Ariankavu will take sightseers to the location. PWD Inspection Bungalow and KTDC Motel are there to ensure your comfortable stay.
Apart from waterfalls and lakes, Kollam also owns a large part of sea shores. Thirumullavaram Beach is one of the beautiful beaches in the region. Just 6 kilometres away from Kollam town, the beach is ideal place to rejoice..
Kollam is not just famous for its backwaters, but also known for its pilgrim spots. Ochira Parabrahma temple and Kulathupuzha Sastha Temple are two famous Hindu religious places not that far from the city centre. The universal consciousness is worshipped at Ochira. The annual festival called Ochira Kali comes in the month of June and the traditional Panthrandu Vilakku dates sometime between November and December. Similarly, Kulathupuzha Sastha temple hosts Vishu Mahotsavam in April-May months. The temple situates on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road. Visitors can reach there either by bus from Kollam or in train. Thenmala railway station is at just 10 kilometers distance.
Rameshwara Temple, one among the 108 Shivalayams, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the Pandian architectural style, the temple is believed to have built in the 12th century. An idol of Vyala, a mythical monster, at the temple is worth to watch.
Villages named in the title are unique in their own ways. Chavara is located between the Arabian sea and Ashtamudi Lake. This industrialized zone is famous for its mineral deposits. Indian Rare Earths, The Kerala Premo Pipe factory, Kerala Mineral and Metal factory and Titanium Complex operates from here. Meanwhile, Thangasseri carries the remains of an old Portuguese fort and dating back to 18th century. A light house, open to visitors from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, is also in the watch list. Stretched on the banks of the Paravur Lake and also the coast of Arabian Sea is the village called Mayyanad. This seaside village is religiously important for Hindus as the Subramanya temple here is believed to have sanctified by Sree Sankaracharya. Paravooor is also a seaside village surrounded by water bodies. KTDC runs a beach resort here. A water sports project by Kollam DTPC will be operational soon.
A childrens park named Asramam Picnic Village is yet another place to visit in Kollam. The Quilon District Tourist Promotion Council runs seasonal Backwater cruises from the spot. the park showcases mangrove forest, various sculptures and so many things to spend your special days with near and dear ones.
Dated back to the British Raj, a Light House is stands tall at Thangasseri. Built in the year 1902 by Britons, the 144 feet tall tower can be seen from a distance of 13 miles in the sea. Remainings of a fort made by Portuguese in 1517 is also in the neighbourhood.
