About Kollam
Kollam is a city of Kerala, located 71 Kms north of Thiruvananthapuram. One
of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast, Kollam was focal point of trade
during the Tranvancore kingdom. Today the city is a major cashew trading
centre and processing industry of the country. Kollam has one of the biggest
fresh water lakes and many places of tourist attractions. Around thirty per
cent of the Kollam district is covered by the Ashtamudi Lake, which makes it
a gateway to the Kerala Backwaters. The boat cruise between Kollam and
Alleppey backwaters, is the longest and most enchanting experience in Kerala
backwaters. The city houses the historic remnants and several temples built
in the traditional ornate architectural style.
Climate
of Kollam
The city has a tropical type of climate, which remain humid. The summers
are hot with a maximum temperature of Max 36°C and a minimum 19°C.
The summer last from April to June, followed by southwest monsoon from June
to September. The winter season is not much cold, the ideal time to visit
Kollam is October to March.
Major Attractions of Kollam
Thangasseri : This seaside village located 5 Kms from
Kollam city, has the historical importance. It houses the ruins of
Portuguese and Dutch structures. A church of 18 century also stands here.
The 3 Kms long beach of Thangasseri has a 144 ft high lighthouse, which is
open from 15.30 pm to 17.30 pm.
Thirumullavaram Beach : The beach situated 6 kms north of
Kollam, is a major attraction. Thirumullavaram beach is a picturesque picnic
spot..
Mayyand : Located 10 Kms south of Kollam, Mayyanad is
famous for its shrines and temples. Among the nine temples here, the most
important is the Subramanya temple at Umayanallor. It is said that this
shrine is have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree
Sankaracharya.
Thevalli Palace : The massive palace is located in
Sasthamkotta, 26 Kms north-east of Kollam city.
This beautiful and historically important palace is situated on the banks
of Ashtamudi Kayal backwater.
Sansthamkotta : The town is famous for one of the biggest
fresh water lake of Kerala. Sansthamkotta is also an important pilgrimage
centre and it houses the ancient Sastha temple.
Rameshwara Temple : The temple depicts the Pandyan
influence in its design. It has the Tamil inscriptions, dating from the 12th
to the 16th century.
Ochira : Located 34 Kms north of Kollam, Ochira is a
popular pilgrimage centre. What is unique about this place is that there is
no deity of idol at the famous Parabrahma temple, dedicated to Universal
consciousness. The annual festivals of Ochira Kali and the Pantharandu
Vilakku are the major attractions of Ochira.
Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum : The museum is the
memorial of King Kottarakkara Thambrum, the father of the Kathakali dance.
The museum has the collection of various models of Kathakali like the
Kathakali classes and ornaments, rare musical instruments, sculptures,
models of Mohiniyattam and other classical dances, 108 natya Kiranangal
(Dance Sings) etc.
Shopping
In Kollam the items to buy are traditional south Indian textiles, jewellery
and numerous handloom and handicraft items.
How To Reach
Air : Nearest airport from Kollam is Thiruvananthapuram
International Airport (71 Kms).
Rail : Kollam railway station is the major railhead of
Southern railways, the trains from major cities of the country are available
to Kollam.
Road : The excellent road network connects Kollam with
major cities of Kerala and other cities of the country.
Accommodation
The city has several hotels and resorts, which provide the best
accommodation facilities. The hotel range from luxury to budget hotels,
offer excellent view of the natural surroundigs. Some of the famous hotels
are Aquaserene, Hotel Railview, Hotel See Bee, Hotel Sudarsan and Nila
Palace etc.
