Kollam is a city in Kerala in India.
Mentioned in Greek literature from the first century, Kollam or Quilon has been a thriving trading port for centuries. The surrounding region produces pepper (after which the city is named), cashews, coir and other agricultural products. Local communities include Christians, Muslims and Hindus. A historical Chinese population is known to exist, and the town's market is still named after them. Fishing occurs right along the coast as in other parts of Kerala. West and slightly north of the town some 5 kilometres lies a beach, on the north end of which are various European colonial-era relics, including the ruins of a fort and a few churches. There are also some old colonial buildings scattered about the town proper.
- Alumkadavu. Scenic place, with blue green stretches back water, coconut palms, back water cruise, house boats, Ayurvedic treatment centers.
- Amritapuri Asramam. A Hindu pilgrim center for worshipers of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.
- Aryankavu. Pilgrim center, old trade route for merchants from either sides of western Ghats, famous for shrine of Lord Sastha, fine sculptures and mural paintings.
- Chavara. Famous for the mineral sand and place of Catholic saint Sister Alphonsa.
- Kalayapuram. It is believed that old Kalayan royal family were ruled from this place, hence the name Kalayapuram.
- Karunagappally. Famous mosque and dome of martyrs, a unique pilgrimage center. Old military station of Kayamkulam Rajas.
- Kottarakkara. Erstwhile capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a ruling family. Famous for Kath Kali (a dance drama).
- Kundara. A prominent place in the area famous for industries.
- Mannadi. Famous as the place where Veluthampi Dalawa laid down his life.
- Mayyanad. Famous for its shrines and temples.
- Neendakara. Famous for its fisheries industries.
- Oachira, +91 476. Famous temple & mosque, a unique pilgrim center and handicraft center. Oachira padanilam was the battle field of Kayamkulam Rajas.
- Paravur. Famous for coir production center and fishing. Beautiful tourist destination, eye-catching because estuaries, backwaters and beaches.
- Sasthamcotta. Biggest freshwater lake in Kerala.
- Thangassery. Place of historical importance, with old 18th century churches, light house and remnants of Portuguese and Dutch forts.
- Thangassery Church Ruins. The ruins of a church belltower and some adjacent graves and headstones are still standing here behind some local houses. You can probably spot them from the road if you're careful, but ask around and you will likely be shown inside. The locals are Christians and speak English.
- Thangassery Fort. Some limited standing ruins of an old colonial fort. You can see two different sides of the building, the first from the harbour side (where it is visible at some distance), and the second from the opposite side. The site is slightly overgrown so beware of snakes if you venture close. An auto-rickshaw from the Main Road bus stop cost ₹50. Free.
- Thangassery Lighthouse. 3-5PM. A modern lighthouse in a historic Christian quarter of town that is possible to climb in the afternoons. Best to combine with the Thangassery Fort, as the two sites are in easy and shaded walking distance. Small fee.
- Thenmala, 66 km east of Kollam (on the way to Shencottah, it is also reachable from Trivandrum. Dam site with dense forest is famous for eco tourism.
- Jatayu Earth Center, Jatayu Nature Park Road, Jatayu Junction, Chadayamangalam, +91 4702477077,+91 9072588713, +91 9072088122. 10am-8pm. This rock-theme nature park has a sculpture of Jatayu, a bird that is a character in the epic Ramayana on top of a mountain. It is the world’s largest bird sculpture (200 feet (61 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) broad, 70 feet (21 m) in height. You can take a cable car ride to the sculpture. The view from the gondola is nice, and the sculpture is worth a look. Many other facilities are planned, but not yet open to the public. There will be a museum inside the sculpture and a temple to Rama. As of Jan 2019, the helicopter ride advertised on the website was not actually available. A food court where you can purchase snacks is also available - try the vazhaniyala appam, the vegetable cutlets and the banana fries - all of these are very tasty. There is a "12D" show at the cable car station that costs extra. Rs.400 + tax for cable car and sculpture visit. Tickets MUST be purchased online..
Alumkadavu. Scenic place, with blue green stretches back water, coconut palms, back water cruise, house boats, Ayurvedic treatment centers.
Amritapuri Asramam. A Hindu pilgrim center for worshipers of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.
Aryankavu. Pilgrim center, old trade route for merchants from either sides of western Ghats, famous for shrine of Lord Sastha, fine sculptures and mural paintings.
Chavara. Famous for the mineral sand and place of Catholic saint Sister Alphonsa.
Kalayapuram. It is believed that old Kalayan royal family were ruled from this place, hence the name Kalayapuram.
Karunagappally. Famous mosque and dome of martyrs, a unique pilgrimage center. Old military station of Kayamkulam Rajas.
Kottarakkara. Erstwhile capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a ruling family. Famous for Kath Kali (a dance drama).
Kundara. A prominent place in the area famous for industries.
Mannadi. Famous as the place where Veluthampi Dalawa laid down his life.
Mayyanad. Famous for its shrines and temples.
Neendakara. Famous for its fisheries industries.
Oachira, +91 476. Famous temple & mosque, a unique pilgrim center and handicraft center. [[Oachira]] padanilam was the battle field of Kayamkulam Rajas.
Paravur. Famous for coir production center and fishing. Beautiful tourist destination, eye-catching because estuaries, backwaters and beaches.
Sasthamcotta. Biggest freshwater lake in Kerala.
Thangassery. Place of historical importance, with old 18th century churches, light house and remnants of Portuguese and Dutch forts.
Thangassery Church Ruins. The ruins of a church belltower and some adjacent graves and headstones are still standing here behind some local houses. You can probably spot them from the road if you're careful, but ask around and you will likely be shown inside. The locals are Christians and speak English.
Thangassery Fort. Some limited standing ruins of an old colonial fort. You can see two different sides of the building, the first from the harbour side (where it is visible at some distance), and the second from the opposite side. The site is slightly overgrown so beware of snakes if you venture close. An auto-rickshaw from the Main Road bus stop cost ₹50. Free.
Thangassery Lighthouse. 3-5PM. A modern lighthouse in a historic Christian quarter of town that is possible to climb in the afternoons. Best to combine with the Thangassery Fort, as the two sites are in easy and shaded walking distance. Small fee.
Thenmala, 66 km east of Kollam (on the way to Shencottah, it is also reachable from Trivandrum. Dam site with dense forest is famous for eco tourism.
Jatayu Earth Center, Jatayu Nature Park Road, Jatayu Junction, Chadayamangalam, +91 4702477077,+91 9072588713, +91 9072088122. 10am-8pm. This rock-theme nature park has a sculpture of Jatayu, a bird that is a character in the epic Ramayana on top of a mountain. It is the world’s largest bird sculpture (200 feet (61 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) broad, 70 feet (21 m) in height. You can take a cable car ride to the sculpture. The view from the gondola is nice, and the sculpture is worth a look. Many other facilities are planned, but not yet open to the public. There will be a museum inside the sculpture and a temple to Rama. As of Jan 2019, the helicopter ride advertised on the website was not actually available. A food court where you can purchase snacks is also available - try the vazhaniyala appam, the vegetable cutlets and the banana fries - all of these are very tasty. There is a "12D" show at the cable car station that costs extra. Rs.400 + tax for cable car and sculpture visit. Tickets MUST be purchased online..
It's basically eating/shopping/sightseeing. Don't swim in the water as there's a large amount of unprocessed sewerage that goes in to it from locals who crap on the beach.
- Munroe Island Canoe Tours, Chittumala Rd (Northeast of Kollum, +91 904 817 6186. Vijeesh runs canoe tours which are an excellent way to explore Munroe Island. You get to go places that the house boats can't and will literally be going through the village and get to see life there. He has great English and an excellent personality. Also runs a home stay on the island. Rickshaw ~₹400 from Kollam or local train, contact him via email/phone for train details. ₹300 pp.
Munroe Island Canoe Tours, Chittumala Rd (Northeast of Kollum, +91 904 817 6186. Vijeesh runs canoe tours which are an excellent way to explore Munroe Island. You get to go places that the house boats can't and will literally be going through the village and get to see life there. He has great English and an excellent personality. Also runs a home stay on the island. Rickshaw ~₹400 from Kollam or local train, contact him via email/phone for train details. ₹300 pp.
- Joy Allukas. 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM. For clothes, gold, footwear etc.
- Kairali Handicraft. 10 AM to 5 PM. Handicraft from Kerala.
- RP Mall. 10 AM to 11 PM. Carnival multiplex, Devi and Jajji's beauty salon, Reliance footprint & Trends for clothes, Fab India, Blackberry, Food Court, Game Zone
Joy Allukas. 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM. For clothes, gold, footwear etc.
Kairali Handicraft. 10 AM to 5 PM. Handicraft from Kerala.
RP Mall. 10 AM to 11 PM. Carnival multiplex, Devi and Jajji's beauty salon, Reliance footprint & Trends for clothes, Fab India, Blackberry, Food Court, Game Zone
- Hotel Bright, Kottiyam, Kollam.. Famous for their mutton chops.
Hotel Bright, Kottiyam, Kollam.. Famous for their mutton chops.
- Hotel Sea Palace. 10 PM to 11 PM. It has a bar.
- Hotel Sudarshan. 10 AM to 11 PM. It has a bar.
Hotel Sea Palace. 10 PM to 11 PM. It has a bar.
Hotel Sudarshan. 10 AM to 11 PM. It has a bar.
You could leave for Alleppy, Cochin or Trivandrum.
Buses and trains head in all directions.