Kollam City Or Kollam Kerala

Kollam, one of the oldest sea ports on the Malabar Coast was a flourishing centre of trade and commerce and had trade links with the Arab, China, Greek, Roman and later on with Portuguese, Dutch and British.  Early travellers mentioned it as the largest port in the world and its market as one of the finest in India.  The historic town is still an important centre for cashew trading and processing industry.  Over thirty per cent of Kollam is covered by Ashtamudi lake, making it the southern gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.

Kollam Tourist Places

Ashtamudi Lake

The scenic lake amidst red cliffs and swaying palms, stretches northwards from Kollam town.  The huge lake is named ‘Ashtamudi’ as it branches off into 8 creeks.  The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the back waters of Kerala. It also provides extensive facilities for retting coconut husks which makes the district a hub of coir industry.  Chinese fishing nets add to the spectacular scenic beauty of the lake.


Kochupilamodu Beach

The model park at the beach is worth a visit.

Crafts Festival

The annual festival in December - January features the works of master craftsmen from all over the country.

Thangasseri (5km)

It is known for the churches and bungalows built during the colonial era.  The 44m high lights house is the special attraction of the town.

Thirumullavaram Beach (6km)

It is yet another attraction of Kollam.

Picnic Village

This centre of recreational activities is located at Ashramam, along the backwater front.  The tourist complex has a 200 year old Govt Guest House, Adventure Park, Tourist Boat Club, Children’s Traffic Park and Yatri Nivas.

The backwaters

The beautiful backwaters are the very essence of Kerala.  Cruises on the lovely backwaters are a must for every visitor coming to this part of the world.  Water crafts travelling at a leisurely peace along narrow shady canals and palm fringed lakes provides a close-up view of rural Kerala.  Daily backwater tours are conducted by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).  The most popular backwater tour is from Kollam, situated between Ashtamudi Lake and the Arabian Sea to Alappuzha on the edge of Vembanad Lake.  Traditional Kettuvallams or ‘boat with knots’, earlier used for transport and cargoe have been converted into exotic houseboats for leisure trips.  These house boats have all the comforts of a good hotel and are becoming very popular among tourists.

Kollam City Distance Guide

Kollam Changannassery 69 Km
Kollam Guruvayur 220 Km
Kollam Kaladi 168 Km
Kollam Kalpetta 400 Km
Kollam Kannur 414 Km
Kollam Kasaragod 503 Km
Kollam Kochi 148 Km
Kollam Kodungallor 182 Km
Kollam Alappuzha 84 Km
Kollam Kottayam 87 Km
Kollam Kovalam 76 Km
Kollam Kozhikode 328 Km
Kollam Malappuram 282 Km
Kollam Munnar 229 Km
Kollam Muvattupula 141 Km
Kollam Painavu 185 Km
Kollam Palakkad 283 Km
Kollam Sabarimala 126 Km
Kollam Shoranur 254 Km
Kollam Sultan Bathery 425 Km
Kollam Thalassery 392 Km
Kollam Thiruvananthapuram 63 Km
Kollam Thrissur 222 Km
Kollam Vaikam 123 Km