KOVALLAM

Kollam town, the headquarters of Kollam district and Kollam taluk, has a hoary past.  It was an international emporium of trade and even now it is a prosperous commercial centre.  It is situated about 71 Kms. north of Thiruvavanathapuram and is linked by rail, road and backwater transport. 

The town edges with the famous Ashtamudi lake.  Many a foreign traveler has visited Kollam in early medieval period.  It was one of the early centres of Christian activity in Kerala.  It is said that the present town of Kollam was built by the Syrian Merchant; Sapir Iso, in the 9th Century A.D.  The popularity of Kollam has been established by the time honored proverb once you see Kollam, you will not need home any more. Kollam is an important commercial, industrial and trading centre.  It is also the headquarters of Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation

The 144 ft. Thangassery Light House, built in 1902, is a centre of attraction.  The Ananda Valleswaram Temple here, attracts people on almost all days.  There are several Churches and Mosques in and around Kollam.  The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D.  One of the oldest and most important Mosques in the Chinnakkada Palli.  The Thangal Kunju Musliar College of Engineering, the first of its kind in the private sector in the state,  is at Kilikolloor, about 7 Kms. east of Kollam town.

Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic Village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing,  Mahatma Gandhi beach lies just 2 Kms. from the town.  It is fascinating place for an evening.  Thirumullawaram Beach is 5 kms. from the town.  The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing.  Asramam picnic village is located in the 48 acre Guest House Complex.  This is the centre of various tourism development activities of the district

The Government Guest House here is 200 years old.  It stands along Ashtamudi lake and is a major attraction for its elegance rates. The adventure park, located in the shores of the Ashtamudi backwaters, is a novel experiment in the country.  Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats, are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the Adventure Park.  A budget hotel for tourists, Yatri Nivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village.  The village is just 2 kms. away from the town.