State : Kerala 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. Today it is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. 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 honoured proverb once you see Kollam, you will not need home any more.

The eight hour boat trip between kollam and allappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. 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.


Place to See
Ochira (34 km north of Kollam town)
The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku in November/December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.

Sasthamkotta
Sasthamkotta is largest freshwater lake in Kerala and is surrounded by hills on three sides except on the south side, where a bund has been constructed separating the lake from the neighbouring rice fields. The ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. A large part of the lake has been reclaimed for agriculture. The source of water is from the underground sprouts.

Jatayupara
A huge rock at Chadayamangalam takes its name from the mythical bird `Jatayu' in the epic Ramayana, who is believed to have collapsed on the rock after failing in his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita.

Thirumullavaram Beach
Located at a distance of 6 km from the Kollam town, the Thirumullavaram Beach is a beautiful picnic center and has frequent bus connections to the town. Roughly 6km north of Kollam, Thirumullavaram is a beautiful beach that's well linked by road and with good facilities. You can visit this beach on your Kollam tour.

Aryankavu
Aryankavu, situated about 73 km east of Kollam, is an important pilgrim center. The chief attraction of Aryankavu is the shrine dedicated to Lord Sastha. The temple has some fine sculptures and mural paintings. Thousands of pilgrims flock to this temple during the Mandala puja and Thrikalyanam festivals in December. The place is connected with trains and buses from the city of Quilon. A big waterfall, falling from a height of 300 feet, is situated around 5 km from Aryankavu. The fall is known as Palaruvi, which means river of milk. The scenic beauty, with the hills, valleys and cascades, covered with dense tropical forests, is breathtaking.

Amritapuri
Amritapuri located at 110 kms from capital of Kerala. It is popularly known as the 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. For reaching here either you can take a bus or train from Kayamkulam (12 km north of Amritapuri) and Karunagappally (10 km south). The two closest airports are in Trivandrum (110 km south of Amritapuri) and in Cochin (140 km north).


How to Reach
Air : Nearest Airport Madurai(140 km) / Cochin is (190 km).

Train : Kollam station, enroute Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore line. Stop for all services.

Road : Kanniyakumari is well connected by road.