Kollam: The Southern Gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala
Kollam (also known as Quilon), considered by many to be the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, is located 71 kms away from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Situated along the scenic Ashtamudi lake, Kollam is the best jump-off point if one intends to visit the Astamudi backwaters. Kollam has a ruich and varied history, and has been a major cultural and trade center for eons. Today, Kollam is one of Kerala’s most important cities and is a major cashew processing and coir manufacturing center.
Places to Visit in Kollam
- Kollam has long been one of the world’s most important trading centers. Though, today, the city is not considered to be among the global trading heavyweights, nevertheless this beautiful town has become a prosperous commercial center.
- Perhaps the most important tourist spot in Kollam is the Thangassery Light house that was built in the year 1902. Kollam, courtesy its prosperity, has been a major Hindu cultural center.
- The most visited temple in Kollam is the Ananda Valleeswaram temple, which is revered by devotees across India. Kollam is also one of the earliest centers of Christian activity in India.
- Consequently, there are many fine pieces of Christian architecture in Kollam. Prominent among these is the Pullichira Church that was established in the year 1700. Islam too first arrived in India through the shores of Kerala. As a result, Kollam is dotted with multiple mosques; the most famous of these is the Chinnakkada Palli.
- Kollam also provides easy access to two very popular beaches: the Mahatma Gandhi beach (located 2 kms away) and Thirumullavaram beach (located 5 kms away).
- Some of the other prominent attractions are the Children’s Traffic and Entertainment Park, designed by NATPAC and the fun-filled Adventure Park.
Kollam- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
- Languages: Malayalam and English are widely spoken in Kerala, and as such communication should not be a problem. Hindi, however, is somewhat less prevalent.
- Cuisine: Cuisine would largely be local; you can expect a lot of South Indian cuisine mostly made of coconut.
- Kollam is also one of the most important places in Kerala when it comes to Ayurvedic health treatments facilities such as spas, massage centres, yoga centres, etc.
- Kollam is very popular as one of Kerala’s main centers of cashew processing and coir manufacturing.
- Further, Kollam, due to its geography, is considered to be the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, and as such is a convenient jump-off point for any backwater tour of Kerala.
Tour operators almost always include Kollam in the Kerala tour packages they offer. Kollam is also included in many honeymoon packages.
Best time to visit Kollam
The beautiful honeymoon destination of Kollam can be visited any time of the year. However, during the monsoons, that is, between the months of June and September, Kollam experiences very heavy to heavy rainfall. Many consider the post-monsoon period to be the best time to visit Kollam as the region is lush with greenery, and also the weather is very pleasant at this time.
Kollam- Getting there
- By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (located 71 kms away), a well-equipped international airport with daily flights to and from major destinations such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Middle East, etc.
- By Rail: Kollam is one of Kerala’s most important railway stations, and almost all trains passing through have a halt here.
- By Road: Kollam is well connected to all the important cities and other beach resorts in the region.
Kollam Accommodation
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. Kollam abounds in family holiday villas, travel homes and beach resorts. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via package Kerala tours. This tourist destination is also home to some of the best 5-star hotels and spas in the country.