Kollam
is located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic
coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of
the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international trading
point in day gone by. The district also has some interesting historic
remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate
architectural style. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is
the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. The district which is the center
of the country's cashew trading and processing industry also has some
interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the
traditional ornate architectural style.
Place
to visit
- Mayyanad
(10 km south of Kollam town): Mayyanad is
noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine
temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. The shrine is
said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree
Sankaracharya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Mayyanad.
- Thirumullavaram Beach
(6 km north of Kollam town):
This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent
bus connections to the town.
- Kulathupuzha
(64 km from Kollam town): Situated on a
forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road,
Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in
April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses
from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10
km from here.
- Picnic Village
This village located at Ashramam,
along the backwater front, is the main centre of recreational
activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House, an
Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a
Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.
- Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple
(11 km from
Chadayamangalam): This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram -
Kottayam MC Road is an idyllic example of rock cut temple
architecture.
- Rameshwara Temple
This temple which shows Pandyan
influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the
12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in this
temple give one the impression that the creatures are animate and
actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.
How to reach
- Air
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram (71 km)
- Rail
Kollam is an important railhead of the Southern
Railways. (Railway enquiry Ph: 131)
- Road
An excellent road network links Kollam to all
major towns and cities in Kerala.
- Ferry services
The ferry station is adjacent to the
central bus station (3 km from the railway station)
Copyright © Green Paradize. All Rights Reserved
Backwaters
of Kollam