Located to the north of Trivandrum and just 70km away, Kollam is famous for cashew exporting. This district witnessed the major port on the Malabar Coast for spice trading in the past. Eastern side is bordered by the Sahya Mountains & Western with Arabian Sea. Malayalam Era, the calendar which is also called Kollavarsham, literally means “Year or Kollam”. Kollavarsham is still continued as the traditional calendar of Kerala. Even now, the Malayalam language word “Kollam” is an alternate word for “Year”. Kollam was once the headquarters for the revenue division of the ancient Travancore province. There are many aspects which are renowned for the beauty of this place. Industrially, the district is known for its Titanium, China Clay & Mineral Sands. Ramanattam Kathakali, an ancient art form has been introduced in this district.
Kollam Town
– 71km away from Trivandrum
Kollam District headquarters is located here and was popular among the trading centre in the past. Even now it stands as one of the major commercial centre of Kerala state. The entire town was designed & built by Syrians and proof of foreign influence on Kerala.
Paravur Beach
Paravur is connected by road and rail which makes easier for people to reach here.
Kochupilamoodu
Another small beach which is yet to be explored.
Sasthamkotta
19km away from Kollam
Sasthamcottah Lake is much famous out here, as it’s one of the biggest fresh water lakes in the state. Greenery makes this location perfect & picturesque due to the wid array of coconut trees. This place is also known for pilgrimage. Many ayurvedic centres at resorts around provides various treatments including quick rejuvenation massages.
Krishnapuram Palace Museum
This is one of the monuments which can be called “The Pride of Kerala” coz of the Kerala architecture & it’s maintained in such a way how it looked in the past. Visiting times are between 1000 – 1700hrs daily except Monday as it’s closed.
Alumkadavu
-23km away from Kollam
A village near backwaters where houseboats (Kettuvallom) are constructed. Earlier the houseboats were used for cargo transport purpose and now a day it’s being used for tourists for overnight stay at Alleppey & Kumarakom. More or less similar to a hotel, this would have a living room; air conditioned bedroom, dining room, balcony & toilets. Once can visit this place to watch how it’s being constructed. Few houseboat cruises starts from here to Alleppey.
PALARUVI
75km away from Kollam
One of the must visit destination to watch Palaruvi Waterfalls. Palaruvi means Stream of Milk as the water flowing down from heights in the forest is very clear.
Thirumullavaram Beach
5km away from Kollam
One among the major tourist attraction is Thirumullavaram Beach. Suitable for swimming & bathing coz of the friendly waves and clear water. Accommodation options are also available near the beach.
Mahatma Gandhi Beach
-This beach gets its crowd to watch sunset. People can spend time in a park adjacent to the beach.
Ashramam Picnic Village
– 2 kms away from the Kollam town
Another ideal location to go with family especially for children. This picnic area comprises a guest house, amusement park with joy rides, a traffic park etc. Breathtaking view from this park as it’s surrounded by backwaters. Other activities include boating which can be hired from the boat jetty.
Tangasseri
5km away from Kollam
Considered as an antique showroom. Buildings, Churches etc located here are monuments which give the memory of 18th century & ancient architecture. Major attraction is the 144ft high colossal lighthouse built in 1902. Many forts which were built by foreigners during colonialisation are also magnificent.
Thenmala
– 66km away from Kollam
“Honey Hills”, the meaning of Malayalam word Thenmala. A small beautiful village with breathtaking views located at the foot of the Sahyadri Ranges. Thick forests, wide area is covered with plantations like tea and rubber, home to plants & wide range of animals. Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is located here near the Thenmala Dam. Thenmala is famous for Eco Tourism projects. An open air musical dancing fountain is a major attraction along with an Eco Park for children. Families can spend time at Tree Houses at the Deer Rehabilitation Center to spot different types of deer in the forest. River side trekking along with night tented camps are also possible during season.
Thazhava
Another village near Ochira, where mat making can be spotted. Localites here make mats from the leaves of screw pine. Another archeological important area called Maruthookulangara & Pallikkulam, from where an ancient idol of Buddhawas was excavated.
