All India Tours
Travel to Kollam
Overview
Kollam: The Cashew Capital of India
Cuddled between the eight cornered Ashtamudi Lake and Lakshadweep sea, is a shimmering backwater world of Kollam. Once an important centre for spice trade and a concealed gateway to Kerala backwaters, Kollam today is a heartland of Cashew processing industries, giving it the nickname, Cashew Capital Of India.
Earlier known as Desinganadu, the town had a long persistent reputation from the times of Phoenicians and Romans. Ibn Battuta, a famous Moroccan explorer had once said that Kollam is one of the 5 ports, which he had explored during the course of his 24 years long journey in the 14th century. Kollam once had a flourished Chinese settlement and Merchant Sulaiman Of Siraf in Persia found it to be the only port in India to be touched by such big groups of Chinese people.
Following are the main attractions of Kollam:
Thangasseri: Once a favourite settlement of the Portuguese, Thangasseri is a seaside village spread over 99 acres of land. Thangasseri which literally means gold village, is situated 5km away from Kollam town and has the ruins of old Portuguese forts built in 1517. The noted attraction here is a 112 years old Lighthouse, which gives a scenic view of the sea from the top. Visitors are allowed to enter only between 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm to this lighthouse.
Sasthamkotta: 19 km away from the Kollam town is this freshwater lake called Sasthamkotta that interestingly, neither freezes in winter nor dries up in summer. The lake is a source of drinking water to 10 million people throughout the year and hence pollution causing mechanized boating is not permitted in it. An ancient Sastha Temple which stands on the bounds of this lake is also a major draw for the Hindu pilgrims.
Ashtamudi Backwaters: Lauded for its serene beauty, Ashtamudi backwaters is the second largest lake in Kerala. Ashtamudi literally means eight branches in the local dialect. Eight water channels empty themselves in the womb of Ashtamudi giving it this name. The grooves of coconut trees and palm trees is an added beauty to the place.
Munroe Village: Carved out by the water of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallanad river, Munroe village is a small island named after a British resident of old Travancore, Colonel Munroe. Endowed with a number of criss cross canals and water channels, the island is the home to many colourful migratory birds.
Puthenkulam Elephant village: When you visit Kollam, do not miss the exciting elephant ride to Puthenkulam Village. Every year more than 10000 visitors come here to enjoy a day with elephants. Travellers can feed and bath the elephants. Trekking and ride on elephant is also an interesting part of this village.
Excursions from Kollam: Travellers can also visit to Kulathupuza (10km), Thenmala (60km) and Ariankavu (70km).
Shopping in Kollam: Shopping in Kollam will surely give you a wholesome experience of the trip. The town is hub of India's cashew processing industry and some of the best qualities of cashews are sold here. Shoppers can explore here the world of medicinal herbs. Since Kollam is famous for its creative designing in textiles and jewellery, south Indian Saris and Jewellery can also be purchased from here.
When to reach: The best time for Kollam trip is between August to March due to its pleasant weather conditions. However, visitors can also visit during Crafts Festival held in December-January. The festival exhibits the work of craftsmen from all over the world.
How to reach:
Air: The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at Valiyathura is the closest airport to the town located about 65km away.
Rail: Reaching Kollam by rail is easier as Kollam Junction is the second largest junction in Kerala and all the major trains of south railways take a halt here.
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