[edit] Guide to Kollam in Kerala
Kollam’s East borders Tamil Nadu, South Thiruvanathapuram , West Arabian Sea and North Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts. Kollam has commercial and trading reputation from ancient times. Its port attracted Arabs, Portuguese, Greeks, Chinese and British for trading. Kollam is the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.Kollam is proud of keeping its tradition in tact. For grandeur, heart-stirring excitement, fun and merriment, the place is Kollam. It is an old seaport town on the banks of Ashtamudi lake. The shrines of Christian, Muslim and Hindu are built in traditional ornate architecture.
Kollam town is the district headquarters of Kollam district. Kerala’s cashew-nut industry is centered here. The town is smeared with historic tapestry. Spices, coconut palms and mesmerizing backwaters setting persuaded Marco Polo who visited here in 13th century to shower glowing tributes on Kollam. Ashtamudi lake can be seen standing at the main bus stand. The lake looks unrelenting silent and stunning during moon light. Just stand on the Thevally bridge to enjoy the beauty.
All the enjoyable sights are within the radius of 10-km of the town. Thirumullavaram and Thangassery beaches, Neendakara port, Colonial relics, churches, temples and mosques among the sights other than Ashtamudi Lake are worth visiting.
Adventure Park at Ashramam, run by District Tourism Promotion Council, which is a vantage spot to overview Ashtamudi Lake, Rest House, built in 1810 in a smart blend of European and Kerala architecture brilliance are unavoidable from the tour-kit. The Residency Bunglow is a fine heritage piece with wide compound and high-ceiling rooms furnished with vintage teak furniture.
Thevally Palace, a super value heritage structure, now in the use of Public Works Department and Army, which can be viewed from Ashtamudi Lake.
Tourist Office: DTPC, at KSRTC Bus Station
DTPC at Main Boat Jetty
[edit] Accommodation in Kerala District:
- Aquaserene Backwater Resort (3 Star)
- Ashtamudi Resort at Chawara (3 Star)
- Sanoram, Chawara
- Fragrant Nature Resort
Restaurants: Several eateries are there in town, serving delicious foods.
Getting There: Air : Thiruvananthapuram Airport. Distance 67 km Rail : Kollam Junction, Access from all centres in India Road : KSRTC Bus Station. Access from all centres in Kerala
