All attractions in Kollam
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1. Ashtamudi Lake--A beautiful and extensive lake known for its houseboat cruises.
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2. Kollam Beach--A tranquil beach with a bustling port and historic lighthouse.
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3. Palaruvi Falls--A magnificent waterfall known as the ‘Stream of Milk’ cascading down from 300 feet.
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4. Thenmala--An eco-tourism hotspot with lush forests and adventure activities.
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5. Thangassery Light House--A 144-foot tall lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
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6. Sasthamcotta Lake--The largest freshwater lake in Kerala, surrounded by hills and rich vegetation.
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7. Munroe Island--An island cluster at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, known for its canals and village life.
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8. Jatayu Earth’s Center--A rock theme park featuring a giant sculpture of Jatayu from the Ramayana.
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9.Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary--A sanctuary rich in biodiversity, ideal for nature walks and wildlife spotting.
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10. Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple--An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known for its historical and spiritual significance.
Zone: North
Telephone Access Code: +91 474
One of the premier trade capitals of the Old World, Kollam is the centre of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. Extolled by Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta in glowing terms, this was once a famous port of international spice trade. This historic town is home to the celebrated Ashtamudi Lake, making it a gateway to the breath-taking backwaters of Kerala. The eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The momentous decision to introduce a new Malayalam era was convened at Kollam and hence the Malayalam calendar came to be known as kollavarsham.
Tourist Information Offices:
- DTPC Tourist Information Centre, KSRTC Bus Stand Ph: 2745625
- DTPC Tourist Office, KSWTD, Boat Jetty Ph: 2745625, 2750170, Email: info@dtpckollam.com, Website: www.dtpckollam.com
- Department of Tourism - District Office, Govt. Guest House Ph: 2743620
- Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society Ph: +91 475 2344800, Website: www.thenmalaecotourism.com
Getting there
By road: Kollam KSRTC, Central Bus Station, Enquiry Ph: 2752008
By rail: Kollam is an important railhead of the Southern Railways. Kollam Junction Railway Station, Enquiry Ph: 131
By air: Thiruvananthapuram (71 km)
By water: Kollam Boat Jetty, is adjacent to the Central Bus Station (3 km from the railway station)
Geographical Information
Altitude: Sea level
Area: 2,579 sq. km
Population: 1,204,078 (2011 census)