One of the Kerala’s leading trade hubs, Kollam is the centre of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. Extolled by Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta in glowing terms, this famous port on the Malabar Coast was once part of the international spice trade. Thirty percent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. Board a houseboat to enjoy the lush landscape of this land. The eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala.
Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, old name of Kollam was Quilon. The district has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. The major tourist attractions in Kollam are the Ashtamudi Backwaters, Thenmala Ecotourism Centre, Palaruvi Waterfall, Jatayupara and Alumkadavu. Those who wanted to explore beaches in Kollam then they have the Kollam, Thirumullavaram and Thangasseri beaches.
