Kollam, is second, only to Kodungallore in historic antiquity and was a renowned international emporium of trade of ancient Kerala. It was the capital of the powerful kingdom called 'Venad" which came into prominence in the 9th century A.D. According to some historians, the Malayalam era called the "Kollam era" was established by King Udaya Marthanda Varma, King of Kollam in 825. AD In the earliest days Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and the Chinese used to frequent the port. The descriptions by famed travellers like Marco Polo, Ibn Batuta, Sulyman of Siraf and others clearly highlighted the historical importance of Kollam as a commercial town.
Aryankavu
70 km away Kollam on the Shencotta road is the pilgrim centre in the mountains Aryankavu. A temple dedicated to Lord Sastha which has some fine sculptures and mural paintings.
Palaruvi
"Palaruvi" - Meaning River of Milk - One of the well known water falls in south India, is situated 66 km away from Kollam. The scenic beauty, complete with hills, valleys and cascades, covered with dense tropical forest, is exquisite.
Sasthamkotta
"sasthamkotta is situated 29 km from Kollam with the vast fresh water lake spreading over the valleys of several hills. Sasthamkotta Lake can truly be called the Queen of Lakes".
Oachira
Oachira is a unique pilgrim centre 32 kms from Kollam on the national high way, has a deep stamp of Advaita Philosophy. The presiding deity is the "Parabrahma", the absolute reality, the great source of all forms and phenomena which cannot be symbolised by an idol or housed in a temple. Hence there is no temple or idol for the presiding deity here. The temple festival "Oachira Kali" held in June, is a crow pulling festival.
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Jatayupara
"Jatayupapra" in Chadayamangalam on the M.C. road is a huge rock where, Jatayu, the giant bird in Ramayana fell after failing in its attempt to stop Ravana from taking Sita away. It attracts the adventure- loving and offers excellent prospects of an exhilarating hang-gliding experience. "Kulathupuzha" - Temple- on the banks of Kulathupuzha River has a large number of fish considered as sacred by the local people. "Thenmala Dam" which offers exciting opportunities for boating is 68 Kms east of Kollam.
Backwater Cruise
A full day onboard journey through the backwaters provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural life of Keralites and the scenic beauty of God's own country. A large number of foreign tourists arrive at Kollam during the season (November-March) for this 8 hrs long backwater cruise. Luxury boats of Government as well as private parties are operated from the main boat jetty during the season. Usually the trip starts at 10.30 am and reaches Alleppy at 6.00 PM. A tourist information centre of District Tourism Promotion Council is functioning at the boat jetty area from 9 am to 6 pm on all days except Sundays, to assist the tourists who arrive at the bus station and boat jetty area. Another Tourist Information Counter is also functioning at the Kollam Railway Station from 8.30 AM to 5 PM on all days except Sundays. |
