Location	Southern Kerala, India
Area	2579 sq. km.
Altitude	Sea Level
Languages	Malayalam, English, and Hindi
Rainfall	270 cm. (Annual).
Clothing	Tropical.
Major Religions	Hindu, Muslim, Christian
Max Mean Temp	36º C, Min Mean Temp: 22º C

An old seaport on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, Quilon, 72 km away from Thiruvananthapuram. Kollam is a name that can also be substituted by cashew, the reason being that India's cashew trading and processing industry is located in Kollam. Quilon is the other name by which Kollam is known. Kollam is an interesting blend of rich heritage, diverse cultures and natural beauty. There are two major rivers flowing through the district, namely the Kallada and the Ithikkara. The Sasthamcotta Lake, the only major fresh water lake in the state is in Kollam district. Considered as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, the district takes the credit for being the hub of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. Kollam district has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. Kollam also has one of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast, once the centre of international spice trade. In ancient times Phoenicians, Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans and Chinese traded with this port. The scenic beaches of Kollam are a treat to those tired eyes and mind. But what truly makes this destination a paradise is the 900-kilometer stretch of the meandering backwaters of the Ashtamudi Lake. An eco tourism project 'thenmala' is also seen here. The eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is a most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala.

Tourist Attraction of Kollam, Kerala

• Ochira
  The famous 'parabrhma temple' is located here ,where the famous ochira mahotsav take place. The Ochira pilgrim center is also known by the name of Dakshina Kashi. Ochira Parabrahma temple is famous because of the strange rituals and practices there. The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Unlike other temples, this temple has a different architectural style too. The temple festival "Oachira Kali" held in June, is a crow pulling festival, thousands of pilgrims come to Oachirakkali for this festival. The activities include mock fights between young and old men in knee-deep water logged paddy fields. This activity aims at testing the physical strength and agility of the participants. Another festival 'Panhtrandu vilakku' which means twelve lamps , in the months of November -December which last for 12 days.
  
  
• Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
  Green valley of splendid forests, situated on the banks of the Shendurny River. At the center of the Shenduruny national park, Kerala, is an artificial lake formed by the Parappar dam and the Kulathupuzha River. The wildlife sanctuary has been named after a tree that is found here that is called Chenkuruny. You can see Elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, samba, wild boar, lion tailed macaques, languors, Nilgiri Langur, spotted deer, bonnet macaque, deer and most of the other wild animals at their natural inhibits. The Shenduruny was the cradle of one of the oldest river valley civilizations of India, which dated from 4400 BC to 3700 BC, unbelievable!!! Older than the Indus Valley Civilization.
  
  
• Thirumullavaram Beach
  On the outskirts of Kollam has a beautiful and quiet little beach filled with coconut palms .The place features a number of legends. This secluded beach is beautiful picnic spot and is also ideal for swimming or bathing in the sun . Its a suitable place for early morning walk lovers as one can see fishermen gliding into the sea for the days catch.It is connected to Quilon town by bus.
  
  
• Thenmala
  Thenmala is home to India's first planned eco-tourism project.This project is selected by World Tourism Organisation as one of the world's best eco-friendly projects. The tranquil town of Thenmala lies at a distance of 66 km from Kollam town, at the foot of the majestic Western Ghats. The town is surrounded by dense forests and a number of rubber and tea plantations. Being a cultural zone Thenmala includes an amphitheater and a musical fountain. The open-air musical dance fountain is popularly known as 'Nature dance fountain'. A Butterfly park is also there behind the fountain. Thenmala is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India.
  
  
• Sasthamkotta Lake
  Sasthamkotta is largest freshwater lake in Kerala and is surrounded by hills on three sides except on the south side, where a bund has been constructed separating the lake from the neighbouring rice fields. The highlight of this lake is that it neither gets frozen during the winter season nor does it dries up in the summers. The scenic landscape makes it an ideal picnic spot and it is also an important pilgrim center. An ancient Sastha Temple on its shores, with resident tribes of monkeys, adds sanctity to the waters. Sasthamkotta lake can truly be called the Queen of Lakes".

How to reach Kollam, Kerala

• By Air
  Located at a distance of 70 kilometers is the Trivandrum airport, which is the nearest airport from where Kollam can be reached.
  
  
• By Rail
  Kollam is an important railway station and is connected to the rest of Kerala and India through a wide network of railways.
  
  
• By Road
  Kollam has a well connected road link with all the other cities in Kerala
  
  
• By Boat
  There is frequent boat and ferry services between Kollam and Alappuzha.