Kollam, the headquarters of this district is an old seaport town on the banks of the Ashtamudi lake. It was once a flourishing port where the Arab, Greek, Roman and later the Portuguese, Duch and British came to trade. Kollam is today a busy, friendly city where cashew and pepper are still transported in little country boats in its cool and placid backwaters.

Ashtamudi Lake
The Ashtamudi lake, surrounded by red cliffs and swaying coconut palms, still bears traces of its former links with China. Here, graceful Chinese fishing nets hang over the lake, as covered country boats ply the backwaters can be an unforgettable experience.

Kochupilamoodu Beach
The model park at this beach is a major tourist attraction.

Tangasseri Light House(5 Km)
The 44 meter high light house here has a power light which is visible at a distance of about 29 Km out in the Arabian Sea. Tangasseri is also a place of historical importance as ruined fortifications and ancient churches built in the 18th Century can also be found here.
Light House Timings 15.30 hrs to 17.30 hrs.

Thirumullavaram Beach (6 Km)
This beautiful beach, filled with coconut palms is ideal for an early morning walk as one can see fishermen gliding into the sea for the day's catch. The beach also has good bathing facilities.

Excursions

Ariankavu (80 Km)
Once an important trade route for merchants from either side of the Western Ghats, the chief attraction here is the shrine dedicated to Lord Sastha. The annual temple festival held in December attracts thousands of devotees. About 5 Km away from Ariankavu is the Palaravi waterfalls. Falling from an altitude of 300 feet, the sceneray around this place is truly enchanting.

Kolattupuzha (64 Km)
This picturesque evergreen valley is an important forest range famous for its elephants. There is also an ancient Sastha Temple on the right bank of the Kolattupuzha river.

Ochira (34 Km)
An important pilgrim center, Oachira is famous for its Kali festivals held in June and November/December. It is also an important handicraft centre, famous for its fancy articles made of screw-pine mat.

Sasthankotta (29 Km)
The extensive freshwater lake here is the largest of its kind in Kerala. This picturesque lake is the source of the Kollam water supply scheme. An ancient Sastha temple is also located here.

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
Formed around the Kallada Irrigation Project, the Shenduruny valley is one of the richest floral areas of Kerala. Elephant, tiger, leopard, bear and the lion-tailed macaque can be found here. Closely is Tenmalai, the headqurters of this forest division. A large number of tea and rubber estates can be found here.

How to get here !

Kollam is an important rail head of the Southern Railway. It is also connected by good motorable roads with various parts of the state. Ferry services from Kollam are available to the neighbouring costal towns. The nearest airport is at Thiruvanthapuram, 66 Km from here.