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>> Kerala Cities >>Kollam
of Kerala
Kollam
- Kerala
Area:
2579 sq. km. Population:
2,379,285 Altitude:
sea level
Located 71 Km to the
north of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam is the centre of the country's
cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports of
the Malabar coast. Kollam was once the port of international trade.
Thirty percent of this historic town is covered by the renowned
Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters
of Kerala. The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is
the longest and most enchanting experience of the backwaters of
Kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and
a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural
style
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Places
To Visit
Thangasseri :
This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old
Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The
Thangasseri lighthouse which is 144 feet high, is open to visitors
from 15:30 - 17:30 hrs. There are buses at 15 minutes intervals from
Kollam town.
Thirumullavaram Beach:
This secluded beach is beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus
connections to the town.
Mayyanad : is
noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine
temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. This shrine is
said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu Philosopher Sree
Sankaracharaya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to mayyanad.
Sasthamkotta :
This vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three sides, is
the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple which
lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. There
are frequent bus services from Kollam. Accommodation is available at
the PWD Rest House.
Ochira :
The
unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no
deity or idol at the famous Para Brahma temple dedicated to
universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day
'Panthrandu Vilakku' in November/December are the two main annual
festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men
dressed as warriors an the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a
martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and
shields, and splashing water every direction. There are frequent
buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.
Kulathupuzha :
Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram-Shenkottai
road, Kulathupuzha is known for Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam
in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent
buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is
just 10 Km from here.
Thenmala :
The
area is covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations. An Eco
Tourism Development Project is under implementation here. Thenmala
is also a dam site.
Palaruvi Waterfalls :
Palaruvi which means "milky stream" makes its "milky
way" down the rocks, falling from a height of 300 feet. The
Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. There are frequent buses
to Ariankavu from Kollam. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC
Motel offer comfortable accommodation.
Matha
Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu :
The residence and
headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, is situated at
Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The Ashram is accessible both by road
and boat.
Jatayupara :
A
huge rock at Chadayamangalam takes its name from the mythical bird 'Jatayu'
in the epic Ramayana, who is believed to have collapsed on the rock
after failing in his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita.
Thirumullavaram Beach:
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 is also has good bathing facilities.
Kolattupuzha:
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.
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. Closeby is Tenmalai, the headquarters of this forest
division. A large number of tea and rubber estates can be found
here.
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