Kollam (earlier Quilon), 72 km off Thiruvananthapuram, is a trade-nerve in Southern Kerala. Its trading-tradition dates back to early centuries when Chinese, Greeks, Arabs and Romans haunted the shore for ship-loading Kerala spices and produces. Today Kollam is the major cashew trading and processing centre in the country. Also a hub of marine industry.
Tourist Spots
Kollam - Alappuzha backwaters
Alumkadavu : A traditional boat-building centre.
Thankassery Light House : Century-old light house at Thankassery beach. Remains of colonial culture are visible. Anglo-Indian families are concentrated here.
Neendakara : A major fishing harbour in Kerala. Centre of Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community Project, since 1953.
Sasthamkotta : The biggest freshwater lake in Kerala and picturesque Sasthamkotta temple.
henmala : Reservoir, wildlife sanctuary, eco-tourism centre.
Palaruvi waterfalls : 35 kilometers east of Punalur on Kollam - Shenkottah road.
Conveyance
Air: The nearest airport, Thiruvananthapuram, 72km away.
Rail: Kollam station, enroute Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore line. Stop for all services.
Road: N H 47 goes via the district, touching Kollam town. MC road, parallel to the National Highway connects Kollam with Kottayam.