To the north of Thiruvananthapuram comes the district of Kollam. 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. It was formerly a renowned trading point for spice. The district is a leading center for fishing in Kerala and is home to the largest fresh water lake in Kerala – Sasthamcottah. A boat cruise starting from the Ashtamudi backwaters in Kollam to backwater networks in the adjoining district of Alappuzha and further is a delightful experience.
Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km north of Kollam town): This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.
Mayyanad (10 km south of Kollam town): Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Mayyanad.
Sasthamkotta (29 km from Kollam town): 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.
Mayyanad (10 km south of Kollam town): Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Mayyanad.
Sasthamkotta (29 km from Kollam town): 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.
Thenmala (66 km east of Kollam): Covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations, Thenmala is home to India's first planned eco-tourism project. Selected by World Tourism Organisation as one of the world's best eco-friendly projects, Thenmala has a leisure zone that includes winding pathways, a sway bridge and a boardwalk; a culture zone with an amphitheatre and a musical fountain and an adventure zone.
Palaruvi Waterfalls (75 km from Kollam town): Palaruvi which means stream of milk makes its way down the rocks, from a height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel offer comfortable accommodation. Other attractions: Trekking to the waterfalls, bathing in the river.
Picnic Village: This village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre for recreational activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.
Picnic Village: This village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre for recreational activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.
Ochira (34 km north of Kollam town):The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma Temple dedicated to the Universal Consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku (twelve lamp festival) in November/December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (battle field). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.
Kulathupuzha (64 km from Kollam town): Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the 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.
Ariankavu (70 km from Kollam town):Situated on the Kollam - Shenkottai road, Ariankavu is famous for the shrine dedicated to Sree Sastha. Mandala Pooja and Trikalyanam celebrated in the month of December are the main festivals here. There are frequent buses to Ariankavu from Kollam.
Rameshwara Temple : This temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple give one the impression that the creatures are animate and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.
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.
Kulathupuzha (64 km from Kollam town): Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the 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.
Ariankavu (70 km from Kollam town):Situated on the Kollam - Shenkottai road, Ariankavu is famous for the shrine dedicated to Sree Sastha. Mandala Pooja and Trikalyanam celebrated in the month of December are the main festivals here. There are frequent buses to Ariankavu from Kollam.
Rameshwara Temple : This temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple give one the impression that the creatures are animate and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.
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.
Crafts Festival: Held annually during December-January, this festival features the work of craftsmen from all over the country.