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Kollam
or Quilon is the most picturesque and absorbing of the backwaters
town. It is an old sea port town on the Arabian coast, stands
on the Ashtamudi lake. It is next to paradise for nature
lovers. Being on the Kerala's one of the most historic ports,
it was a stopover for Persians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs.
A date with this town without staying overnight is like
getting married but missing the honeymoon. |
Places
to Visit
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.
Thirumullavaram
beach
(6 km north of Kollam town): This secluded beach is a
beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to
the town. 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. 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. 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. Thenmala
( 66 km east of Kollam): The area is covered by dense
forest, rubber and tea plantations. An Eco Tourism Development
Project is under implementation here. Thenmala is also a damsite. 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. 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. Picnic
Village: This village located at Ashramam, along the backwater
front, is the main centre of 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. Thangasseri
(5 km from Kollam town): 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 1530 - 1730 hrs.
There are buses at 15 minute intervals from Kollam town. 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. Kottukal
Rock Cut Cave Temple (11 km from Chadayamangalam):
This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam
MC Road is an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture. Tours ATDC
and DTPC operate Kollam - Alappuzha boat cruises (Departure:
1030 hrs from the boat jetty) Fare: Rs. 150 per person.
Half way journey from Kollam to Alumkadavu: Rs. 100 per person.
Concession offered to International Student Card holders. DTPC
backwater village cruise on country boat (0900 - 1330 hrs,
1400 - 1830 hrs) Fare: Rs. 250 per person DTPC
pleasure boating on Thenmala Lake Houseboat
cruise with Kathakali performance package Full
day houseboat cruise, Kathakali performance in the sunset
hours and night stay on board the houseboat Departure: 1300
hrs from Kollam Performance of Kathakali at Thouryathrika
performing art centre: 1600 - 1830 hrs Overnight stay: 1830
- 0630 hrs Arrival at Kollam (2nd day): 1000 hrs.
Tariff (all inclusive): Single bedroom: Rs. 5500 (130$)
Double bedroom: Rs. 7000 (165$) Kollam
- Alappuzha/Alappuzha - Kollam cruises
The internationally popular regular one way - 8 hour
- backwater cruise between Kollam and Alappuzha/Alappuzha
- Kollam is specially designed on a doubledeck cruiser. Departure:
1000 hrs from Kollam Arrival: 18:00 hrs at Alappuzha
Tariff: Adult (per person): Full way Rs. 150 (4$) Half way
- Rs. 100 (3$)
Children (below 12 years): Full way Rs. 100 (3$) Half way
Rs. 100 (3$)
International Student Card Holders: Full way Rs. 100 (3$)
Half way Rs. 100 (3$) 
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