Attractions

Kollam town, the headquarters of Kollam district and Kollam taluk, has a hoary past.  It was an international emporium of trade and even now it is a prosperous commercial centre.  It is situated about 71 Kms. north of Thiruvavanathapuram and is linked by rail, road and backwater transport.

The town edges with the famous Ashtamudi lake.  Many a foreign traveler has visited Kollam in early medieval period.  It was one of the early centres of Christian activity in Kerala.  It is said that the present town of Kollam was built by the Syrian Merchant; Sapir Iso, in the 9th Century A.D.  The popularity of Kollam has been established by the time honoured proverb once you see Kollam, you will not need home any more. Kollam is an important commercial, industrial and trading centre.  It is also the headquarters of Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation.

The 144 ft. Thangassery Light House, built in 1902, is a centre of attraction.  The Ananda Valleswaram Temple here, attracts people on almost all days.  There are several Churches and Mosques in and around Kollam.  The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D.  One of the oldest and most important Mosques in the Chinnakkada Palli.  The Thangal Kunju Musliar College of Engineering, the first of its kind in the private sector in the state,  is at Kilikolloor, about 7 Kms. east of Kollam town.

Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic Village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing,  Mahatma Gandhi beach lies just 2 Kms. from the town.  It is fascinating place for an evening.  Thirumullawaram Beach is 5 kms. from the town.  The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing.  Asramam picnic village is located in the 48 acre Guest House Complex.  This is the centre of various tourism development activities of the district.

The Government Guest House here is 200 years old.  It stands along Ashtamudi lake and is a major attraction for its elegance rates. The adventure park, located in the shores of the Ashtamudi backwaters, is a novel experiment in the country.  Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats, are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the Adventure Park.  A budget hotel for tourists, Yatri Nivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village.  The village is just 2 kms. away from the town.
 
Jetayu Para, a huge rock, is another attraction in Kollam district. This huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C road. The name comes from the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic, fell after failing in its attempt to spot Ravana from taking sita away. The rock is ideal for trekking by the lovers of adventure. The rock can be seen from the Chadayamangalam junction. itself.

Palaruvi Water Falls The famous waterfall in Kollam District is situated at Palaruvi near Aryankavu, Kollam - Sencottah NH 208. Season to visit the places is from June to January.

Thangassery is a place of historical importance situated 5 kms. away from Kollam town.  The churches here are pretty old, having been established in the 18th century.  The chief attraction of the place is the light house, built in 1902.  The 144 ft.  light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery.  The construction of a fishing harbour is in progress.  Thangassery was an enclave of the Portuguese, Dutch and British in succession.  The remnants of the Portuguese and Dutch forts still exits.

Thenmala is the meeting point of Kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by dense forest, 66 kms east of Kollam. There are a large number of rubber and tea plantations in Thenmala. Timber of all varieties are exported from here to all parts of the country. Themala Dam site is open for tourists. Eco tourists center is situated at Thenmala. All buses passing through Kollam-Shencottah road stop at Tenmala. There is also a Railway Station here.