?Kollam Kerala • India
Kollam
Coordinates: 8°53′N 76°36′E / 8.88, 76.6
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 3 m (10 ft)
District(s)	Kollam
Population • Density • Sex ratio	361,441 (2001) • 1,038 /km² (2,688 /sq mi) • 1069
Mayor
Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle	• 691 XXX • +0474 • KL-2
Website: www.kollam.nic.in

Coordinates: 8°53′N 76°36′E / 8.88, 76.6

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Kollam (Malayalam:കൊല്ലം ) (known to the Portuguese as Quilon, pronounced koy-lon) is a city and a municipal corporation in Kollam district in the Indian state of Kerala. Not to be confused with the Malay language. Malayalam (മലയാളം malayāḷaṁ) is a Dravidian language used Portuguese ( or língua portuguesa) is a Romance language that originated in what is now Galicia (Spain and northern Portugal. A municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including (but not necessarily limited to cities, counties, Towns For the town with the same name see Kollam. Kollam district, earlier known as Quilon district is one among the 14 districts of Kerala India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country India is a union of states comprising twenty-eight states and seven union territories. Kerala ( Malayalam: {{Kerala in Malayalam}}; It lies 71 Kilometres north of the state capital Thiruvanathapuram (Trivandrum). The kilometre ( American spelling: kilometer) symbol km is a unit of Length in the Metric system, equal to one thousand Thiruvananthapuram ( Malayalam: തിരുവനന്തപുരം Tiruvanantapuraṁ) also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the It is also the headquarters of the Kollam District, one among the 14 districts in the state of Kerala. For the town with the same name see Kollam. Kollam district, earlier known as Quilon district is one among the 14 districts of Kerala The state of Kerala, in southern India, has 14 revenue Districts Most of the districts in Kerala has the same name as the important town or city in the It is bound on the south by Thiruvananthapuram district, on the north by Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, on the east by Tamil Nadu and on the west by the Arabian Sea. Thiruvananthapuram District is the southernmost district of the Indian state of Kerala. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> For the district with the same name see Pathanamthitta district Pathanamthitta Alappuzha (ആലപ്പുഴ also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. Tamil Nadu ( Tamil:, Country of the Tamils, t̪ɐmɨɻ n̪aːɽɯ is one of the 28 states of India. The Arabian Sea ( Arabic: بحر العرب transliterated: Baḥr al-'Arab Sanskrit: सिन्धु सागर transliterated: The town is very famous for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. The cashew ( Anacardium occidentale; Syn Anacardium curatellifolium A Coir (from Malayalam kayar, cord is a coarse fibre extracted from the fibrous outer shell of a Coconut. It is the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, and thus, a prominent tourist destination. Kerala ( Malayalam: {{Kerala in Malayalam}};

Kollam was formerly called "Desinganadu". During the rule of the Travancore kingdom in southern Kerala, Kollam was the focal point of trade. Travancore or Thiruvithaamkoor ( Malayalam: തിരുവിതാങ്കൂര്‍ "Thiru" (respectful prefix which suggests either royal or A monarchy is a Form of government in which supreme power is actually or nominally lodged in an individual who is the Head of state, often for life or The start of the Malayalam era (ME) is associated with Kollam. Malayalam calendar (also known as Malayalam Era or Kollavarsham) is a solar Sidereal calendar used in the state of Kerala in South India ^[1][2] It is believed that the era was started by Nestorian Christian merchants who settled in KorukeNi kollam, near to the present Kollam. Nestorius Nestorius (c  386 &ndashc  451) was a pupil of Theodore of Mopsuestia in Antioch in Syria (modern A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth ^[3] The ME is also referred as Kollavarsham. Malayalam calendar (also known as Malayalam Era or Kollavarsham) is a solar Sidereal calendar used in the state of Kerala in South India

Contents 1 History 2 Geography 3 Demographics 4 Transport 4.1 Rail 4.2 Roads 4.3 Water 5 Industries 6 Education 7 Places of worship 8 Places of Interest 9 Places to visit 10 References 11 External links

History

Kollam (Nelcynda) shares fame with Kodungallur (Muziris) as an ancient sea port on the Malabar coast of India from early centuries of the Christian era. Kollam had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans. Phoenicia ( Phoenician: Phoenician nunsvg|12px|נ]]Phoenician nun Ancient Rome was a Civilization that grew out of a small agricultural community founded on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 10th century BC Pliny (23-79 AD) mentions about Greek ships anchored at Musiris and Nelkanda. Musiris is identified with Kodungallur (then ruled by the Chera kingdom) and Nelkanda (Nelcyndis) with Quilon or Kollam (then under the Pandyan rule). Kollam was the chief port of the Pandyas on the West Coast and was connected with Korkai (Kayal) port on the East Coast and also through land route over the Western Ghats. Spices, pearls, diamonds and silk were exported to Egypt and Rome from these two ports on the South Western coast of India. Pearls and diamonds came from Ceylon and the South eastern coast of India, then known as the Pandyan kingdom.

Cosmas Indicopleustes, who visited Malabar Coast in 522 AD, mentions about Syrian Christians in Kollam. Cosmas Indicopleustes (literally "who sailed to India" of Alexandria was a Greek Merchant and later Monk probably of Nestorian The Malabar Coast also known as the Malabarian Coast, is a long and narrow south-western shore line of the mainland Indian subcontinent. This article addresses the Saint Thomas Christians and the various churches and denominations that form the Nasrani people. He wrote, "In the island of Tabropane (Ceylon), there is a church of Christians, and clerks and faithful. Likewise at Male where the pepper grows; and in the town of Kalliana there is also a bishop concentrated in Persia" (Reference: Travancore Manual). The Nestorian Patriarch Jesujabus who died in 660 A. Nestorius Nestorius (c  386 &ndashc  451) was a pupil of Theodore of Mopsuestia in Antioch in Syria (modern D. makes special mention of Quilon in his letter to Simon, Metropolitan of Persia. In 822 A. D. two Nestorian Persian Bishops were sent to Kollam and Kodungallur to look after the Syrian Christian faithful. Mar Sapor was the Bishop of Kollam and Mar Peroz (Proth) was the Bishop of Kodungallur. Mar Sapor who is also called as Mar Abo lived his last years at Thevalakara. His remains were buried in the Martha Mariam Orthodox Church at Thevalakara which was built in the 4th century. This church which carries the tomb of Mar Sapor is 25 km far from Kollam City.

The Malayalam Era named after Quilon began in 824 AD. Malayalam Era is called 'Kolla Varsham' after Kollam, because of the importance of Kollam in the 9th century A. D. It signified the independence of Malabar from the Cheraman Perumals. (Reference: Travancore Manual page 244). For the services of the Syrian Christian merchants, King Stanu Ravi Gupta of Kollam, granted the copper plate grants in 824 A. D. to Mar Sapor Iso, transferring to the Tarasa Church and community in Quilon, lands near the city with hereditament of low caste slaves. (Reference: Travancore Manual page 244).

Merchant Soleyman of Siraf of Persia visited Malabar in the middle of the 9th century and found Quilon to be the only port in India touched by the huge Chinese ships on their way from Canton to the Persian Gulf.

The rulers of Kollam (formerly called 'Desinganadu') ,then, also had trade relations with China and exchanged embassies. China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National According to the records of the Tang Dynasty (618 AD to 913 AD) (Reference: Travancore Manual, page 244), Quilon was their chief port of call and was given the name 'Mahlai' by them. The Chinese trade decreased about 900 AD and was again revived in the 13th century. Marco Polo, who visited China's Kublai Khan's court, on his return journey to venice, travelled through Kollam and gave an interesting account of the flourishing port of Kollam (Coilum, as referred to by him) and its trade relations with China in the East and the Western countries. Marco Polo ( September 15 1254 – January 9 1324 at earliest but no later than June 1325 was a Venetian trader and explorer Chinnakada, (China-kada), the city center, was so named after the Chinese merchants. The increase in commercial activity resulted in establishment of flourishing Chinese settlement at Kollam.

Marco Polo, the great Venetian traveller, who was in Chinese service under Kublai Khan visited Kollam in 1293 A. Marco Polo ( September 15 1254 – January 9 1324 at earliest but no later than June 1325 was a Venetian trader and explorer Venice ( Italian: Venezia, Venetian: Venesia or Venexia) is a city in Northern Italy, the capital of the Early years Kublai Khan studied Chinese culture and became enamoured of it D. on his return trip from China to Venice. He found Christians and Jews living in Coilum (Kollam). He also found merchants from China and Arabia. He has given a detailed account of Kollam in his writings, that are reproduced in the Travancore Manual.

According to Ibn Batuta, Kollam was one of the five ports, which he had seen in the course of his travels, in the 14th century. Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Al Lawati Al Tanji Ibn Battuta (أبو عبد الله محمد ابن عبد الله اللواتي الطنجي بن بطوطة (born February

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a trading center at Kollam in 1502. In 1661 the Dutch took possession of the town. The Netherlands ( Dutch:, ˈnedərlɑnt is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of the Netherlands the Netherlands The remnants of the Dutch forts can be found at Thangasseri. In the 18th century Travancore conquered Kollam, followed by the British in 1795. Travancore or Thiruvithaamkoor ( Malayalam: തിരുവിതാങ്കൂര്‍ "Thiru" (respectful prefix which suggests either royal or Velu Thampi Dalawa of Travancore, worked towards the improvement of the Kollam town. Velayudhan Chempakaraman Thampi (1765 - 1809 was the Dalawa or Prime Minister of the Indian kingdom of Travancore between 1801 and 1809 during He helped build new markets and invited merchants and traders from Madras (now Chennai) and Tirunelveli to set up trade in Kollam. Tirunelveli (திருநெல்வேலி is a city in Tamil Nadu and was formed into a Municipal corporation in 1999 by merging three municipalities viz Kollam, to this day has a thriving business in cashewnuts, coir and spices.

The history of the district as an administrative unit can be traced back to 1835, when the Travancore state consisted of two revenue divisions with headquarters at Kollam and Kottayam. Travancore or Thiruvithaamkoor ( Malayalam: തിരുവിതാങ്കൂര്‍ "Thiru" (respectful prefix which suggests either royal or WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> This article is about the town of Kottayam See Kottayam district also At the time of the integrating of Travancore and Cochin districts in 1949, Kollam was one of the three revenue divisions in the state. Later these three revenue divisions were converted into districts. But Shencottah taluka was merged with Madras state consequent to the implementation of the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. A tehsil ( Urdu: تحصیل) (or tahsil, tahasil, taluka, taluk, taluq, mandal) is an Administrative division The States Reorganization Act of 1956 was a major reform of the boundaries and governance of India 's states and territories.

Now the district has a single revenue division with its headquarters at Kollam Taluk Cutcherry.

Geography

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,^[4] Kollam had a population of 361,441. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. A census is the procedure of acquiring information about every member of a given population The density of population being 1037 persons per square kilometre. The sex ratio (the number of females per 1000 males) was 1070 during the census year of 2001. The district ranks sixth with respect to the population in the state. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Kollam has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59. 5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 80%. In Kollam, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Transport

Rail

The district is covered by 132 km of railway tracks, of which 51 km are broad gauge and 81 km metre gauge. Broad gauge Railways use a Rail gauge (distance between the rails greater than the Standard gauge of. A narrow gauge railway (or narrow gauge railroad) is a Railway that has a Track gauge narrower than the of Standard gauge railways The metre gauge track is being converted to broad gauge under project Unigauge and is closed. Project Unigauge is an ongoing exercise of the Indian Railways to standardise most of the Rail gauge in India towards a single 1676 mm (5 ft 6 in There are almost 22 railway stations of which 9 are on broad gauge line and 13, on the metre gauge line. Kollam is an important railway junction. The Thiruvananthapuram - Ernakulam (via Kottayam and Alappuzha) line passes through Kollam. This article is about the town of Ernakulam See Ernakulam district. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> This article is about the town of Kottayam See Kottayam district also Kollam is the terminal junction for Chenkotta - Kollam metre gauge line. Electrification of the Broad Gauge railway lines towards Thiruvananthapuram from Kayamkulam is complete.

Roads

The district is well connected to other parts of Kerala and India through the National Highways 47, 220 and 208 and by the railway network. Kollam has a total 1552. 096 km of roads. The National Highway 47 covers a distance of 57. 4 km in the district. The National Highways NH 208 (Kollam - Chenkotta) and NH 220 (Kollam - Theni) originates from Kollam. The State Highway namely, Main Central Road (MC Road) and Punalur-Pathanamthitta-Muvattupuzha (Main Eastern Highway) connects the district to other districts. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Punalur is a city and a Municipality in Kollam district in the southern state of WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> For the district with the same name see Pathanamthitta district Pathanamthitta WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Muvattupuzha ( Malayalam:മൂവാറ്റുപുഴ) is a Municipality in Ernakulam Transport is provided by State owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private transport bus operators. Road transport is also supported by private taxis and autorickshaws also called autos. An auto rickshaw or tuk tuk ( auto autorick or rickshaw in popular parlance is a Motor vehicle that is one of the chief

Water

The State water Transport Department operates boat services to West Kallada, Munroe Island and Alappuzha. Kerala State Water Transport Department is a governmental agency that regulates the Inland navigation systems in the Indian state of Kerala and provides The Alappuzha service attracts a lot of tourist attention. Tourism is Travel for Recreational or Leisure purposes The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel A full day onboard journey through the backwaters provides an opportunity to experience the natural way of life of the people around.

Luxury boats, operated by Government and private owners, operate from the main boat jetty during the tourist season. The West coast canal system, which starts from Thiruvananthapuram in the south and ends at Hosdurg in the north, passes through Kollam and Karunagappally taluks. Thiruvananthapuram ( Malayalam: തിരുവനന്തപുരം Tiruvanantapuraṁ) also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Karunagappally (or Karunagappalli) is a well-developed town in Kollam district Kerala, India and is situated 27 km north of Kollam The Thiruvananthapuram-Shornur canal, forms a part of the Thiruvananthapuram-Hosdurg system, runs a distance of about 62 km. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Shoranur ( Malayalam:ഷൊര്‍ണൂര്‍ is a town and a Municipality in Canals are artificial channels for water There are two types of canals water conveyance canals which are used for the conveyance and delivery of water and Waterways The other canal systems include the Paravur Kayal, Kollam canal and Chavara canal. Paravur Kayal is a lake in Paravur, Kerala, India. Although it is small with an area of only 6 Chavara is approximately 14 km north of Kollam on the Kollam- Alappuzha highway in India.

Neendakara and Kollam are the two ports in the district, the former, an intermediary and the latter, a minor port. ||-||-|-||-||-||-||-||-||-|} A port is a facility for receiving Ships and transferring cargo Port operations are carried out through Neendakara. Neendakara is also a busy fishing harbour. A harbor or harbour (see spelling differences) or haven, is a place where ships may shelter from the Weather or are stored

Industries

Kollam like other districts in the state is moderately industralised. Some of the major employers in the public sector are Indian Rare Earth (IRE), Kerala Metals and Minerals Limited at Chavara; Union Electrical Industries (popularly known as the Meter Company) and Parvathi Spinning Mills at Kollam. Kundara was known as an Industrial area with Alumnium, Ceramics, Starch factories, but all are closed or on the verge of closing.

Cashew processing and coir production are the two most important sources of employment. Major share of employment in the private sector is provided by Cashew processing and exporting units. The cashew ( Anacardium occidentale; Syn Anacardium curatellifolium A Cashew processing and sorting employs a large share of women workers who manually peel and sort the cashew into different categories according to their size.

Another important source of employment is tile manufacturing using clay. A tile is a manufactured piece of hard-wearing material such as Ceramic, stone, metal or even Glass. Clay is a naturally occurring material composed primarily of fine-grained Minerals which show plasticity through a variable range of Water content, and

Education

Kollam has its fair share of privately owned and state owned educational institutions. Institutions of education are affiliated to either the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE), or the Kerala State Education Board. The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education ( ICSE) examination is an examination conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations for

Most private schools use English as the medium of instruction whereas government run schools offer both English and Malayalam as a medium of instruction. Not to be confused with the Malay language. Malayalam (മലയാളം malayāḷaṁ) is a Dravidian language used After the going through the 10+2 years of schooling the student can enroll in higher education institutions like colleges to pursue general or professional degree courses.

The major colleges in Kollam are Fatima Matha National College, Sree Narayana College, and Thangal Kunju Musaliar College. Some of the colleges in and around Kollam are St. John's College, Anchal, Sree Narayana College for Women, NSS college Kottiyam, Govt. College chavara, Travancore Engineering College(TEC) Oyoor, Younus College Of Engineering And Technology (YCET)and Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering (TKMCE), TKM Institute of Technology and Management, College of Engineering Perumon, College of Engineering Karunagappally, St. Gregorious College Kottarakkara, Devaswom Board College Sasthamkotta etc. Amrita has a campus at Vallikkavu, Karunagappally. Most of the colleges offering Higher education are affliated to Kerala University. The University of Kerala is an Affiliating university located in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala state India. Amrita engineering college is affiliated to Amrita Viswa Vidya Peedom, deemed university

The City Central School, St Aloysius Higher Secondary School, Vimala Hridaya Girls' High School,St. joseph's convent GHSS ,V. V. Vocataional Higher Secondary School Ayathil, Sree Narayana Public School, St. Sree Narayana Public School is an educational institution affliated to CBSE based in Kollam town in the south Indian state of Kerala, established George Central School, Anchal, Anchal East Govt. High School, Anchal West Govt. High School, Sree Narayana Trust Central School, St. Jude Higher Secondary School Mukhathala, Kristhu Raj Higher Secondary School, Infant Jesus Anglo Indian High school, Mount Carmel Convent Anglo-Indian School, TKM Public school, St John's Residential High School,Kundara, Nehru Memorial Higher Secondary School, Kaithakuzhy and Trinity Lyceum, St Mary's Residential Central School,Maruthadi Kollam, are some of the English medium schools located in and around Kollam town. Mount Carmel Convent Anglo-Indian Girls High School is the oldest school in Kollam.

Places of worship

Kottarakara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram(Temple), situated at Kottarakara is about 30 km from Kollam town. A temple (from the Latin word Templum) is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities such as prayer and sacrifice or analogous rites Kottarakkara ( IAST: Koṭṭārakkara is a town located in the district of Kollam, formerly known as Quilon, in the Kerala state of India The famous temple at Kottarakara is dedicated to Lord Vigneswara(Ganapathy), Oachira Parabrahma Temple,Chittumala Durgadevi Temple,Rameswaram Mahadeva Temple, Puthenkulangara Devi Kshethram at Keralapuram, Kadavoor Mahadeva Temple, Sasthamkotta Ayyappa Temple,Sakthikulangara Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Ayyappa Temple Kadappakkada, Ashramom Sree Krishna Swamy Temple,Vadayattukotta Unichakkam Veedu Sree Krishna Swamy Temple,Mukhathala Murari Temple,Thirumullavaram Mahavishnu Temple, Anandavaleeswaram Temple, Mulamkadakam Devi Temple,Vishnathu Kavu Devi Temple, Thalavoor Sri Durga Devi Temple, Pattazhy Devi Temple, Kundara Elampalloor Devi Temple, Pazhangalam Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Kollorvila Devi Temple, Vadakkevila Nadamveedu Sri Bhagavathy Temple, Paravoor Puttingal Devi Temple, Kattayil Palakkottu Bhagavathy Temple, Kattayil Kavil Bhagavathi Temple, Kollam Ammachi Veedu Muhoorthy Kavu, Kottarakkulam Sree Mahaganapathy Kovil, Kollam, Kollam Valiayakavu Devi, Koonambaikulam Devi Temple, Ummannoor Anchu Moorthy Temple, Palathra Sree Durga Bhavathy temple etc are among the important Hindu temples in Kollam. Ganesha ( Sanskrit: sa गणेश Gaṇeśa) also spelled Ganesa or Ganesh and also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar Anandavaleeswaram Temple in Kollam forms major and an important Temple in Kollam Kottarakkulam Sree Mahaganapathy Kovil Kollam, is a popular temple in Kollam, Kerala, South India. St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Alencherry, St. George Orthodox Syrian Church, Anchal, St. George Orthodox Syrian Church, Kizhakketheruvu, Kottarakkara. and many other Christian churches in and around Anchal.

The Mata Amritanandamayi Math is situated at Parayakadavu in this district, about 30 km from the Kollam town. The Mata Amritanandamayi Math is a Public Charitable trust headquartered at Parayakadavu (also known as Amritapuri)

Some of the famous mosques are Valiyapalli at Jonakappuram,Chinnakada juma Masjid, Juma-'Ath Palli at Kollurvila, Juma-'Ath Palli at Thattamala, Muslim Juma-'Ath Palli at Karuva, Kalamala Palli at Kalamala, Muthirapparambu Palli at Muthirapparambu and Siyavathummodu Palli at Kilikolloor. A "mosque" in English refers to all types of buildings dedicated for Islamic worship although there is a distinction in Arabic between the smaller privately owned mosque and the larger The Jonakappuram (Jonaka Mappila=Muslim)Valiya Palli is believed to have been reconstructed on the remnants of the ancient mosque built by Malik ibn Dinar[1] 1400 years ago. The Mappilas (historically called Moplahs in Malayalam:മാപ്പിള refer to the Muslim community in Kerala and neighbouring This is second mosque erected on Indian soil, after the famous Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungalloor. Cheraman Juma Masjid is a Mosque in Kodungallur in the Indian state of Kerala. Ibn Batuta describes this mosque in his travelogue. However, it was destroyed by sea erosion and has been rebuilt several times. The 300 year old Juma-'Ath Palli at Karuva houses the mortal remains of a Sufi saint-Syed Abdur Rahman Jifri in its premises. The Karbala Maidan and the adjacent Makani mosque serves as the Eid gah for the city's Muslims. In 1830,a Muslim Jamedar in the British army and 80 other Muslim soldiers rose in rebellion at this ground,alleging religious persecution. The rebellion was crushed and the leader sent to gallows. His martyrdom was compared to that of Imam Husayn at Karbala[2] in Iraq and ever since it has been known after Karbala. The Pattala Palli(soldier's mosque)opposite the FCI,was built in 1898 for the Hanafiite Muslim soldiers stationed in the city.

The Apostle Thomas is said to have founded one of his "seven and a half churches" in Kollam. Thomas the Apostle, also called Judas Thomas, Doubting Thomas, or Didymus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. The church founded by him was re-constructed three times because of sea erosion. The present church of Our lady purification or popularly known as Kollam port church is considered as the continuation of the one that founded by St. Thomas. This church is near St. Joseph's high school not very far from the KSRTC bus stand. From these seven and a half churches, including the one in Kollam, have multiplied thousands of churches, hospitals, orphanages and other Christian charities that cover India today.

Some of the other important churches are St. Casimir's Church, Kadavur;St. John's Church, Eravipuram; Shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni, Tuyyam; Trinity Lyceum, Infant Jesus Shrine, Vadi; St. Joseph Shrine, Perinad; St. Francis Church, Koduvila (Kallada); Amalotbhava Matha Church, Pullichira (Kottiyam),St. Joseph Church, Kureepuzha Kollam, St. John Britto Church, Sakthikulangara; St. Sebastians Church, Neendakara; St. Thomas C. S. I. Church, Pattathanam; St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Sastri Junction, St. Antony's Church at Tillery, St. Thomas Marthoma Church,Thevally. (http://wikimapia.org/288891/) and Marthamarian Orthodox church, Thevelakara (where Mar Abo, guru of kadamattahu kathanar, also know as Mar Sabor taking his eternal rest. this church constructed on 4th century and received tharissapally cheppadukal,which even started kollam era)

Kadakkal in Kollam is known for Kadakkal Devi Kshetram, kadakkaldevi temple comes alive during Thiruvathira festival held in March, and is one of the prime festivals of the region. The temple festivities attract large crowds from various parts of the state. Kadakkal amma or goddess is considered as a very powerful deity. A goddess is a Female Deity. Many Cultures have goddesses Often deities are part of a polytheistic system that includes several deities

The Mahavishnu Temple, believed to have been consecrated by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. Mahavishnu ( Devanagari: महाविष्णु is an aspect of Vishnu, the Absolute which is beyond human comprehension and is beyond all attributes Parashurama a Brahman ( Sanskrit: परशुराम or Parasurama ( Axe-wielding Rama) the sixth Avatar of Vishnu, One will be amazed to see two idols perching in the same sanctum - a bizarre feature not usually found in Indian Temples - an idol of Vishnu facing east and Shiva facing west. Shiva:(pronunciation; Sanskrit: शिव Śiva, lit "Auspicious one" One of the Trimurtis Shiva is the supreme God in the Shaiva

Panmana Asramam has been acknowledged to be a unique and sacred centre of learning and service which has had the divine presence of Sree Vidhyadhiraja Chattambi swami and goddess sree maha tripurasundari devi. Panmana ashram is located 18 km north of Kollam city.

Places of Interest

Most of the sights in Kollam are situated within a radius of 8-10 km from the city centre. Places close to city centre include the calm and scenic Thirummulavaram and Tangasseri beaches. Another picturesque beach worth visit is the semilunar Kochupilamood Beach (Kollam beach). The light house at Tangaseeri Kollam stands 144 ft (44 m) tall. The Tangasseri Light House was built in 1902. Thirumullavaram, approximately 6 km away from the city centre is popular for its calm and serene beach.

Boating facilities on Ashtamudi Lake are available at the Local boat jetty beside the main Bus depot popularly known as Civil station. House boats can be hired from the boat jetty or arranged through the tourist guides or by the local hotels. A houseboat is a Boat that has been designed or modified to be used primarily as a Human Dwelling.

The Kayal (Lake) Pradakshina Cruise operated by local boat owner is available till the Munroe Island, formed by the backwaters of Ashtamudi and Kallada River. The backwater trip from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest cruise in the state and takes around 8 hours. Alappuzha (ആലപ്പുഴ also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India.

Tourist spots such as Thenmala, Residency Palace Ashramom, Adventure Park, Jetayu para, and Palaruvi water falls are popular attractions. Thenmala is a tourist place near Punalur town Kollam district in Kerala. Palaruvi is a tourist spot in Kollam district in the Indian state of Kerala.

A place in Kollam district that every tourist has to visit is the maruthimala. Maruthimala is situated in Kottarakara Taluk of Kollam district.

Places to visit

Kollam is widely known as the Cashew Paradise in Kerala, and affords a wide cultivation and processing techniques. The cashew ( Anacardium occidentale; Syn Anacardium curatellifolium A Tillage is the agricultural preparation of the Soil by Ploughing ripping or turning it

The square-shaped clock tower, is visible from all parts of the Chinnakada market(city center). A clock tower is a Tower built with one or more (often four Clock faces. Tourists can visit the Thevally Palace, currently used by the Indian Army and the Dutch fort at Thangassery. The Indian Army (Bharatiya Thalsena भारतीय थाल्सेना is one of the armed forces of India and has the responsibility for land-based Though most of it has been repainted, still the ambrosial palace displays a magnificent view from the lake.

The Ashtamudi lake with its scenic beauty, houseboats and ayurvedic centers also has plenty to offer. There are many breathtaking viewpoints to savor, including Padappakkara, Munroe Islands, Vellimon, Paravoor, Ashtamudi, Thevally etc. Kollam is also close to the 'Tenmala' tea estates and spice county.

Approximately 7 km from Kollam on NH 47 towards Alappuzha is Neendakara. Once a fishing harbour under the Indo-Norwegian project, today it is more famous as a viewing point for 'Chaakara', a post monsoon phenomenon that occurs just off the coast. Ezhukone is a small village located 19 km north of Kollam District. Ezhukone has a concentration of more than 15 cashew nut processing factories, which is a major source of foreign income.

Ezhukone is well connected with road and rail transport facilities. NH 208, connecting Kollam District and Thirumangalam district of Tamilnadu passes through Ezhukone. Ezhukone has a Metre gauge railway station. Passenger and Express trains from Kollam to various Tamilnadu districts have stop at Ezhukone. Also the villages of Kollam district are very much blessed with natural beauties.

Another place attracting tourist interest is Sathamkotta. The place is famous for the largest freshwater lake in the state. No engined boat is allowed to sail in the lake, manually propelled boats are permitted. Sasthamkotta is connected to Kollam city by both railway and road. It takes 30 minutes from Kollam to Sasthamkotta by train and around 1 1/2 hrs by road. One railway station and KSRTC operating station are ther st Sasthamkotta. This is the capital of Kunnathoor taluk.

Kollam is situated on NH 47 that links Salem to Kanyakumari, via Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Alappuzha. Salem ( Tamil: சேலம் is a city and a Corporation in Salem district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. For the district with the same name see Palakkad District. Palakkad, also known as Palghat (anglicized is a town and a Municipality For the district with the same name see Thrissur district. Thrissur / Trichur / Trissur ( Malayalam: തൃശ്ശൂര്‍ This article is about the town of Ernakulam See Ernakulam district.

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 71 km from Kollam city center.

References

External links

• Kollam District Table Tennis Association
• Kollam District official website
• The enhanced version of the Kollam Official website
• Quilon.com
• Website of Valiyakoonambaikulam Devi Temple

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