Where is Kollam?
Kollam, geographically located at 8° 53' N and 76° 36' E, is a district in Kerala in India. Located at the coastal region of the Arabian Sea, the place is 71 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala.
What is Kollam famous for?
Kollam is famous for manufacturing coir and processing cashew. Being the gateway to the southern part of the magnificent Kerala backwaters, the place is a popular tourist destination. Kollam, once a port of global spice trade, still continues to be a major commercial hub of Kerala.
Area of Kollam
Covering a total area of 58.18 square kilometers, Kollam is the fourth biggest city of Kerala.
Was Kollam known by any other name?
Kollam was earlier known as Quilon, Tyndis or Thondis and Nelcynda.
Population of Kollam
As per Census 2011 report, with a population density of 5, 936 per sq. km., Kollam have got a total population of 3, 79, 975.
Languages Spoken in Kollam
The regional and official language of Kollam is Malayalam. Besides that, the other languages spoken in the city are Kannada, Tamil, Telegu, Hindi and English.
What is the dialing area code of Kollam?
The dialing area code or Standard Trunk Dialing (STD) code of Kollam is 0474.Climatic conditions in Kollam
In spite of being a part of southern India, Kollam experiences a pleasant weather throughout the year with three prominent seasons.
Summer in Kollam: Oppressive summer in Kollam starts from the month of March and continues till May with the temperature ranging between 25° C to 32° C.
Monsoon in Kollam: With the end of summer, monsoon in Kollam sets in during the month of June. The place experiences an average annual precipitation of 200 cms. The rainy season continues till the end of September.
Winter in Kollam: Cool winters are experienced by the city of Kollam in between the months of November and February. On an average, the highest temperature experienced during winter is 25° C, whereas, the lowest being 18° C.
Best Time to Visit Kollam
Kollam can be best experienced in between the months of August and March.
How to reach Kollam
Kollam, being one of the renowned tourist destinations, is connected to its own state as well as other Indian cities by, mainly, road, rail and waterways.
Road transport in Kollam: Kollam's location in the bus route of Ernakulam - Alleppey - Kollam - Trivandrum helps it connect to the different parts of Kerala. Apart from that, the National Highways like NH 47, NH 208 and NH 220 along with State Highways like Kollam-Shencottah Road and Main Central Road and the chief Eastern Highway of Punalur - Pala - Muvattupuzha connects the city to the remote Indian areas. Besides the normal buses, super-fast or express buses can be availed from the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Bus Stand. Autorickshaws, commonly known as autos and private taxis can even be hired to travel locally.
Rail transport in Kollam: Kollam houses the third biggest railway station of Kerala, which is Kollam Railway Station. With entirely electrified rail tracks, this 8 platformed Kollam Railway Station connects the place to the major parts of Kerala as well as India. In 2010, Kollam's metre gauge rail line was improved to broad gauge rail line. Presently the Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram line runs through Kollam. Two more lines have been planned through Kottarakkara and Punalur. To name a few of the trains passing through Kollam are:
- Chennai Mail
- Guwahati Express
- Jan Shatabdi
- Yesvantpur Express
Air transport in Kollam: The city of Kollam has not got its own airport yet. The Trivandrum International Airport situated at Trivandrum, which just 57 km from Kollam is the nearest airport to the city and serves the residents and travelers of Kollam.
Famous Tourist Attractions in Kollam
Kollam, being one of the gateways to the world famous backwater destination, has got numerous tourist attractions. Some of them, which one can never afford to miss while in Kollam, are:
Kollam Backwaters: Kollam Backwaters, a part of beautiful backwaters of Kerala attracts tourists from all over the world. A luxurious boat ride on the mesmerizing backwaters is a lifetime experience for anyone. While passing through the twisted lagoons, the scenic beauty formed by the combination of crystal clear backwater surrounded by lush greenery can even make someone, who is not very much fond of nature, fall in for it.
Ashtamudi Lake: Ashtamudi Lake is mainly a lake formed out of the eight backwaters merging. Thus, it is being named so since, the word "Ashta" means eight and the word "Mudi" means "Branch". Being the hub of backwater cruises on houseboats, this lake is considered to be the stairway to Keralian backwaters. The picturesque beauty of the place comprises off animals, flying birds and vibrant butterflies.
Thirumullavaram Beach: This sun-kissed beach is located at about 6 kms distance from Kollam. Easily accessed by local transportation, Thirumullavaram Beach is the perfect place for sun bathing, swimming or just hanging out. Away from the city life, Thirumullavaram Beach Resort forms a famous picnic spot in Kollam.
Thangasseri: Situated at a distance of 5 km from Kollam, Thangasseri houses the ruins of an ancient Portuguese fort, a lighthouse and a few churches dated back to 18th century. Among them, the main attraction of the place is the sky-scraping lighthouse of 144 feet, which remains open to visitors from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The view of the nearby places from the top of the lighthouse is a panoramic one.
Adventure Park: Adventure Park situated at 3 km from the main bus stand of Kollam, delights children. The place can be easily located beside the Guest House of Government at Asramam. Backwater cruises are even organized by the District Tourist Promotion Council of Kollam during the main tourist season.
Other Places to Visit in Kollam
Besides the above mentioned places, there are some more tourist spots in and around Kollam. To name a few are:
- Alumkadavu Backwaters
- Ashramam Picnic Village
- Ariankavu
- Chavara
- Courtalam Waterfalls
- Jatayupara
- Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum
- Kottukal Rock-cut Cave Temple
- Krishnapuram Palace Museum
- Kulathupuzha
- Mannarsala
- Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram
- Mayyanad Village
- Neendakara
- Ochira
- Palaruvi Waterfalls
- Paravoor
- Police Museum
- Punalur
- RameshwaraTemple
- Sasthamkotta Lake
- Thazhava
- Thenmala Deer Park
- Thevalli Palace
Can Kollam be regarded as a shopping destination?
Kollam, though not a popular shopping destination, is famous for its cashew market. Being the cashew processing hub of the country, the markets of Kollam are renowned for selling processed and even raw cashews. Besides that, coir products, antiques, south Indian textiles and sarees, jewellery made of silver and gold etc. attracts tourists. Shopping in Kollam can be done at- Jerome Nagar Shopping Complex at Andamukkam
- Narayana Shopping Complex at Kadappakkada
Popular Restaurants in Kollam
Kollam, being one of the port cities of India, is famous for its seafood. Besides its regional South Indian dishes, restaurants in Kollam serve mouth-watering seafood starting from crab curry to processed sea fishe. People who do not like seafood can even grab Indian, Chinese or Italian cuisines available there. Some must visits for a food lover are:
Sri Ayyappa Punjabi Food and Andhra Meals: Located near the main road of Dhanya Super Market in Kollam, India, Sri Ayyappa Punjabi Food and Andhra Meals restaurant is famous for Indian cuisine.
Black Bold Café: Black Bold Café, the restaurant of the Hotel Beach Orchid is famous for serving delectable multi-cuisine dishes.
Where to stay in Kollam?
Kollam, one of the most popular backwater destinations in the world has got numerous hotels staring from luxurious to economic ones. Irrespective of the hotel ranking, they cordially welcome tourists and look after their comforts while their stay in those hotels. Mostly, hotels in Kollam has got well-furnished rooms will all other modern amenities.| 5 Star accommodations in Kollam: The Beach Orchid Kollam - 691 001, Kerala, India. Phone: + 91 - 0474 - 2769999 Aquaserene V/88 Kurumandai, South Paravoor, Kollam, Kerala - 691 301, India. 4 Star accommodations in Kollam: Regant Lake Palace Opp. Foundation Hospital Jn., Puthenthura P. O., Neendakara, Kollam, Kerala - 682 055, India. Valiyavila Family Estate Panamukkom, Kureepuzha, Perinadu P.O., Kollam, Kerala - 691 604, India. 3 Star accommodations in Kollam: Nila Palace Hotel Nila Palace, Cheerancavu, Ezhukone, Kollam - 691 505, Kerala, India. Phone: + 91 - 474 - 252 9301/ 02 |
Club Mahindra Backwater Retreat Ashtamudi Chavara South, Kollam, Kerala - 691 584, India. 2 Star accommodations in Kollam: Hotel Sudarsan Kasargod, Kollam, Kerala, India. Economy accommodations in Kollam: Hotel Sea Bee Jetty Road, Kollam - 691 001, Kerala, India. Comfort Regency Hotel NH - 47, Near KSRTC Bus Stand, Karunagapally, Kollam, Kerala, India. Resorts in Kollam: Fragrant Nature Retreat & Resort CPII/ 709, Nedungolam P. O., Paravur, Kollam - 691 334, Kerala, India. Sarovaram Ayurvedic Backwater Resort Ashtamudi, Kollam - 691 601, Kerala, India. |
Last Updated on 05 May 2011
