Kollam: Cashew Paradise in Kerala

If you go to Kerala for holidaying, you cannot afford to miss the district of Kollam, popularly called "the cashew paradise of Kerala!' It is named such because of wide cultivation and processing of cashew nuts in this place. Portuguese has integral connection with this place and used to call it Quilon. Kollam is also known as the southern gateway to the Kerala Backwaters. It is a prominent destination for tourists because of famous old temples, shrines, plantations of spices and wonderful canal cruising experience.

How to Reach Kollam?

By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram. Kollam is just 71 kilometers from the capital city of Kerala. You can hire a taxi or take a bus of Kerala Transport Corporation to Kollam.

By Road: The district Kollam is well connected by roads from nearby districts and the nearby state Tamil Nadu. National Highway 47, National Highway 208 (Kollam - Chenkotta) and National Highway 220 (Kollam - Theni) are few fine roads to this district.

By Rail: Kollam railway terminus is quite big that is well connected to other cities of Kerala and neighboring states. You can take a mesmerizing train journey through the pristine green backdrop.

By Water: You can take boat services from Alappuzha (Allepey) to Kollam that operates everyday. This would be an enthralling experience through backwaters.

Places of Interest:

Almost all places of interest in Kollam are situated within a radius of 8-12 kilometers from city center. Thus you won't have to travel too long from your hotel or resort to reach such spots.

Beaches: The beaches of Kollam that are worthy visiting are Tangasseri, Thirummulavaram, and Kochupilamood beach. The beaches are known for the picturesque beauty and calm atmospheres. The Light House at Tangaseeri built in 1902 still stands majestic for visitors to have a taste of British Architecture.

Lakes: Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada Lake are famous for boating facilities, scenic beauties, houseboats and ayurvedic centers. Hotels and resorts arrange tourist-tours to these lakes for experiencing a cruise through backwater canals. Take a short canal cruise to the Munroe island village which is considered one of the best canal cruises in India. Sathamkotta is the largest freshwater lake in the state. Manual propel boating would be a wonderful experience in this place.

Popular Attractions: Kollam district offers lots of attractions for tourists to make holidaying here a memorable experience. Some popular attractions of the place include Thenmala, Residency Palace, Ashramom, Jetayu Para, Adventure Park, Palaruvi Water Falls and others.

Thellavy Palace built by Dutch is another place of interest in Kollam. It is presently used by Indian Army and called Fort of Thangassery. Padappakkara, Vellimon, Munroe Islands etc are worth visiting.

Mayyand a popular place of shrines and temples is just 10 kilometers from Kollam. The place is worth visiting for noted temples like Subramanya Temple and others.

Where to Stay?

Kollam being a tourist hub has large number of hotels and resorts in the area. Besides that you large number of floating boat houses are also available. Boathouses provide refreshing Ayurvedic spas and salons for guests. Boathouses are popular accommodation units among tourists. So, if you wish to have your space book a boathouse in advance to avoid eleventh hour hassles. All the best for your journey!