Kollam

Kollam (earlier Quilon) is an old port town on the Arabian Sea, stands on Lake Ashtamudi. Its breathtaking scenic beauty draws a huge number of tourists every year. The city is also home to one of the seven churches that were established by St Thomas, as well as one of the ten oldest mosques believed to be found by Malik Deenar in Kerala.

The place is an ISO 9001:2015 certified city corporation for the best Municipal administration and services. The city hosts the administrative offices of the Kollam district and is a prominent trading city for the state. The proportion of females to males in the city is second highest among India's 500 most populous cities. Kollam proudly boasts of being one of the least polluted cities in India. Four major trading centers around Kollam are Kottarakara, Punalur, Paravur, and Karunagapally.

Historical Significance

Kollam was an important port and trading center since the Phoenician and Roman times. It was the capital of the Venad kingdom from the 9th to 12th century. In 502, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish trade relations. It later became part of the Travancore kingdom.

Excavation at Kollam Port seabed

Excavations have been happening at Kollam Port premises since February 2014 as the team has uncovered arrays of antique artifacts, including Chinese porcelain and coins. A Chinese team with the Palace Museum, a team from India with Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR), discovered Chinese coins and artifacts that show trade links between Kollam and ancient China.

Kollam: Favoured destination for Outdoor and Adventure, Natural Beauty, Beaches, WildLifeHoneymoons, and Culture

Kollam is a miniature of Kerala State, encompassing its best natural beauty in the form of the coast, lakes, rivers, hills, backwaters, plains, paddy fields, and lush greenery. Nature lovers have much to see and experience here. The scenic beauty and the houseboats on the backwaters make it a favorite honeymoon destination.

There are numerous ancient temples and a few churches and mosques from the Portuguese and Arab times that make this a destination of choice for the faithful. The palace and fort attract those interested in heritage and culture. The wildlife sanctuary has deer, elephants, nilgai, tigers, leopards, and sambar, appealing to wildlife enthusiasts.

Culture of Kollam

Kollam has a mix of Hindu, Muslim and Christian cultures, a throwback to its ties with the Arabs and Portuguese in olden times. Onam, Vishu, Eid, and Christmas are celebrated with equal fervor.

Further, Rice and sambhar served on a banana leaf with various vegetable preparations like pachadi, thoran, kaa lan, koottukari, and puliyinji, and the sweet payasam is not to be missed.

Local Shopping and Food Places

Thangassery Market is famous for its pork and fish and is close to the beach. It is a heaven for non-veg lovers as local says its the best place in the entire city for the pork.

Rs. 5 Tea Stall, as the name suggests, the place offers varieties of flavors in tea in just Rs. 5. So if you want to explore something unique, do not miss this place. 

Accommodation in Kollam

Being a tourist place, Kollam offers plenty of options for travelers to stay. If you are traveling solo and looking for low-budget hotels, you'll find them easily near the railway station. 

For mid-range hotels with friends and family, you can opt for hotels like Chandra Inn, Hotel Allseason, etc. Further, if you seek a luxurious stay, you can go for Vini's Farm or Fragrant Nature Paravur.

Climate and best time to visit

One can enjoy the beauty of the city all year round, but it is advisable not to visit during the monsoon period of June-August. Since it rains heavily, you'll get stuck and cannot see any place.