Kollam or Quilon, an old sea port town on the Arabian coast , stands on the Ashtamudi lake. Kollam, the erstwhile Desinganadu, had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans. Fed by the Chinese trade, it was regarded by Ibn Batuta, as one of the five ports , which he had seen in the course of his travels during a period of twenty four years, in the 14th century. Kollam District which is a veritable Kerala in miniature is gifted with unique representative features – sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forest, vast green fields and tropical crop of every variety both food crop and cash crop, so called ‘The Gods Own Capital’.
Thirumullavaram Beach, Kollam
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Beaches
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours
Pincode: 691001
STD Code: 474
Info Website: http://kollam.nic.in/
Best Time to Visit: October-March
HistoryEdit
Historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The momentous decision to introduce a new Malayalam era was convened at Kollam and hence the Malayam calendar came to be known as kollavarsham.
Places to VisitAdd
Kollam Sightseeing
How to ReachEdit
By Air : The nearest airport to Kollam is the Trivandrum International Airport which is 71 km from Kollam. Over 40 national & international flights operate out of Trivandrum on a daily basis. From the airport taxis are easily available to reach Kollam, charged at Rs 7 a km.
By Train : Kollam has its own railway station which is well connected to the rest of the state & important cities in India. For travelers coming from the south the Chennai – Kollam, Kollam express is the most convenient option. For people traveling from the north, flights are a better option as there are no direct trains available in this route.
By BUS : Kollam is well connected by road through the national highways of NH-47, NH-220, and NH-208. There are frequent interstate buses which run in this route. Buses ply from all major cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai & Pondicherry, Thrissur & many more.
By Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.
By Other : N.A.
Top HotelsAdd
Budget – Up to Rs. 800
- The Quilon Beach Hotel ; Beach Road, Near M.G Park, Kollam, Kerala, 691006. ; Ph – 0474 276 9999 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotel Sudarsan ; Parameswar Nagar, Kollam, Kerala 691001. ; Ph – 0474 274 4322; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Bus Parking, Doctor on call
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Aadithyaa Resorts Lakeside ; Karalymukku, Kollam, Kerala 690543. ; Ph – 0476 325 2190 ; Facilities – Shopping, Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Guest Lift to all floors, Laundry/Valet Services, Doctor on call.
Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above
- Hotel Shah International ; Residency Rd, Kollam, Kerala 691001. ; Ph – 0474 274 2362 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Baby sitting, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking, Non-smoking rooms, 24-Hour Security, Body Treatments, Cocktail Lounge, Concierge, Health Club, Lounge, Massage Services, Sauna, Steam Bath, Banquet facilities, Doctor on call.
Top RestaurantsAdd
- All Spice Restaurant ; 1st Floor, Musaliar Buildings, Chinnakkada Roundabout, Chinnakada, Kollam, Kerala 691001. ; M – 0474 276 4421 ; Food Serve : N.A.
- The Riverside ; Thevally, Mathilil P.O,Kollam 691 601, Kerala, India, Kollam 691601, India. ; M – 91 474 2751111 ; Food Serve : N.A.
- Sri Ayyappa Punjabi Food ; Chinnakkada T T R Compound Main Road, Mundakkal, Kollam 691001, India. ; M – 2744214 ; Food Serve : Indian.
Must Eat FoodAdd
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
Must ShopAdd
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
SpaAdd
- Wins Spa ; 1st Floor, Nirmala Tower, Opp. SN Womens College, Kollam, Kerala 691001 ; Ph/M – 093 87 012264 ; Cost: N.A. ; Services – Massage, therapy rooms and suites, steam rooms, Treatments incorporate the use of Ayurvedic principles.
- Makeover V2.0 salon n spa ; Melethil Complex, Near Govt. Ayurveda Hospital, over Axis bank, Ashramam , Kollam, Kerala 691002 ; Ph/M – 093 87 012264 ; Cost: N.A. ; Services – All Massagea, therapy rooms and suites, steam rooms. Treatments incorporate the use of Ayurvedic principles.
FestivalAdd
Kottangkulangara Chamayavilakku
Kottangkulangara Chamayavilakku ; Venue: Kottangkulangara Devi Temple ; Period : N.A. ; Details: This is a unique festival where gender norms and equations are altered temporarily for a cause. If you are yet to witness such a festival occasion, then come to Kottangkulangara Devi temple to partake in the Kottangkulangara Chamayavilakku. As soon as you step in to the premises of the temple you will be welcomed by a group of beautiful young ladies. Do not get allured by their looks. Have a close watch and you will be surprised to know that these beautiful ladies are actually men dressed up in women’s attire as part of a special temple ritual during the festival.
Safety / WarningEdit
- Beware of pickpockets as Kollam is a major tourist city in India.
HelplineEdit
- Ambulance : 102
- Fire Brigade : 101
- Police : 100
ItineraryEdit
N.A.