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Trivanduram |
Kovalam |
Varkala |
Kollam |
Alleppey |
Kottayam |
Kumarakom |
Idukki |
Munnar |
Periyar |
Eranakulam(Cochin)
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Thrissur
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Guruvayur |
Kozhikode(Calicut)
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Wayanad |
Kannur |
Kerala
Backwaters |
Kerala
Houseboats |
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Area : 2579
sq.km
Altitude : 2,398,285
Kollam is the centre of the country’s cashew trading and processing
industry.The Malayalam era is calculated from the founding of Kollam
in the 19th century.Kollam is the southern gateway to the backwaters
of Kerala and is well known for the Kollam-Alappuzha backwater
cruise.
Kollam became the capital of the Venad Kingdom in the 9th century.
The education and accomplished King Raja Udaya Marthanda Varma
convened a special council at Kollam to introduce a new era.After
extensive astronomical calculations the new era was established to
start on 15th August 825 AD.The town was also associated with the
early history of Christianity.
One of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast Kollam was once the
port of international spice trade.At the end of Kerala’s backwaters
Kollam is shaded town on the side of the Asthamudi Lake.Known to
Marco Polo (as Koilum) its port traded with Phoenicians Persians
Greeks Romans and Arabs as well as the Chinese; superb chinaware has
been found in the area.
Surrounded by coconut palms and cashew plantations on the edge of
Ashtamudi Lake Kollam still referred to as Quilon is a busy Keralan
market town. Away from the teeming main streets there are old wooden
houses whose red-tiled roofs boat trip between alleys.The eight-hour
boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most
enchanting experience of the backwaters of kerala.
Places of attraction :-
Alumkadavu (23 kms.from kollam town):
Along the vast expanses of the Kayamkulam Lake is the picturesque
little village of Alumkadavu.This village is the home of the skilled
artisans who crafted the enormous kettuvalloms ( big country boats
)in yester years.
The Thangasseri Beach (5 kms.from Kollam town) :
This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old
Portuguese fort and Churches dating back to the 18th century.This
was once a British outpost. Today Thangasseri is little more than a
shanty town.The Thangasseri Lighthouse is open to visitors from 3.30
pm-5.30 pm.
The Thirumullavaram Beach ( 6kms.from kollam town):
This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent
bus connections to the town.
Shenduruni Wildlife Sanctuary :
(66 kms. from kollam town on the Kollam Shencotta road)
Main attraction: Elephants, tigers, leopards, bears and lion
tailed macaques.
Palaruvi Waterfalls ( 75 kms.from Kollam town) :
Palaruvi which means ‘stream of milk’ makes its way down the rocks
from a height of 300 feet.The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic
spot. The PWD Inspection Bunglow and the KTDC Motel offers
comfortable accommodation.
Mayyanad (10 kms.south of Kollam town) :
Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples.The most important of
the nine temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor.
Sasthamkotta ( 29 kms. from Kollam town ) :
This vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three sides is the
largest of its kind in Kerala.The ancient Sastha Temple which lends
its name to the town is an important pilgrim centre.Sasthamkotta (29
kms. from Kollam town) This vast fresh water lake surrounded by
hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in kerala. The
ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town is an
important pilgrim centre.
Orchira (34 kms. north of Kollam town):
The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no
deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to universal
consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu
Vilakku in November/December are the two main annual festivals.
Kulathupuzha (64 kms. from Kollam town ) :
Situated a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram-Shenkottai road
Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple.The Vishnu Mahotsavam in
April/May is the most important festival. Kulathupuzha (64 kms. from
Kollam town) Situatedon a forest range on the
Thiruvananthapuram-Shenkottai road Kulathupuzha is known for the
Sastha temple. The Vishnu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most
important festival.
Thenmala ( 66 kms. east of Kollam) :
The area is convered by dense forest rubber and tea plantations.
Ariankavu (70 kms. from Kollam):
Situated on the Kollam-Shenkottai road Ariankavu is famous for the
shrine dedicated to Lord Sastha.Mandala Pooja and Trikalyanam
celebrated in the month of December are the main festival here.
Rameshwara Temple:
This temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has
inscriptions in Tamil dating from the 12th to the 16th century.
Mata Amrithanandamayi Ashram Vallikavu:
The residence and headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi is
situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu.The ashram is accessible both
by road and boat.
Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple ( 11 kms. from Chadayamangalam):
This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam M.G.Road is
an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture.
Jatayupra:
A huge rock at Chadayamangalam takes its name from the mythical bird
‘Jatayu’in the epic Ramayana who is believed to have collapsed on
the rock after failing in this attempts to thwart Ravana’s
kidnapping of Sita.
Ashtamudi Lake:
The Lake with coconut palms on its banks and picturesque
promontories extends north from the town. One might see some
‘Chinese’ fishing nets and in wider sections large-sailed dugouts
carrying the local coir copra and cashew. |
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