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Tourist Attractions in Kollam |
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Tourist Attractions in Kollam |
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The major tourist attraction in Kollam are the Thangasseri Beach, the Thirumullavaram Beach,
Ariankavu, Palaruvi waterfall, Sasthamkotta, Kulathupuzha, Ochira and
Mayyanad. |
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Ariankavu |
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Ariankavu is situated about 70 kms from Kollam on the Kollam – Shenkottai road. Ariankavu is famous for the shrine dedicated to Lord Sastha. The main festivals which are celebrated in the month of December are Mandala Pooja and Trikalyanam.
Ashtamudi Lake
The scenic lake amidst red cliffs and swaying palms, stretches northwards from
Kollam town. The huge lake is named ‘Ashtamudi’ as it branches off into 8
creeks. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and
most enchanting experience on the back waters of Kerala. It also provides
extensive facilities for retting coconut husks which makes the district a hub
of coir industry. Chinese fishing nets add to the spectacular scenic beauty of
the lake.
Kochupilamodu Beach
The model park
at the beach is worth a visit.
Picnic Village
This centre of recreational activities is located at Ashramam, along the backwater front. The tourist complex has a 200 year old
Government Guest House, a Adventure
Park,
a Tourist Boat Club, a Children’s Traffic
Park and a Yatri Niwas. |
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Thangasseri Beach
The Thangasseri beach is situated about 5 kms from
Kollam. This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. This beach also has a Thangasseri lighthouse
which is 144 feet high.
Palaruvi Waterfalls
Palaruvi means the milky stream. The Palaruvi waterfalls makes its way down the rocks, from a height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi
wood is a beautiful picnic spot. |
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Kulathupuzha |
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Kulathupuzha is situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram – Shenkottai road. Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The most important festival is the Vishnu Mahotsavam which is celebrated in the month of April and May. |
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Thirumullavaram Beach
Thirumullavaram Beach is situated about 6 kms from Kollam.
This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has
frequent bus connections to the town.
Sasthamkotta
The ancient Sastha temple which lends its name to the Sasthamkotta town, is an important pilgrim
centre. This vast fresh water lake is surrounded by the hills on
three sides and the largest of its kind in Kerala. |
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Ochira |
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Ochira is the famous pilgrim centre located about 34 kms. from the 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. The two main annual festivals are Ochira Kali which is celebrated in mid June and the twelve day Pantharandu Vilakku which is celebrated in November and December.
Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men
dressed like warriors on the battle field. They perform a
martial dance, standing in knee-deep water, with swords and
shields and water in every direction. |
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Mayyanad |
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Mayyanad is known for its shrines and temples. The Subramanya temple at
Umayanallor is the most important temple among the nine temples. This shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree
Sankaracharya. |
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Rameshwara Temple |
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The Rameshwara temple shows Pandyan influence in its
designs and has inscriptions in Tamil, belonging from 12th to
16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in the temple gives
one the impression that the creatures are animated and actually
climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws. |
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How to reach Kollam |
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By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum which is about 71
kms.
By Rail:
Kollam is an important railhead of the Southern Railway.
By Road:
An excellent road network links Kollam to all major towns and cities in
Kerala.
By Sea:
The Ferry station is located close to the central bus station and about 3
kms. from the railway station. |
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