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 Kollam
- Located 71 Km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram,
Kollam is the centre of the country's cashew trading and
processing industry. One of the oldest ports of the Malabar
coast. Kollam was once the port of international trade.
Thirty percent of this 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 of the backwaters of Kerala. The
district also has some interesting historic remnants and a
number of temples built in the traditional ornate
architectural style.
Thangasseri : This seaside village of historic
importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and
churches built in the 18th century. The Thangasseri
lighthouse which is 144 feet high, is open to visitors from
15:30 - 17:30 hrs. There are buses at 15 minutes intervals
from Kollam town.
Thirumullavaram Beach: This secluded beach is
beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to
the town.
Mayyanad : is noted for its shrines and temples. The
most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya
Temple at Umayanallor. This shrine is said to have been
consecrated by the great Hindu Philosopher Sree
Sankaracharaya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to
mayyanad.
Sasthamkotta : 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. There are frequent
bus services from Kollam. Accommodation is available at the
PWD Rest House.
Ochira : The unique feature of this famous pilgrim
centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Para
Brahma 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. Ochira
Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed
as warriors an the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a
martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing
swords and shields, and splashing water every direction.
There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.
Kulathupuzha : Situated on a forest range on the
Thiruvananthapuram-Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known
for Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the
most important festival. There are frequent buses from
Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just
10 Km from here.
Thenmala : The area is covered by dense forest,
rubber and tea plantations. An Eco Tourism Development
Project is under implementation here. Thenmala is also a dam
site.
Palaruvi Waterfalls : Palaruvi which means "milky
stream" makes its "milky way" down the rocks, falling from a
height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic
spot. There are frequent buses to Ariankavu from Kollam. The
PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel offer comfortable
accommodation.
Matha 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.
Jatayupara : 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 his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita.
Thirumullavaram Beach: This beautiful beach, filled
with coconut palms is ideal for an early morning walk as one
can see fishermen gliding into the sea for the day's catch.
The beach is also has good bathing facilities.
Kolattupuzha: This picturesque evergreen valley is an
important forest range famous for its elephants. There is
also an ancient Sastha Temple on the right bank of the
Kolattupuzha river.
Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary: Formed around the
Kallada Irrigation Project, the Shenduruny valley is one of
the richest floral areas of Kerala. Elephant, tiger,
leopard, bear and the lion-tailed macaque can be found here.
Closeby is Tenmalai, the headquarters of this forest
division. A large number of tea and rubber estates can be
found here.
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