Kollam – ‘The Gateway city of Kerala Backwaters’ - where the magnificent network of waterways begins from the famed ashtamudi lake, the second Largest Lake in Kerala,
Kollam was an ancient port city on the Arabian cost. This town have a rich costal history that even made the famous ancient travel writer Ibn Batuta to refer this port as one of the five important port in the 14th century. You should reconsider the fact that Ibn Batuta traveled 24 years vigorously around the globe on the known world
Kollam is mostly known as the centre of cashew industries. The other industries are marine, coir, cane, clay, matchbox, coconut oil etc...
BACKWATER PLACES IN KOLLAM DISTRICT
Astamudi Lake : renowned for its panoramic views is the second largest lake in Kerala, stretching a length of 16kms that sharing 30% of Kollam town, Astamudi Lake is named so because of its eight channels- in the local language “Ashtamudi” means eight branches (Ashta = eight; mudi = hair or branch) These channels converge into a single outlet at Neendakara estuary to enter the Arabian sea. The major river discharging into the Ashtamudi is the Kallada river, formed by the confluence of three rivers, which are Kulathupuzha, Chenduruni and Kalthuruthy, these rivers are originates from the Western Ghats.The numerous coconut groves and palm trees that dot the lakeside add to its scenic beauty. The famous Chinese fishing nets laid on its waters give the landscape an oriental look. The lake is well known for its houseboat and backwater resorts; Ashtamudi Wetland was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.
Munroe Island : (27 Km from Kollam)- is a beautiful small village is surrounding by Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River Blessed with a number of criss-cross canals and zig-zagging water channels; this Island plays a host to so many migratory birds. There is yet another rare chance to see the traditional Indian spice plants. Coir making is a home industry to almost all the village people.
Alumkadavu: (28 Km north of Kollam) Along the vast expanse of the Kayamkulam Lake is the picturesque little village of Alumkadavu, This hamlet by the backwaters is home to skilled artisans who craft the enormous kettuvallam. Here is the first House boat in Kerala built.
Amrithapuri: (35 Km from Kollam) This is the Ashram & Headquarters of Matha AmirthanandaMayi. She is one of the famous Spiritual lady in India.
HOUSE BOAT CRUISE PACKAGES FROM KOLLAM
BACKWATER MAP OF KOLLAM DISTRICT
Accessing Kollam (Quilon)
Kollam has well established rail and road links with major cities of India. Kollam is connected by good motorable roads to all parts of Kerala and Tamilnadu. The nearest airport is situated at Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala .Transportation Air : The nearest Airport is Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International airport (TRV). 72km to Kollam, Trivandrum International Airport has direct flights to many international cities like Kuwait, Dubai, Singapore, Male, Colombo, Sharjah, Muscat, Bahrain, Qatar, Jeddah and Abudhabi. It is linked with Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa and Bangalore by domestic flights.
Rail : Kollam Railway station (QLN) is 1 Km from City centre
For train details log on to -http://www.indianrail.gov.in/src_dest_trns.html
Road: Kollam Bus station is 1 Km from City centre, Frequent buses available from Trivandrum, Alleppey and Cochin (Ernakulam)
Road Distance from major tourist places:
- Trivandrum – 72Km (1and half hrs)
- Kovalam – 86km (2hrs)
- Kanyakumari – 160Km (5hrs)
- Varkala – 35 Km (1hr)
- Alappuzha – 86Km (2hrs)
- Kottayam – 105Km (2hrs)
- Thekkady – 200Km (5hrs)
- Munnar - 280Km (7hrs)
- Cochin – 150Km (3and half hrs)
- Madurai – 315Km (8hrs)
- Coimbatore – 365Km (7hrs)
- Bangalore – 660Km (13hrs)
- Goa – 990Km
- Chennai – 660Km