Kollam Backwaters
Located about 63 km away from Trivandrum,
Kollam is considered to be an entry as well as an exit point from the Kerala
backwaters. The place once used to be a nerve centre of the international
spice trade. Kollam is also known as the largest cashew producer in the
state. About 30% area of Kollam is covered by the Ashtamudi lake, and rest
of the Kollam has some beautiful buildings and structures which are among
the most notable features of the city. Another attraction that you would
definitely not like to miss is the eight hour long boat journey between
Kollam to Alappuzha which will expose you to the very best of the backwaters
of Kerala.
Fast Facts
- District : Kollam
- State : Kerala
- Other names : Quilon
- Location : The distance from Kollam to Alleppey 85 km,
to Calicut 374 km, to Trivandrum 63 km and to Kochi is 152 km.
- Journey Time : You will need from Alleppey about 2 hrs
hrs to reach Kollam, 9 and ½ hrs to reach from Calicut, 4 hrs
to reach from Kochi and 1 and 1/2 hrs to reach from Trivandrum,
respectively.
- Route from Trivandrum : Take the NH 47 to reach Kollam
through Mangalapuram, Attingal, Ayirur and Kottiyam.
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Feature Attraction
Alumkadavu
Located about 23 km away from Kollam, the place is halfway on the way to
Alappuzha. This is a sleepy little backwater village which is known for its
boat building yard. The famous huge Ketuvallams of Kerala were built here.
Since the modern means of transport have taken over the Ketuvallams, these
have now been converted into houseboats.
Accommodation
- Aquaserene – 3 Star
- Hotel Sudarsan – 2 Star
- Prasanthi Hotels – 1 Star
When to go
The best months to visit the Kollam backwaters are from October to March.
How to get there
Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest airport which is 63 km away. Kollam is
well connected by railways with the rest of Kerala and India. The place also
has good road connections with the other cities of Kerala and India.
Other Attractions
» Sasthamkotta Fresh Water Lake
It is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala which is surrounded by hills
and a small dam on one side. Here the source of the water are the
underground sprouts and the lake serves as the source of drinking water for
the people of Kollam. The Central Government of India has listed the lake as
a wetland of national importance.
» Thirumullavaram Beach
Thirumullavaram is a beautiful beach which is located at the distance of
about 6 km north of Kollam. The beach which is fill of coconut palms has
good bathing facilities for the tourists.
» Thevalli Palace
Thevalli Palace is a historically renowned palace which is located on the
banks of Ashtamudi backwaters Sasthamkotta. The place is also known for the
temple dedicated to Lord Sastha.
