Lighthouse
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The Dutch Quilon as it was called, used to be a British Enclave. The place is also popular as Thangasseri. The lighthouse built at Quilon by the British in the year 1902 is visible as far as 13 miles in the sea. The lighthouse stands to an amazing height of 144 feet. The picturesque view of the sea from the place where the lighthouse stands is breathtaking. In the vicinity lies the Portuguese Fort. The fort was built in the year 1517 and at present only a wall of the fort has escaped the assaults made by Time. |
Ashtamudi Lake
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The serene Ashtamudi Lake is a great place to hanker for in the Kollam district. The house boat trips here are great pleasures and so is the boat cruise. The boat cruise to Munroe Islands is a wonderful experience. The popular cruises one can avail at the place are Kayal Pradakshina Cruise and Sayanthanam Sunset Cruise. |
Chavara
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Chavara is one of the important industrialized zones in the state of Kerala. There are large mineral deposits located in the Chavara region. The place supports four major industrial establishments which includes Indian Rare Earths, The Kerala Premo Pipe factory, Kerala Mineral and Metal factory and Titanium Complex. |
Adventure Park
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Next to the government Guest House at Asramam, 3 km away from the central bus stand, is an Adventure Park which delights children. The Quilon District Tourist Promotion Council organises backwater cruises from there and during the season conducts cruises to Alleppey. |
Thangasseri
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This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The Thangasseri Lighthouse is open to visitors from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. There are buses at 15 minute intervals from Kollam town. |
RameshwaraTemple
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An idyllic hill station with winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 915 metres above the sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails. |
Mayyanad
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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 Sankaracharya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Mayyanad. |
Sasthamkotta
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The vast fresh water lake here 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
(34 km north of Kollam town) |
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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. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha. |
Kulathupuzha
(64 km from Kollam town) |
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Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the 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. |
Paravoor
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Paravoor, 20 kilometres from Kollam, is a narrow skirt of land stretching in between the backwaters and the sea. A beach resort by KTDC and a major water sports complex by Kollam DTPC will adorn this place very soon. The famous Varkala beach is a mere 15 kilometres drive from here. Paravoor is well connected by road and rail. |
Thenmala
(66 km east of Kollam) |
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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. |
Thenmala Deer Park
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The other attraction of Thenmala is the Deer Park. Thenmala Rocks are about 5000 years old, which are worth seeing. |
Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum
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KottarakkaraThamburanKathakaliMuseum is the memorial of Kottarakkara Thamburan (King), the father of the Kathakali. Exhibited here are various models of Kathakali, Kathakali costumes and ornaments, rare musical instruments, sculptures, models of mohiniyattam and other classical dances, 108 natya Kiranangal (Dance Songs) etc. |
Thevalli Palace
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This is a beautiful and historically renowned palace situated on the banks of Ashtamudi Kayal (backwater),Sasthamkotta, 26 Km. north-east of Kollam city. Sasthamkotta is situated on the banks of Kallada river. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Sastha. The place is also known for the Sasthamkotta fresh water lake. This natural gift is set amidst scenic surroundings covered by hills on the three sides. |
Ariankavu
(70 km from Kollam town) |
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Situated on the Kollam - Shenkottai road, Ariankavu is famous for the shrine dedicated to Lord Sastha. Mandala Pooja and Tirukalyanam celebrated in the month of December are the main festivals here. |
Palaruvi Waterfalls
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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. |
Thirumullavaram Beach
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This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town. |
Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu
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The residence and the headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, one of Indias female gurus, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The ashram is accessible both by road and boat. |
PicnicVillage
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This village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. The 200 year old Government Guest House, an AdventurePark, the Tourist Boat Club, the Childrens TrafficPark and the Yatrinivas are situated in this vast tourist complex. |
Kottukal RockCut CaveTemple
(11 km from Chadayamangalam) |
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This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam MC Road is an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture. |
Jatayupara
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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 Ravanas kidnapping of Sita. |
