Among
the towns in Kerala, Kollam is one town that's famous for its antiquity!
During ancient times, Kollam was a renowned international trade centre
... for the port of Kollam was frequented by Phoenicians, Persians,
Romans, Arabs and Chinese!
Also, famous travellers like Marco Polo and Ibam Batuta have acclaimed
the historical importance of Kollam as a commercial town!
The capital of a powerful kingdom called "Venad"
Kollam came into prominence in the 9th century AD. As cited by some
historians, the Malayalam era - called the Kollam era - was established
by Marthanda Varma, the ruler of Kollam in 825 AD!
Kollam also has some notable importance in Indian history during the
British Raj - it was the nerve centre of the rebellion organised by
freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalava!
Speaking of culture, it was in Kollam where 'Ramanattam' - the dance
form of Kathakali originated!
Today, Kollam is one of the major industrial and commercial centres of
Kerala ... and also the hub of Kerala's cashewnut industry!
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Cruising down the backwaters in Ashtamudi, housing in a boat and living
life at ease ... Kollam is the ultimate place to be. Apart from the
immaculate backwaters, there are several other interesting places on
land worth a visit in Kollam.
Thirumullavaram
Thirumullavaram, 5 kilometres from Kollam, is the best beach spot. The
calm Arabian Sea stretches a long way and the tourists can bask in the
cool breeze pervading the place. This expansive beach is an ideal spot
for swimming and bathing as well.
Thankassery
5 kilometres from Kollam, treasures the awesome remnants of the
Portuguese and Dutch forts. Legend has it that the Portuguese, the Dutch
and the British ruled this place in succession. A 45 metre high
lighthouse is an added attraction to this place.
Paravoor
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.
Jatayu Rock
The Jatayu Rock is a huge rock situated in the Chadaya Mangalam village
on
MC Road. The name 'Jatayu', a giant bird, comes from the epic -
Ramayana. For the adventurous at heart, the place is ideal for trekking.
Thenmala
Thenmala, 68 kilometres East of Kollam, is a traveller's delight
surrounded by dense forests in the Eastern ranges. The Thenmala Dam and
pleasure boating along Senthurini Wild Life Sanctuary, organised by
Kollam DTPC, is a visual treat to the tourists.
Sasthamkotta
Sasthamkotta, the 'Queen of Lakes', is situated 27 kilometres from
Kollam. The tourists can make use of the Pleasure Boating Facility at
Sasthamkotta to take a cruise through the freshwater lake stretching
over valleys of imposing hills.
