Kollam

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Kollam is a small and beautiful town situated on the Ashtamudi Lake, some 71 kms from Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. The town lies in the lower quarters, that is towards the south of the state. Kollam shares its eastern borders with the state of Tamil Nadu, the northern side is bounded by Pathanamthitta, southern by Trivandrum and towards the west lies the stretched out Lakshwadeep Sea.

Kollam is an old seaport town on the southwestern Arabian Sea coastline of India. A great trade center of Kerala, the city has changed its name frequently and was known as Desinganadu, Kollam and Quilon at various points of time. A must if you travel to Kerala, Kollam stands along the Ashtamudi Lake and is a major attraction for its elegance and architectural beauty.

The 144 ft. Thangassery Light House, built in 1902, is not to be missed while on vacation in Kollam. The Ananda Valleeswaram Temple attracts people on almost all days. There are several Churches and Mosques around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. One of the oldest and most important mosques in Kollam is the Chinnakkada Palli. The Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, the first of its kind in the state, is at Kilikolloor, about 7 kms east of Kollam town.

Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram Beach and Ashramam Picnic Village, are some of the important spots for local sight seeing during your holidays in Kollam. Mahatma Gandhi Beach lies just 2 kms from Kollam. It is a fascinating place to plan your beach holidays in Kerala. Thirumullavaram Beach is 5 kms from Kollam. Your Kollam tour will also offer you ample opportunity for swimming in the sea here. The Ashramam Picnic Village is located in the 48-acre Guest House Complex.

The children's Traffic & Entertainment Park, designed by NATPAC, is also worth visiting in Kollam. It is the largest traffic park in Kerala. The Adventure Park, located in Kollam village along the shores of the Astamudi backwaters, is a novel experiment in the country. Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, powerboats and motorboats, are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the Adventure Park.

How to reach
Kollam has well established rail and road links with the neighboring cities and the rest of the Kerala. There is a major railway junction and an established bus stand that sees to the tourists coming from other cities of Kerala and beyond Kerala. The nearest airport is grounded at Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. The distance from airport to Kollam is about 71 kms.