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LAP OF GOLDEN NUTS
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The
magnificent town of Kollam is located 71 km. from Thiruvananthapuram.
It is a thriving centre of State's trade and commerce
and has been the centre of country's cashew trading and
processing industry. It is one of the oldest sea port
in the Arabian Sea and had flourishing trade links with
the Arab, China, Greek, Roman and later on with Portuguese,
Dutch and British. The early travellers mention the Kollam
port as the largest in the world and its market as one
of the finest in India. The majestic city has turned into
a major tourist centre with its splendid backwater, beaches
and scenic beauty.
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PLACES OF INTEREST
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Ariyankavu
The
Hindu pilgrim centre is located 70 km. east of Kollam.
The famous Sastha temple attracts thousands of devotees
during the Mandalapooja
and Thrikkalyanarn festivals held in the month of
December. The town was on the important trade route for
the merchants from either sides of Western Ghats.
Arlyankavu gained importance after the beginning
of Thirunelveli Kollam Railway in 1904 along the
traditional trade route. There is a 2.5 km. long railway
tunnel. Palaruvi
Waterfalls The waterfalls set in enchanting
surroundings are located just 5 km. from Ariyankavu on
the way from Punalur to Chenkotta. It is easily accessible
by rail and road. The waterfalls gets the name as it gives
an impression of flowing milk. A shallow pool created
by the waterfalls is ideal for swimming.
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Ochira
Ochira
Hindu pilgrim centre.
The unique Parabrahma Temple
dedicated to universal consciousness houses
no deity or idol. Ochira Kali in mid June and, Panthrandu
Vilakku in Nov / Dec. are the two main annual festivals.
Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups
of men, highlighting their martial skills. It is
also an important handicrafts centre.
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Punalur
Located
46 km. from Kollam, it is one of the important industrial
centre of the State. The suspension bridge built in
1879 over Kallada river is a star attraction. The
Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sasthamkotta is popular among
the devotees.
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Tangassed
It
is
located 5 km. from Kollam, and is known
for the colonial buildings including
churches and bungalows. The 44 metre
high light house is the special attraction
of the town. The power light from the
light house can be visible up to 29
km.
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Sasthamkotta
It
is situated on the right bank of Kallada river
26 km. north east of Kollam town. There is
a temple dedicated to Lord Sastha, but the
town is known for the Sasthamkotta Lake, the
only major fresh water lake in the State.
The lake is set amidst scenic surroundings
covered by high hills on the three side.
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Kochupilamodu
Beach
The
model
park at the beach is worth a visit.
The annual festival in Dec- Jan,
features the works of master craftsmen
from all over the country.
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Thirumullavaram
beach
The beach, 6 km. from the town is
popular among the locals. It also has
good bathing facilities.
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Ashtamudi
Lake
The
scenic lake surrounded by red cliffs
and swaying coconut palms stretches
northwards from Kollam town covering
an area of 51.8 km. The lake is named
Ashtamudi as it branches off into 8
creeks. It provides extensive facilities
for retting coconut husks, which makes
the district hub of coir industry. The
Chinese fishing nets add to the spectacular
scenic beauty of the lake.
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Backwater
tours
Kollam
is also known as the 'Gateway
to Kerala's beautiful backwater'.
ATDC and DTPC, offers internationally
popular Backwater Cruise between
Kollam and Alappuzha. It passes
through lakes, canals and waiter
bound villages and is the best
and most comprehensive introduction
to the magical backwaters of the
State.
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House
Boats
There
are several exclusive House Boat
Holiday Packages available with
DTPC Kollam.
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Backwater
Tour Departure
& Arrival
Kollam to Alappuzha
: 10.30 a.m., 6.30 p.m.
Alappuzha to Kollam
10.30 a.m. , 6.30 p.m.
* Reporting Time &
Place
at Kollam : Before
10 a.m. DTPC Tourist
Information Office,
KSRTC Bus Station. At
Alappuzha : Before 10
a.m. DTPC Tourist Information
Office, near KSRTC Bus
Station.
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Facilities
on Board: Supply of
soft drinks and beer (on
payment) ; Upper deck seating
facility ; Guide service.
Halting
Points: Amrithapuri
(Matha Amrithananda's
Ashram), Ayiramthengu
(for lunch break), Kumarakodi
(Death place of renowned
poet Kumaranasan), and Karumadi
(Place where the rare
statue of Lord Buddha is
situated).
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Communication
Air :
Nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram
(71 km.)
Rail : Kollam is
an important rail head.
Road
: Well
connected by roads with
other tourist centres.
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