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City in Kerala, India
Photo: Akash Dominic, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kollam (കൊല്ലം Kollaṁ), previously Quilon, is a city in southern Kerala (Keralam), India. West and slightly north of the town some 5 km lies a beach, on the north end of which are various European colonial-era relics, including the ruins of a fort and a few churches. There are also some old colonial buildings scattered about the town.
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Scenic place, with blue green stretches back water, coconut palms, back water cruise, house boats, Ayurvedic treatment centers.
Pilgrim centre, old trade route for merchants from either sides of western Ghats, famous for shrine of Lord Sastha, fine sculptures and mural paintings.
Famous for the mineral sand and place of Catholic saint Sister Alphonsa.
It is believed that old Kalayan royal family were ruled from this place, hence the name Kalayapuram.
Famous mosque and dome of martyrs, a unique pilgrimage center. Old military station of Kayamkulam Rajas.
Erstwhile capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a ruling family. Famous for Kath Kali (a dance drama).
A prominent place in the area famous for industries.
Famous as the place where Veluthampi Dalawa laid down his life.
Famous for its shrines and temples.
Long Shore
Famous for its fisheries industries.
Biggest freshwater lake in Kerala.
Dam site with dense forest is famous for eco tourism.
Where the Ashtamudi lake meets the Arabian Sea. Here you will find a leaning lighthouse, similar to the leaning tower of Pisa.
Malayalam: ഇൻഫന്റ് ജീസസ് കത്തീഡ്രൽ, Portuguese: Igreja do Bom Jesú
A vestige of the Portuguese rule of Kollam, established in 1614.
Thangassery Fort
Some limited standing ruins of an old colonial fort. You can see two different sides of the building, the first from the harbour side (where it is visible at some distance), and the second from the opposite side. The site is slightly overgrown so beware of snakes if you venture close. An auto-rickshaw from the Main Road bus stop cost ₹50.
A modern lighthouse in a historic Christian quarter that is possible to climb in the afternoons. Best to combine with the Thangassery Fort, as the two sites are in easy and shaded walking distance.
Vijeesh runs canoe tours which are an excellent way to explore Munroe Island. You get to go places that the house boats can't and will literally be going through the village and get to see life there. He has great English and an excellent personality. Also runs a home stay on the island. Rickshaw ~₹400 from Kollam or local train, contact him via email/phone for train details.
A fishing harbour.
Famous for Mutton related items.
Famous for Mutton related items.
Non Veg and Arabian Dishes
Famous for Fish items.
Famous for their mutton chops.
It has a bar.
It has a bar.
Bar and Resataurant.
It is noisy as the guest house is on the national highway in the centre of the city.
Vijeesh and his family have a very quiet homestay. You eat with the family(pay what you think the meal is worth) and they are very friendly. The guest house is very modern and very clean. It was built in 2011 so is very new. Visjeesh will also take you on canoe tours of the backwaters which last the afternoon. Best way is to contact him via email or phone and he replys very fast. Rickshore is about ₹400 from Kollum bus station. Vijeesh can also arrange a driver for you if he knows what time you pull in.
It has a vegetarian restaurant. It's a walkable distance to the beach. It has both air conditioned and non air conditioned rooms.
Excellent location. For slightly more money than the government-run Tamarind Hotel (miles from anywhere, and nothing special) this place gets you a much nicer environ and location. Reception staff speak excellent English, others apparently cannot. At check-in I was told that no fan rooms were available, and was forced to pay for AC. However, upon complaining about the tax it was quickly considered included in the room rate instead of added on as usual: worth trying. Wifi is available but is charged at ₹50/hr, or ₹300/24hr: you wonder why the bothered installing it!
An inconvenient location and poor value for the price make this a terrible selection, save for the view out over the water. The rooms are spacious, just about three times what you'd expect them to cost. A classic study in a government-run business; all the makings of success, but none of the right decisions, and an evidently rapidly progressing trend toward total apathy.
offers a selection of 12 air-conditioned rooms. All rooms have been done up with period interiors and furniture, and come equipped with modern amenities. Spread over 1.5 acres of land with ample car parking space, drive-in-dine.
Beach Orchid
There is a pool facing the beach that looks quite nice. The beach has a children's park in it. During some days there are also cultural events conducted on an open-air stage on the beach.
For clothes, gold, footwear etc.
Handicraft from Kerala.
K Mall
Carnival multiplex, Devi and Jajji's beauty salon, Reliance footprint & Trends for clothes, Fab India, Blackberry, Food Court, Game Zone
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Thiruvananthapuram · International · TRV
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