Kollam

Mentioned in Greek literature from the first century, Kollam or Quilon has been a thriving trading port for centuries. The surrounding region produces pepper (after which the city is named), cashews, coir and other agricultural products. Local communities include Christians, Muslims and Hindus. A historical Chinese population is known to exist, and the town's market is still named after them. Fishing occurs right along the coast as in other parts of Kerala. West and slightly north of the town some 5 kilometres 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 proper.

The city is well connected by road. National Highways 47 and 208 pass through it. A number of long distance buses and inter state buses ply through the city. You have buses from Cochin, Alappuzha, Trivandrum, Bangalore, etc. The city is also well connecedt by railways. The railway code is QLN. You can get trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport and it is 70 kilometers away from the city.

Ayan Mukherjee

Arunvrparavur

Ayan Mukherjee

AlumkadavuScenic place, with blue green stretches back water, coconut palms, back water cruise, house boats, Ayurvedic treatment centers.
Amritapuri AsramamA Hindu pilgrim center for worshipers of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.
AryankavuPilgrim center, old trade route for merchants from either sides of western Ghats, famous for shrine of Lord Sastha, fine sculptures and mural paintings.
ChavaraFamous for the mineral sand and place of Catholic saint Sister Alphonsa.
KalayapuramIt is believed that old Kalayan royal family were ruled from this place, hence the name Kalayapuram.
KarunagappallyFamous mosque and dome of martyrs, a unique pilgrimage center. Old military station of Kayamkulam Rajas.
KottarakkaraErstwhile capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a ruling family. Famous for Kath Kali (a dance drama).
KundaraA prominent place in the area famous for industries.
MannadiFamous as the place where Veluthampi Dalawa laid down his life.
MayyanadFamous for its shrines and temples.
NeendakaraFamous for its fisheries industries.
OachiraFamous temple & mosque, a unique pilgrim center and handicraft center. Oachira padanilam was the battle field of Kayamkulam Rajas.
ParavurFamous for coir production center and fishing. Beautiful tourist destination, eye-catching because estuaries, backwaters and beaches.
SasthamcottaBiggest freshwater lake in Kerala.
ThangasseryPlace of historical importance, with old 18th century churches, light house and remnants of Portuguese and Dutch forts.
Thangassery Church RuinsThe ruins of a church belltower and some adjacent graves and headstones are still standing here behind some local houses. You can probably spot them from the road if you're careful, but ask around and you will likely be shown inside. The locals are Christians and speak English.
Thangassery FortSome 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.
Thangassery LighthouseA modern lighthouse in a historic Christian quarter of town 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.
Thenmala

address: 66 km east of Kollam
Dam site with dense forest is famous for eco tourism.
Jatayu Earth Center

phone: +91 4702477077,+91 9072588713, +91 9072088122

address: Jatayu Nature Park Road, Jatayu Junction, Chadayamangalam
This rock-theme nature park has a sculpture of Jatayu, a bird that is a character in the epic Ramayana on top of a mountain. It is the world’s largest bird sculpture (200 feet (61 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) broad, 70 feet (21 m) in height. You can take a cable car ride to the sculpture. The view from the gondola is nice, and the sculpture is worth a look. Many other facilities are planned, but not yet open to the public. There will be a museum inside the sculpture and a temple to Rama. As of Jan 2019, the helicopter ride advertised on the website was not actually available. A food court where you can purchase snacks is also available - try the vazhaniyala appam, the vegetable cutlets and the banana fries - all of these are very tasty. There is a "12D" show at the cable car station that costs extra.

It's basically eating/shopping/sightseeing. Don't swim in the water as there's a large amount of unprocessed sewerage that goes in to it from locals who crap on the beach.

Munroe Island Canoe Tours

phone: +91 904 817 6186

address: Chittumala Rd
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.

Joy AllukasFor clothes, gold, footwear etc.
Kairali HandicraftHandicraft from Kerala.
RP MallCarnival multiplex, Devi and Jajji's beauty salon, Reliance footprint & Trends for clothes, Fab India, Blackberry, Food Court, Game Zone

Dhrisyapushparaj

Hotel Bright

address: Kottiyam, Kollam.
Famous for their mutton chops.

Hotel Sea PalaceIt has a bar.
Hotel SudarshanIt has a bar.

Fragrant Nature Retreat and Resorts
Government Guesthouse

phone: +91 474-2742530
It is noisy as the guest house is situated on the national highway in the centre of the city.
Hotel Prashanti

phone: +91 474-2752061
It has a vegetarian restaurant. It's a walkable distance to the beach. It has both air conditioned and non air conditioned rooms.
Munroe Island Backwaters Homestay

phone: +91 904 817 6186

address: Chittumala Rd, Munroe Island
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.
Nani HotelExcellent 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!
The Quilon Beach Hotel

phone: +91 474-2769999
It is a 5 star rated hotel. 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.
Railway Retirement Room
Tamarind HotelAn 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.
WelcomHotel Raviz

phone: +91 474 2751111

address: Thevally, Mathilil

You could leave for Alleppy, Cochin or Trivandrum.
Buses and trains head in all directions.

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