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Kollam is located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international trading point in day gone by. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. The district which is the center of the country's cashew trading and processing industry also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

Places to see

Mayyanad
(10 km south of Kollam town): Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Mayyanad.

Thirumullavaram Beach
(6 km north of Kollam town): This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.

Kulathupuzha
(64 km from Kollam town): Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here.

Picnic Village
This village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.

Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple
(11 km from Chadayamangalam): This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam MC Road is an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture.

Rameshwara Temple
This temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple give one the impression that the creatures are animate and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.

How to reach
Air
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram (71 km)
Rail
Kollam is an important railhead of the Southern Railways. (Railway enquiry Ph: 131)
Road
An excellent road network links Kollam to all major towns and cities in Kerala.
Ferry services
The ferry station is adjacent to the central bus station (3 km from the railway station)