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South
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Currency |Weather |Distance |Railway
Time |Airlines
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Districts
Kollam |
Click the districts below for more information....>
ABOUT
KOLLAM
Kollam (earlier Quilon), 72 km off Thiruvananthapuram, is a trade-nerve in
Southern Kerala. Its trading-tradition dates back to early centuries when
Chinese, Greeks, Arabs and Romans haunted the shore for ship-loading Kerala
spices and produces. Today Kollam is the major cashew trading and processing
centre in the country. Also a hub of marine industry.
Kollam, where past rubs shoulder with present, is a Kerala-in-miniature with its
all features; sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forest
and vast green fields.
Area: 2579 sq. km.
Altitude: Sea level
Climate Tropical
Rainfall 270 cm. (Annual)
Tourist Season August to March
PLACES TO SEE
Thankassery Light House : Thangasseri, the picturesque seaside village
has a three kilometre long beach on which stands a 144 feet tall lighthouse - a
silent sentinal warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of the Thangasseri,
since 1902.
Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary The Shenduruny forest - declared a wildlife
sanctuary in 1984 – gets its name from an endemic species of tree called
Chenkuruny (Gluta travancoria). In the central region of this moist, mixed
deciduous forest, spread over hilly terrain of over 100 sq km, is the 26 sq km
artificial lake formed by the Parappar dam built across the Shenduruny and
Kulathupuzha rivers.
Neendakara : A major fishing harbour in Kerala. Centre of Indo-Norwegian
Fisheries Community Project, since 1953.
Sasthamkotta : This vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three
sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple which
lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre.
Thenmala : Reservoir, wildlife sanctuary, eco-tourism centre.The area is
covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations. An Eco Tourism Development
Project is under implementation here. Thenmala is also a damsite.
Mayyanad 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.
Ochira The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is
no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to the Universal
Consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku
(twelve lamp festival) in November/December are the two main annual festivals.
Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on
the padanilam (battle field). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep
water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water in every direction.
Jatayupara A huge rock at Chadayamangalam takes its name from the
mythical bird Jatayu in the epic Ramayana, who is believed to have collapsed on
the rock after failing in his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita
Kulathupuzha: 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.
TRAVEL INFO
Air : The nearest airport, Thiruvananthapuram, 72km away.
Rail : Kollam station, enroute Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore line. Stop
for all services.
Road : N H 47 goes via the district, touching Kollam town. MC road,
parallel to the National Highway connects Kollam with Kottayam.
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