Kollam is the center of India's cashew processing and trading industries. It is an old port situated on the edge of noted Asthamudi Lake. In the olden days, Kollam was known as Desinganadu because this trading center was used for foreign trade as far distant as Rome. Truly, it is also referred to as Quilon in Kerala. It is 71 kms north of Thiruvanthapuram, the capital of Kerala.

There is a spiritual place, Matha Amrithanandamavi Ashram, which is very close to Kollam. The followers of Saint Amrithanandamavi Devi come here throughout the year.

If you visit these places in particular, its natural beauty will surely charm you with its rich traditions, religious functions and daily lives. Especially, people of Kollam observe the 5-day Asthami Rohini festival at the Vadayattuktta Temple, representing its profound culture. The cultural enthusiasts observe the Kollar Pooram festival in April. It is just like a feast to them. Festivals like Uriyadi and Oachirakkali fall in the month of June.

Below are the destinations close to Kollam:

Mayyand: It is noted for temples and shrines. Among the nine temples that are present at Umavanallor, Subramanya temple is served piously. It is about half an hour's drive from Kollam.

Thangasseri: This is a seaside village that has the ruins of the Portuguese churches and fort of the 18th century. There is a 144-foot old lighthouse.

Thirumullarv aram beach: It is generally meant for picnics, and is situated 6 kms north of Kollam.

Jatayupura: People believe that Jatayu, the mythical bird in the Ramayana died here. You can see a large stone here that marks the spot.

Oachira: It is a special pilgrim center, which is about 30 kms from Kollam, special in the sense that there are no idols or temple buildings here. Yet, people come here to worship Parabrahmam, a presiding deity. Every year, a festival is celebrated here in the month of June.

The backwaters are calm and clean with green surroundings and fragrance of wild flowers. At times, you may sight flock of ducks calling from the bank, birds flying in the clear blue sky, women selling coconuts in boats, and the lotuses spreading around the houseboats. You would experience a backwater cruise of eight hours from Kollam to Alappuzha. Indeed, this backwater is often described as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerela.

How to Reach Kollam:

It is well-connected with the outside world by road and rail network. At a distance of 72 kms, there is the Thiruvanthapuram airport. The best time to visit Kollam is October to March. The climate is usually tropical.