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. Tourist Spots Kollam - Alappuzha backwaters Alumkadavu : A traditional boat-building centre. Thankassery Light House : Century-old light house at Thankassery beach. Remains of colonial culture are visible. Anglo-Indian families are concentrated here. Neendakara : A major fishing harbour in Kerala. Centre of Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community Project, since 1953. Sasthamkotta : The biggest freshwater lake in Kerala and picturesque Sasthamkotta temple.Thenmala : Reservoir, wildlife sanctuary, eco-tourism centre. Palaruvi waterfalls : 35 kilometers east of Punalur on Kollam - Shenkottah road.