KOLLAM TRAVEL
A costal district of Kerala, Kollam is located 71 km from Trivandrum. One of the beautiful backwater district of Kerala, Kollam was once port of international spice trade. 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake. 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. 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).
Ochira
Located 34 km north of Kollam, Ochira is a famous pilgrim centre. 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. Two main annual festivals are held here. Groups of men perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water in every direction.
Thangasseri
Located 5 km from Kollam, Thangasseri is a picturesque seaside village and has a three kilometer long beach on which stands a 144 feet tall lighthouse - a silent sentinel warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of the Thangasseri, since 1902. The main attractions are Ruins of Portuguese / Dutch forts and 18 century churches, a three km long beach and a century old lighthouse Thangasseri was once a favourite settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English in succession, as Kollam was one of the oldest and most important port for international cashew trade on the Malabar coast. Today, it showcases a few ruined forts built by the Portuguese, and the Dutch and some 18th century churches. Nearest railway station : Nearest airport
Palaruvi
Located 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam, Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience. The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk white burst of foam that resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest. Visitors love the cool shower. Ayurvedic physicians sometimes prescribe a bath in the waters of Palaruvi.
Ochira
Located 34 km north of Kollam, Ochira is a famous pilgrim centre. 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. Two main annual festivals are held here. Groups of men perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water in every direction.
Thangasseri
Located 5 km from Kollam, Thangasseri is a picturesque seaside village and has a three kilometer long beach on which stands a 144 feet tall lighthouse - a silent sentinel warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of the Thangasseri, since 1902. The main attractions are Ruins of Portuguese / Dutch forts and 18 century churches, a three km long beach and a century old lighthouse Thangasseri was once a favourite settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English in succession, as Kollam was one of the oldest and most important port for international cashew trade on the Malabar coast. Today, it showcases a few ruined forts built by the Portuguese, and the Dutch and some 18th century churches. Nearest railway station : Nearest airport
Palaruvi
Located 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam, Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience. The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk white burst of foam that resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest. Visitors love the cool shower. Ayurvedic physicians sometimes prescribe a bath in the waters of Palaruvi.