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| Hanging Bridge (Thookku Palam) Punalur |
Kollam town, the headquarters of Kollam district and Kollam taluk, has a hoary past. It was an international emporium of trade and even now it is a prosperous commercial centre. It is situated about 71 Kms. north of Thiruvavanathapuram and is linked by rail, road and backwater transport.
The town edges with the famous Ashtamudi lake. Many a foreign traveler has visited Kollam in early medieval period. It was one of the early centres of Christian activity in Kerala. It is said that the present town of Kollam was built by the Syrian Merchant; Sapir Iso, in the 9th Century A.D. The popularity of Kollam has been established by the time honoured proverb once you see Kollam, you will not need home any more. Kollam is an important commercial, industrial and trading centre. It is also the headquarters of Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation.
The 144 ft. Thangassery Light House, built in 1902, is a centre of attraction. The Ananda Valleswaram Temple here, attracts people on almost all days. There are several Churches and Mosques in and around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. One of the oldest and most important Mosques in the Chinnakkada Palli. The Thangal Kunju Musliar College of Engineering, the first of its kind in the private sector in the state, is at Kilikolloor, about 7 Kms. east of Kollam town.
Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic Village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing, Mahatma Gandhi beach lies just 2 Kms. from the town. It is fascinating place for an evening. Thirumullawaram Beach is 5 kms. from the town. The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing. Asramam picnic village is located in the 48 acre Guest House Complex. This is the centre of various tourism development activities of the district.
The Government Guest House here is 200 years old. It stands along Ashtamudi lake and is a major attraction for its elegance rates. The adventure park, located in the shores of the Ashtamudi backwaters, is a novel experiment in the country. Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats, are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the Adventure Park. A budget hotel for tourists, Yatri Nivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village. The village is just 2 kms. away from the town.
Ashtamudi backwatersAstamudi Lake, renowned for its panoramic views is the second largest lake in Kerala, stretching a length of 16kms that sharing 30% of Kollam town,
Astamudi Lake is named so because of its eight channels- in the local language “Ashtamudi” means eight branches (Ashta = eight; mudi = hair or branch) These channels converge into a single outlet at Neendakara estuary to enter the Arabian sea. The major river discharging into the Ashtamudi is the Kallada river, formed by the confluence of three rivers, which are Kulathupuzha, Chenduruni and Kalthuruthy, these rivers are originates from the Western Ghats.
The numerous coconut groves and palm trees that dot the lakeside add to its scenic beauty. The famous Chinese fishing nets laid on its waters give the landscape an oriental look.
Ashramam Picnic villageLocated in the sprawling 200-year old Guest house campus, this tourist village at ashramam along the backwater front, is the main centre for recreational activities. The place has a boat club, an adventure park, a children’s park etc…. The paramparya museum in the same premises has on display painting from different parts of the country.
Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, VallikavuMata Amritanandamayi Math, is situated at Amritapuri in Vallickavu, a small fishing village at a distance of about 30 km from Kollam town. The ashram which houses more than 2,500 disciples and householders as full-time residents is located at the site of the birth place and childhood home of Mata Amrithanandamayi or Amma or Ammichi as she is popularly known. Thousands of people around the world come to experience her unique 'darshan', in which she holds each devotee in her arms like a mother embracing a child. There are frequent buses from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram to Kayamkulam from where there are local buses to Vallikavu.
ThangasseriThangasseri, situated 5kms from Kollam town was once a favourite settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. Literally meaning 'gold village', this seaside village sprawling over an area of 99 acres, has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches belonging to the 18th century. The Portuguese fort is believed to be built in 1517 and only one wall of this fort remains now. The major attraction of Thangasseri is the lighthouse, built in the year 1902. The 144 ft. lighthouse stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery. Tourist are permitted to visit the lighthouse between 3.30pm and 5.30pm and one could have a picturesque view of the sea from there. February to November is the best time to visit Thangasseri. Kollam railway station is the nearest station to Thangasseri village and it is well connected to town by road also.
Kollam Beach & Thirumullavaram BeachThese secluded beaches are beautiful picnic spots. One can watch and experience the sunset from here. You can’t swim in Kollam beach because of big waves. Thirumullavaram beach is suitable for swimming here you can walk nearly half kilometer into the sea.
Munroe IslandFormed by the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada river, this island is named after Colonel Munroe, the British resident of erstwhile Travancore state. He is credited with having integrated several backwater regions by digging canals. This discovery of Stone Age tools and megaliths stand testimony to the antiquity of this islet which shelters a quaint little village. is a beautiful small village is surrounding by Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River Blessed with a number of criss-cross canals and zig-zagging water channels; this Island plays a host to so many migratory birds. There is yet another rare chance to see the traditional Indian spice plants. Coir making is a home industry to almost all the village people.
Puthenkulam Elephant VillageThe road to this village is not less traveled. But, it is a beaten track traveled by majestic elephants along with human beings. Bhoothakulam Panchayat in Kollam district has the largest number of captive elephants in Kerala and most of them are from the Puthenkulam village has roughly around 50 elephants in whole.. It is situated around 25 kms away from Kollam. Every Year this place attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world, more than 10000 tourists visit here.
The activities available here is Elephant riding- trekking, Elephant feeding and bathing. Elephant rides are available from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM every day. The whole premise is spanned over 3.5 acres. The tuskers are also sending for festivals all over South Kerala. Most of the tourists are coming here for spending a day with an elephant and its mahout. There is also a collection of elephant ornaments like gold plated caparisons, umbrellas, Alavattom, Venchamaram, Necklace etc .Here the relationship between elephants and their trainers and handlers is one based on mutual trust and respect, rather than on dominance and breaking of the animal's spirit.
Sasthamkotta (29 km from Kollam town)Situated 19 km from the Kollam town, the Sasthamkotta Lake is one of its kind in the state of Kerala. It is a freshwater lake spread over a huge area of 375 hectares. The highlight of this lake is that it neither gets frozen during the winter season nor does it dries up in the summers. Throughout the year, the freshwater of this lake provides clean drinking water for around 10 million people.
For tourists, it is not just the scenic beauty and tranquility of the lake that is attractive; rather there is something else as well. An ancient Sastha temple stands on its shore which is major draw for pilgrims to Kerala. The Monkeys of sasthamkotta that colonize the towering trees are believed to be the loyal followers of the ruling deity, the Dharma sastha. Mechanized Boating in the Sasthamkotta Lake prohibited because of pollution
The hanging bridge at PunalurIs the only one of its kind in south India. The 400ft long suspension bridge built in 1877 by Albert Henry across the Kallada River, this huge bridge was suspended by three spans and was used for vehicular movement, Now only of archaeological interest.
Thenmalameans ‘honey hills’, It is India's first planned eco-tourism destination, which is gaining popularity due to its unique vistas, bio-diversity and functioning. Situated about 65kms from Kollam, the Thenmala Eco-Tourism shares its resources with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Western Ghats.
To explore the tourist destination, the region has been divided into culture, leisure and adventure zones. Musical dancing fountain along with amphitheatre, shop court and restaurants are the main attractions of the culture zone. In the leisure zone, sculpture garden, sway bridge, broad walk etc offers amazing view to the tourists. Besides the sculptures of father and child, some of the charecters of Indian myths such as Ekalavya, Vikramadithya and Vethalam are there in the sculpture garden. Adventure zone comprises of Elevated Walkway, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, River Crossing, Nature Trails, Resting Spots, and Lotus Pond etc.
Thenmala Eco-Tourism also offer other attractions, like an invigorating boat ride in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, a visit to the Deer Rehabilitation Centre, where one can have a look at Spotted deer, the Sambar deer and the Barking deer, children's eco-park, trekking, Butterfly park, etc…
Shendurney Wildlife SanctuaryThis is one of the semi-evergreen forest of Kerala. You can see Elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, samba, wild boar, lion tailed macaques, languors, deer and most of the other wild animals at their natural inhibits. This is declared as wildlife sanctuary in 1984. According to some recent studies reviled, The Shenduruny was the cradle of one of the oldest river valley civilizations of India, which dated from 4400 BC to 3700 BC, unbelievable!!! Older than the Indus Valley Civilization.
Palaruvi Waterfalls(75 km from Kollam town)Water Fall, Kollam Travel VacationsPalaruvi which means "milky stream" makes its `milky way' down the rocks, falling from a height of 300 feet. The
Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. There are frequent buses to Ariankavu from Kollam. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel offer comfortable accommodation.
AryankavuSituated about 73 kms east of Kollam is one of the important pilgrim centers of the district. From very early days, it was an important trade route for merchants from either sides of western Ghats. The chief attraction of
Aryankavu is the shrine dedication of Lord Sastha. The temple has some fine sculptures and mural paintings. Thousands of pilgrims flocks of this temple during the Mandala Pooja in December. All trains towards Shencottah have a stop at Aryankavu. About 5 kms away from Aryankavu there is a big waterfall known as Palaravi meaning river of milk. It is one of the well-known waterfalls in the south India, falling from a height of 300 feet. It is situated 66kms from Kollam on Kollam-Shencottah road.
RosemalaRose mala is a place in Aryankavu (Kollam District, Kerala) Located about 15 km deep into the forest from Aryankavu junction. Aryankavu is 76 km away on NH 208 from Kollam. The forest track leading to Rosemala is very steep with loose boulders. Only Suvs with high ground clearance and jeeps (and of course two-wheelers) can travel on this road.
The main attraction in
Rosemala is the forest, watch tower, and the view of lake from the watch tower. The watchtower unveils the beauty of Thenmala Dam reservoir surrounded by gigantic hills. There are options for boating in the lake for that you have to get the permission from Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. The most important thing is the tranquility of several mountain streams crossing the path.
JatayuparaThe huge, rocky hillock Jatayupara is located at Chadayamangalam, 30 kms from Kollam, Legends goes that the name is derived from the mythical bird Jatayu in the epic Ramayana who is believed to have collapsed on the rock after failing in his attempts to prevent Ravanna’s kidnapping of Sita. There is a small temple atop of the hill that can be reached only by climbing steep steps
Ochira (34 km north of Kollam town)Kollam Holidays VacationsThe unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku 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 (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.
Rameshwara TempleThis temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th century. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple are carvings which give one the impression that the creatures are animate and are actually climbing upstairs with their outstretched paws.
AchencoilSituated about 80 kms from Punalur is an important pilgrim center. The Sastha temple here, situated amidst dense forest. The idol of Sastha is supposed to have been installed several centuries before the Christian Era. The two important festivals of this temple are Mandala Pooja (December-January) and the festival held at 'Revathi'(January-February). The two notable features of the festival are the Therotam (chariot festival) and Pushpabhishekam (offering of flowers). In no other temple of the South India are flowers offered to the deity so lavishly as at Achencoil.
AlumkadavuAlumkadavu located at 26 Kms from Kollam City and on the lakeside of Kollam-Alappuzha National Water Way. The "Green Channel Back Water Resort" at Alumkadavu makes itself a tranquil location for both foreign and Indian Tourists. The scenic beauty of blue green stretches of serene back water and rambling gardens of hundreds of coconut palms give the Green Channel Resort an incomparable beauty.
Apart from providing tasty Kerala/North Indian/Chinese dishes the resort offers excellent facilities like comfortable accommodation, Back Water Cruise, visit to Matha Amritanandamayi Asramam, which is only 4 KM away, House Boats, Ayurvedic treatment for rejuvenation of body by qualified and experienced Ayurvedic Practioner, canal tour with the unique opportunities to experience the true village life and do fishing leisurely.
AmritapuriAmritapuri located at 110 kms from capital of Kerala. Amritapuri is the realisation of the ancient Indian ideal "the whole world is one family" (vasudhaiva kutumbakam). By bus or train: Kayamkulam (12 km north of Amritapuri) and Karunagappally (10 km south) are the major cities to reach. By air and taxi: The two closest airports are in Trivandrum (110 km south of Amritapuri) and in Cochin (140 km north).
AnchalSituated 13 kms south of Punalur, Anchal is known for its cattle market held twice a month. The Mudi festival of the Bhagavathy temple here, conducted once every 12 years, attract huge gatherings.
ChavaraChavara is situated 14 kms north of Kollam on the Kollam-Alappuzha road. Thousands of tonnes of mineral sand are exported from Chavara to various countries. The Kovilthottam port is situated within the limits of Chavara Panchayat. Four major industrial establishments 1.Indian Rare Earths 2.The kerala Premo Pipe factory 3.Kerala Mineral and Metal factory 4.Titanium Complex are in Chavara.
KarunagappallyKarunagappally is situated 27 kms north of Kollam. It is linked with Kollam by rail and road. There is a mini civil station at Karunagappally .Padanayarkulangara, which forms part of the town, was once the military station at Kayamkulam Rajas. An idol of Buddha, recovered from a local tank here, is now preserved in the Krishnapuram palace the headquarters of Kayamkulam Rajas situated north of Oachira. The town has a temple dedicated to Lord Siva, two old mosques and a mar Thomas Church.
KottarakkaraKottarakkara is the headquarters of Kottarakkara Taluk. It is linked by both rail and road, a distance of 27 kms. It was once the capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family. The internationally famous dance drama-Kath kali had its small beginning in this town and it flourished under the patronage of Raja of Kottarakkara.
KulathupuzhaKulathupuzha is situated on the Thiruvannathapuram - Sencottah road and is 10 kms south of Tenmala railway station. It is and important forest range, well known for its elephants. Reed, an essential raw materials for paper manufacture at Punalur Paper mill, is partly supplied from Kulathupuzha valley.
KundaraKundara is linked with Kollam by rail and road, a distance of 18 kms. Large deposit of china clay discovered here, helped in the establishment of the Government Ceramics.
KunnicodeThe main attraction of Kunnicode, situated 10 kms west pf Punalur ,is Pachilakunnu a small hillock where a Muslim saint is said to have breathed his last.
MayyanadMayyanadu,10 kms south of Kollam is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important temple is the one at Umayanallor, dedicated to Lord Subramanian. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by Shri. Sankaracharya of Kaladi. Besides the temples, there are three churches and a Mosque. Cotton weaving and oil pressing are the main occupation in the village.
NeendakaraSituated about 8 kms north of Kollam , Neendakara is the Headquarters of the Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community project, which was established in 1953.The important institutions under this project are the boat building yard at Sakthikulangara the Fisherman's Training Institute, the ice factory and the refrigeration Plant. Neendakara Port, the hub of fishing activities is here.
ParavurParavur is an important fishing and coir production center. It is situated 13 kms south of Kollam and is connected with Kollam town by rail and road. It is the birth place of K.C.Kesavan Pillai(1865-1913) and Kesava Asan(1869-1917) ,two leading literary men of eminence.
PathanapuramAn important trading center on the banks of the Kallada river, Pathanapuram is 13 kms away from Punalur. The Chandanakkudam mahotsavam of the mosque there, celebrated every year in February-March atrtacts thousands of devotees.
PattazhiPattazi is the seat of an ancient temple, dedicated to Bhagavathy. The Mudi is the major festival of this temple.
PunalurPunalur is one of the important industrial centers of kerala. It is 45 kms from Kollam on the Kollam-Shencotta railway line and is also linked with Kollam by road. The Suspension bridge accross the Kallada river erected in 1877,is the only one of its kind in south India and it is 400 ft long. A concrete bridge has been constructed near by and now the suspension bridge is only of archaeological interest. Punalur is the head Quarters of Pathanapuram Taluk.
ThazhavaThazhava in Oachira block is an important center of screw pine mat industry. An Image of Buddha, discovered from a tank known as Pallikkulam near Maruthoorkulangra is one of the interesting archaeological relics, associated with Kollam district
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.
How to reachAir: 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)
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