Tourist Attractions Kollam (Quilon) Kerala
Eulogised by travellers such as Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta (who called it one of the leading trade capitals of the Old World), Kollam is where the famed network of waterways begins. The Ashtamudi Lake, known as the gateway to the backwaters, covers about 30 per cent of Kollam. From here, a 130 km long system of interlinked canals and lakes snakes up all the way to the north.
Kollam is also regarded as the hub of cashew processiftg and the centre of the fisheries industry in Kerala. Moreover, over 2,000 factories and industrial units churning out products as diverse as coir, chemicals, ceramics, minerals and seafood make it the most industrialised district of the State.
Aryankavu
One of the peaceful and Beautiful place in Kerala. Known as The Valley of Western Ghats Range (Sahya Parvatham) and one of the state border of Kerala Tamilnadu (Kottavasal). Aryankavu situated 73 KM away from Quilon (Kollam) and 80 KM away from Trivandrum.Palaruvi one of the famous water fall located just 5 KM away from Aryankavu JN. Also famous Dharmasastha (Ayyappa) Temple, St: Mary’s Syro Malabar Church and St: George Malankara churches locating there.1 KM long rail Tunnel sharing Kerala and Tamilnadu. Kallada (Thenmala Dam) Irrigation project, Asia’s first Ecco Tourism is just 12 KM away from Aryankavu. Five falls and Tenkassi Kuttalam (Courtalam Waterfalls)is locating just 21 KM away. The way to Aryankavu, can watch look out at ottakal and Pathimoonnu Kannara Palam (13 Arch Bridge) at Kazhuthurutti, is also a very beautiful sight in the Kollam district of Kerala.
Palaruvi Water Falls
The Palaruvi Water Falls islocated at Aryankavu, Kollam district in the Indian state of Kerala. Palaruvi Waterfalls is the 32nd highest waterfall in India and 3rd highest waterfall in Kerala. Palaruvi literally means Stream of Milk in Malayalam language (Pal means Milk and Aruvi means falls). Palaruvi Waterfalls is a single drop, horsetail type waterfall with a total height of 91 meters.
Palaruvi waterfall is inside thick forests on the high ranges of Aryankavu in an eco tourism location. It is 6 km from Tamil Nadu border Kottavasal - Aryankavu. This waterfall is from a height of 300 feet. This fall is into a shallow pool and is ideal for swimming. During the rainy season, Palaruvi waterfall is attarctive and normally gets by one lakh people every year of tourists. The water gushing during the monsoon season attracts huge crowds at this waterfall. The fall gets dry during the summer season and the monsoon brings it to its full glory. The area is considered family safe and the pool is relatively shallow for a dip. There are separate location for kids and ladies. There is also watchman posted. Alcohol is banned in the area.
There is a Palaruvi Vana Samrakshana Samiti (VSS) created to protect this spot and some incidents of fights were recently reported in the media between some visitors and the PVSS. However the area is a family tours spot with the help and vigil of local community.
The surrounding mountains ranges with blue hills as well as green valleys form beautiful surroundings to Palaruvi waterfall. Even the path to this waterfall is really a fascinating experience by itself. Palaruvi Waterfalls is usually a preferred picnic location for tourists, especially from south India. The ideal season to go to this waterfall is during the months of June and January because usually in the summer it runs dry.
The waters of Palaruvi Falls in fact have Ayurvedic medicinal properties because the stream flows via many natural herbal groves further upstream. Many visitors love the cool shower of the Palaruvi waterfalls.
Trekking is another activity done at Palaruvi Waterfalls. A three hour trekking, covering 6 Km, up to the waterfalls and down, passing through jungle streams, caves, evergreen forests to reach the top of the fall.
Access to Palaruvi is 35 kilometers east of Punalur on the Quilon - Shenkottah road. It is near Aryankavu mountain pass. There you can see ruins of ancient temples. The water is said to be medicated as it flows down from the forest and is said to be a preventive for many diseases.
Nearby attractions include Aryankavu Shastha Temple, Thenmala Eco Tourism Park and the Courtallam Falls.
Thenmala
Thenmala is the meeting point of Kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by dense forest, 66 kms east of Kollam. There are a large number of rubber and tea plantations in Thenmala. Timber of all varieties are exported from here to all parts of the country. Themala Dam site is open for tourists. Eco tourists center is situated at Thenmala. All buses passing through Kollam-Shencottah road stop at Tenmala. There is also a Railway Station here.
Punalur
The 400ft bridge, which was constructed across the Kallada River by the British in 1877, is the first hanging bridge of south India. This huge bridge was suspended by three spans and was used for vehicular movement. It was declared a protected structure by the Archaeology Department.
Achencoil
Situated 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
Kulathupuzha
Kulathupuzha 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.
Oachira
Situated ,32 kms north of Kollam on the Kollam Alappuzha National Highway and on the boundary of Kollam district, Oachira is a unique pilgrim center. The peculiarity of the temple here is that there is no temple building as such nor is there any idol. All classes of people workship the presiding deity the parabrahmam. Oachira draws thousands of Pilgrims for Oachirakkali, a festival held annually in June. It is also an important handicraft center where fancy articles of screw pine mats are manufactured.
Mayyanad
Mayyanadu,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.
Kollam Town
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.
Jatayu Para
Jatayu Para, a huge rock is another attraction in Kollam district. This huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C. Road. The name comes from the epic , Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic fell here after falling in its attempt to stop Ravana from taking Sita away. The rock is ideal for trekking by the lovers of adventure.
Thazhava
Thazhava in Oachria block is an important centre of screw-pine mat industry. An image of the Buddha, discovered from the tank known as Pallikkulam near Maruthookulangara is one of the interesting archaeological relics.
Ashramam Picnic Village
Ashramam picnic village is located in the 48acre Guest House complex. The children's traffic and entertainment park, designed by NATPAC is also located in this village. It is the largest traffic park in Kerala. The adventure park located in the village along the shores of the Ashtamudi back waters , 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, Yathrinivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village. The Govt. Guest House here is 200 years old . It stands alone Ashtamudi Lake and is a major attraction for its elegance and architectural beauty. Tourists can stay here at economical rates. The village is just 2kms away from the town.
Sasthamcottah
Sasthamcottah is an attractive village situated about 19kms from Kollam town. It is a beauty spot , a health resort and a centre of pilgrimage. The extensive fresh water lake here is said to be the biggest of its kin d in Kerala. Water supply to the Kollam town is met by purifying the water from this lake. Sasthamkottah lake is called the queen of lakes.
Thangassery
Thangassery is a place of historical importance a situated 5kms away from the Kollam town. The churches here are pretty old, having been established in the 18th century. The chief attraction of the place is light house, built in 1902. The 144ft high light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery.
Kollam is also regarded as the hub of cashew processiftg and the centre of the fisheries industry in Kerala. Moreover, over 2,000 factories and industrial units churning out products as diverse as coir, chemicals, ceramics, minerals and seafood make it the most industrialised district of the State.
Aryankavu
One of the peaceful and Beautiful place in Kerala. Known as The Valley of Western Ghats Range (Sahya Parvatham) and one of the state border of Kerala Tamilnadu (Kottavasal). Aryankavu situated 73 KM away from Quilon (Kollam) and 80 KM away from Trivandrum.Palaruvi one of the famous water fall located just 5 KM away from Aryankavu JN. Also famous Dharmasastha (Ayyappa) Temple, St: Mary’s Syro Malabar Church and St: George Malankara churches locating there.1 KM long rail Tunnel sharing Kerala and Tamilnadu. Kallada (Thenmala Dam) Irrigation project, Asia’s first Ecco Tourism is just 12 KM away from Aryankavu. Five falls and Tenkassi Kuttalam (Courtalam Waterfalls)is locating just 21 KM away. The way to Aryankavu, can watch look out at ottakal and Pathimoonnu Kannara Palam (13 Arch Bridge) at Kazhuthurutti, is also a very beautiful sight in the Kollam district of Kerala.
Palaruvi Water Falls
The Palaruvi Water Falls islocated at Aryankavu, Kollam district in the Indian state of Kerala. Palaruvi Waterfalls is the 32nd highest waterfall in India and 3rd highest waterfall in Kerala. Palaruvi literally means Stream of Milk in Malayalam language (Pal means Milk and Aruvi means falls). Palaruvi Waterfalls is a single drop, horsetail type waterfall with a total height of 91 meters.
Palaruvi waterfall is inside thick forests on the high ranges of Aryankavu in an eco tourism location. It is 6 km from Tamil Nadu border Kottavasal - Aryankavu. This waterfall is from a height of 300 feet. This fall is into a shallow pool and is ideal for swimming. During the rainy season, Palaruvi waterfall is attarctive and normally gets by one lakh people every year of tourists. The water gushing during the monsoon season attracts huge crowds at this waterfall. The fall gets dry during the summer season and the monsoon brings it to its full glory. The area is considered family safe and the pool is relatively shallow for a dip. There are separate location for kids and ladies. There is also watchman posted. Alcohol is banned in the area.
There is a Palaruvi Vana Samrakshana Samiti (VSS) created to protect this spot and some incidents of fights were recently reported in the media between some visitors and the PVSS. However the area is a family tours spot with the help and vigil of local community.
The surrounding mountains ranges with blue hills as well as green valleys form beautiful surroundings to Palaruvi waterfall. Even the path to this waterfall is really a fascinating experience by itself. Palaruvi Waterfalls is usually a preferred picnic location for tourists, especially from south India. The ideal season to go to this waterfall is during the months of June and January because usually in the summer it runs dry.
The waters of Palaruvi Falls in fact have Ayurvedic medicinal properties because the stream flows via many natural herbal groves further upstream. Many visitors love the cool shower of the Palaruvi waterfalls.
Trekking is another activity done at Palaruvi Waterfalls. A three hour trekking, covering 6 Km, up to the waterfalls and down, passing through jungle streams, caves, evergreen forests to reach the top of the fall.
Access to Palaruvi is 35 kilometers east of Punalur on the Quilon - Shenkottah road. It is near Aryankavu mountain pass. There you can see ruins of ancient temples. The water is said to be medicated as it flows down from the forest and is said to be a preventive for many diseases.
Nearby attractions include Aryankavu Shastha Temple, Thenmala Eco Tourism Park and the Courtallam Falls.
Thenmala
Thenmala is the meeting point of Kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by dense forest, 66 kms east of Kollam. There are a large number of rubber and tea plantations in Thenmala. Timber of all varieties are exported from here to all parts of the country. Themala Dam site is open for tourists. Eco tourists center is situated at Thenmala. All buses passing through Kollam-Shencottah road stop at Tenmala. There is also a Railway Station here.
Punalur
The 400ft bridge, which was constructed across the Kallada River by the British in 1877, is the first hanging bridge of south India. This huge bridge was suspended by three spans and was used for vehicular movement. It was declared a protected structure by the Archaeology Department.
Achencoil
Situated 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
Kulathupuzha
Kulathupuzha 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.
Oachira
Situated ,32 kms north of Kollam on the Kollam Alappuzha National Highway and on the boundary of Kollam district, Oachira is a unique pilgrim center. The peculiarity of the temple here is that there is no temple building as such nor is there any idol. All classes of people workship the presiding deity the parabrahmam. Oachira draws thousands of Pilgrims for Oachirakkali, a festival held annually in June. It is also an important handicraft center where fancy articles of screw pine mats are manufactured.
Mayyanad
Mayyanadu,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.
Kollam Town
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.
Jatayu Para
Jatayu Para, a huge rock is another attraction in Kollam district. This huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C. Road. The name comes from the epic , Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic fell here after falling in its attempt to stop Ravana from taking Sita away. The rock is ideal for trekking by the lovers of adventure.
Thazhava
Thazhava in Oachria block is an important centre of screw-pine mat industry. An image of the Buddha, discovered from the tank known as Pallikkulam near Maruthookulangara is one of the interesting archaeological relics.
Ashramam Picnic Village
Ashramam picnic village is located in the 48acre Guest House complex. The children's traffic and entertainment park, designed by NATPAC is also located in this village. It is the largest traffic park in Kerala. The adventure park located in the village along the shores of the Ashtamudi back waters , 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, Yathrinivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village. The Govt. Guest House here is 200 years old . It stands alone Ashtamudi Lake and is a major attraction for its elegance and architectural beauty. Tourists can stay here at economical rates. The village is just 2kms away from the town.
Sasthamcottah
Sasthamcottah is an attractive village situated about 19kms from Kollam town. It is a beauty spot , a health resort and a centre of pilgrimage. The extensive fresh water lake here is said to be the biggest of its kin d in Kerala. Water supply to the Kollam town is met by purifying the water from this lake. Sasthamkottah lake is called the queen of lakes.
Thangassery
Thangassery is a place of historical importance a situated 5kms away from the Kollam town. The churches here are pretty old, having been established in the 18th century. The chief attraction of the place is light house, built in 1902. The 144ft high light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery.
