Backwater time – Kollam
This coastal town stands on the Ashtamudi Lake. It is one of Kerala’s towns with beautiful backwaters and palm tress lining it. Earlier known as Quilon, there are houseboat cruises and ferry rides to Cochin and Alleppey. You will get a glimpse of the lakes, waterways and stopping at villages. Kollam is an important marine district in Kerala, and with a coast line of 37.3km it also has a lot of seafood packing factories.
There is a 144.33-ft high light house, constructed in 1902, at Thangaserry. Visitors are allowed in the evenings.There is also a fort constructed by the Portuguese, about 3km from town. The Thirumullavaram beach is only six km to the north of the town. There are buses and taxis that’ll take you there.
Vallikavu, a pilgrim centre near Kayamkulam, is the residence and headquarters of Matha Amrithananda Mayi Devi, a known scholar and spiritual leader. Lot of pilgrims and tourists visit this place. Sasthamkotta is the Kerala’s largest fresh water lake, and it is 29km from Kollam city. It is situated right on the right banks of the Kallada River. This small town has a temple dedicated to Lord Sastha.
Kollam is accessible by train, road and boat. The two airports at Cochin and Trivandrum are a couple of hours away.
