Area: 2579 sq. km.
Population: 2,584,118 (2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level

One of the leading trade capitals of the Old World, Kollam is the centre of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. Extolled by Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta in glowing terms, this was once a famous port of international spice trade. Thirty percent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The momentous decision to introduce a new Malayalam era was convened at Kollam and hence the Malayam calendar came to be known as kollavarsham.

ACCESSIBILITY

Telephone access code: +91-474

Air: Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram (71 km)

Rail: Kollam is an important railhead of the Southern Railways. Railway enquiry
Ph: 131

Road: KSRTC, Central Bus Station Ph: 2752008 Ferry services: The ferry station is adjacent to the Central ¬Bus Station (3 km from the railway station)

Tourist information offices: DTPC Tourist Information Centre, KSRTC Bus Stand Ph: 2745625 DTPC Tourist Office, Guest House Complex, Asramam Ph: 2750170 www.dtpckollam.com Department of Tourism - District Office, Govt. Guest House Ph: 2743620 Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society Ph: 0475-2344800 www.thenmalaecotourism.com

MUST SEE

Ashtamudi Lake
Thirumullavaram Beach
Alumkadavu Village
Thenmala Ecotourism Centre
Palaruvi Waterfall