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Kollam, also known as Quilon or Desinganadu, is the place which takes the credit for being the hub of the country’s cashew trading industry. Affording an impeccable blend of scenic surrounding, tradition and hospitality, Kollam is often referred to as the dreamland of Kerala.

Kollam is an old sea port town on the Arabian coast, standing on the Ashtamudi lake. In the ancient times, Kollam had a sustained commercial reputation around the world. Fed by the Chinese trade, it was regarded by Ibn Batuta, as one of the five ports, which he had seen in the course of his travels during a period of 24 years, in the 14th century AD.

Kollam,the gateway to Kerala’s beautiful backwaters is blessed with unique representative features - sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forest, vast green fields and tropical crop of every variety, both food crop and cash crop.

The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. It’s aptly called God’s Own Capital.

The Thangasseri lighthouse built at Quilon by the British in the year 1902 is visible as far as 13 miles in the sea. The lighthouse stands to an amazing height of 144 feet. The picturesque view of the sea from the place where the lighthouse stands is breathtaking. In the vicinity lies the Portuguese Fort built in the year 1517.

The serene Ashtamudi Lake is a great place to hanker for in the district. The house boat trips here offer great pleasure.The boat cruise to Munroe Islands is a wonderful experience. The popular cruises one can avail at the place are Kayal Pradakshina Cruise and Sayanthanam Sunset Cruise.

Thenmala offers a Deer Park and Thenmala Rocks, said to be about 5000 years old, as the attractions. Kottarakkara Thamburan Kathakali Museum is the memorial of the Kottarakkara King, considered the father of Kathakali. Exhibited here are various models of Kathakali, Kathakali costumes and ornaments, rare musical instruments, sculptures, models of classical dancers, 108 natya Kiranangal (Dance Songs) etc.

The Picnic Village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. The 200 year old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, the Tourist Boat Club, the Children’s Traffic Park and the Yatrinivas are situated in this vast tourist complex.

The residence and the headquarters of the dearly loved Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, one of India’s female gurus with miraculous healing power, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The ashram is accessible both by road and boat.Tourists from around the globe flock to this place craving for Amma’s solace.

For more on the land of cashews, log on to quilon.com

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