Kollam

Introduction and History: Kollam is the headquarters of Kollam district in Kerala. Also referred to as Quilon, the southern city has served as a magnetic trade centre since ancient times. Spices, pearls, diamonds and silk were the key exports. The seaport had flourishing trade relations with China, Rome and Greece. Recognized by the great travellers Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta, Kollam has served as a capital city. Its reputation continued to thrive during the Portuguese and Dutch invasion times. Malayalam Era is called ‘Kolla Varsham’ after Kollam, because of the importance of Kollam in the 9th century A.D. About thirty per cent of this district is covered by the Ashtamudi lake, there by making it the gateway to the backwaters of the state. Nowadays the city is famous for cashew and coir.

What to see and when to go: Killam has multiple tourist destinations which include the ruins of the Portuguese fort and the lighthouse at Thangasseri, Jatayupara at Chadayamangalam (named after Jatayu in Ramayana epic). Kollam clock tower, Thenmala and Palaruvi waterfalls serve as tourist hotspots. Mayyanad is a tourist town 10 Kilometers south of Kollam that has famous temples, churches and mosques. Kovilthottam beach and light house, sinking islands in Ashtamudi lake, St.Andrews church and Kottamkulangara temple in Chavara village also make up an ideal tourist destination. The best season to visit is from August to March

Things to do: Eco tourist’s center is situated at Thenmala. Selected by World Tourism Organization as one of the world’s best eco-friendly projects, Thenmala has a leisure zone that includes winding pathways, a sway bridge and a boardwalk; a culture zone with an amphitheatre and a musical fountain and an adventure zone. Picnic village at Ashramam plays host to variety of recreational activities that include Adventure parks. Leisurely walks along the Thirumullavaram Beach and houseboat cruises are also recommended.

Accommodation: Accommodation prices vary from place to place in the district. In the city, prices range from 150 to 10,000 Rupees per day. Overall, the rates are very economical and the resorts provide a comfortable stay.

Mode of Transport: Kollam is an important railway junction. The Thiruvananthapuram - Ernakulam(via Kottayam and Alappuzha) line passes through Kollam. The city is well-interconnected with other major cities through National Highways 47, 220 and 208. The city’s road transport is backed by buses and autos. Thiruvananthapuram airport at a distance of 72 km from Kollam is the nearest airport. The Alappuzha water transport service is a major tourist attraction.

Related links:
• Official website: http://kollam.nic.in
See also: Achencoil, Oachira, Varkala, Thevalli palace, Mahavishnu temple and Munroe Island.

Calicut

Introduction and history: Calicut (Kozhikode) is known as the traditional city of Malabar region of Kerala. The city sandwiched between Wayanad hills on the east and Arabian Sea on the east has served as a strategic trade centre over two millennia. Its setting as a tourist destination, however, was appreciated by Vasco da Gama and Marco Polo. Vasco Da Gama first landed here in 1498. Today, the town is known for its beautiful countryside, pristine beaches, historic sites, calm backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, timber industry and Ayurvedic medicines.

What to see and when to go: Kozhikode Beach, Mananchira Square, the renovated square today houses important structures such as Commonwealth Trust Factory, Town Hall, Lalitkala Academy Hall, Jama’atpalli Mosque and Muchhandipalli Mosque, the oldest in Kerala), Kappad Beach. The best season to visit Calicut is from September to May. Apart from spending time in tourist destinations, Calicut offers various other options like shopping, cruise along the backwaters in the Kallai River and other canals. Kakkayam is famous for trekking.

Accommodation: Calicut offers multiple accommodation options. There are many hotels which are priced below 2000 per day. Expensive hotels are also available.

Mode of transport: Its airport is at Karipur, which is 25 kilometers away from the centre of the city. It is well connected with all major domestic locations inside India. It has a local railway station, which is connects to major junctions like Chennai, Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai. Tourist guide information supplied by Government and Private agencies at various locations provide extensive information about train timings. It also has a good network of railways and well connected by roads with other towns and cities. NH 17 and 212 are the major highways.

Related links:

• Tourist information: http://www.calicut.net
• Calicut city portal: http://www.calicutcity.com/

See also (nearby places): Beypore, Thushagiri waterfalls and Peruvannamuzhi.

Alleppey

Introduction and history: Alleppey remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. The large network of crisscrossing canals lined with coconut trees has earned it the name ‘The Venice of The East’. It is well known for its coir industries. Alappuzha or Alleppey is also home to Kuttanad, The rice bowl of Kerala, one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Alleppey was a historic trade centre having connections with ancient Greece, Rome and other parts of India. It is mentioned in the Sangam era.

What to see and when to go: Kuttanad, Ambalapuzha Temple, Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple, Karumadikkuttan, Block Kayal. The lighthouse at the beach is one of the major tourist attractions. Apart from temples mentioned above, Alleppey is famous for its ancient churches, which stands as a testimony of past. Poomkavu Church is one of the ancient churches of the past. August is the best time to visit as that is when the famed Snake boat races are held. Backwater cruises on the Punnamada Kayal and visits to the Alleppey beach are some of the major tourist attractions.

Accommodation: Being a tourist destination, the town has a wide range of hotels and resorts. Accommodation prices range from 1000 to 3000 rupees. Houseboats can also be rented. This comfortable stay costs 5000 for non A/C and up to 20,000 for A/C houseboats.

Mode of transport: Cochin is the nearest international airport, which is 64 kilometers away. Alleppey is also well connected by trains to different cities by direct trains. For nature lovers the train journey from Cochin should not be missed out as it passes through most beautiful backwaters and country sides in Kerala. It is connected to all important cities by roads and inter-state by houseboats.

Important links:
• Official website: http://www.alappuzha.com
• Tourist information: http://www.atdcalleppey.com
See also: Champakulam, Krishnapuram Palace and Mararikulam