Showing posts with label kollam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kollam. Show all posts

Friday, April 24, 2009

kollam

Kollam district, earlier known as Quilon district, is one of the 14 districts of Kerala. Located to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, the district of Kollam was a recognized international emporium of trade of the ancient world. It is also the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. It was also the capital of the powerful kingdom called " VENAD". According to the historians, the Malayalam era known as the Kollam era is calculated from the founding of Kollam district. The “Kollam era” was established by the King of Kollam King Udaya Marthanda Varma in 825 A D.

Kollam_sengottai metre gauge

Kollam_sengottai metre gauge track was commissioned in 1904.The first train in this route was flaged off by Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja,The then king of Travancore,at Kollam.

Kollam_sengottai metre gauge

Police Museum, Kollam

(Open 0900 - 1800 hrs on all days) The only such establishment in the country, it traces the history and development of the police force. On display are police arms of the 18 th and 19 th centuries and various other exhibits. The star attraction of the museum is the Martyr’s Gallery.

Police Museum, Kollam

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu

The residence and the headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, one of India's female gurus, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The ashram is accessible both by road and boat.

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu

Ochira

Ochira (34 km north of Kollam town):
Kollam Holidays VacationsThe unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku in November/December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.

Ochira

Ashtamudi Lake

A particularly picturesque town standing on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake Kollam`s contemporary fame among today`s travellers is as the gateway to Kerala`s exceedingly beautiful backwaters. The long 8 hour boat trip from Quilon to Alleppey is the best and most comprehensive introduction to the delights of Kerala`s backwaters as the journey passes through lakes, canals and waterbound villages. The famous `Cheena Vala` or Chinese Fishing Nets can also seen along with backwaters.

Ashtamudi Lake

Sasthamkotta (Fresh Water Lake)

Sasthamkotta, Kerala`s largest freshwater lake, is 29 km from Quilon and on the right bank of the Kallada river. This is a small town with a temple dedicated to Lord Sastha. An hours` bus ride from Kollam.

Sasthamkotta (Fresh Water Lake)

Palaruvi Waterfalls

Located near the Kerala - Tamil Nadu border close to Ariankavu on the way from Punalur to Chenkotta the place is easily accessible either by road or rail. 5 km from Ariankavu is the lovely waterfalls at Palaruvi at a height of 300 feet. Nearby one can see smaller cascades. A pristine spot, the waterfalls give the impression of flowing milk from where it gets name. The water falls steeply down into a small and shallow pool is ideal for a swim.

Palaruvi Waterfalls

Jatayupara

A huge rock at Chadayamangalam takes its name from the mythical bird `Jatayu' in the epic Ramayana, who is believed to have collapsed on the rock after failing in his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita.

Jatayupara

Thirumullavaram Beach kollam

Thirumullavaram Beach
The secluded Thirumullavaram beach, situated 6km north of Kollam town, is a shady paradise filled with coconut palms. This picturesque picnic spot is a favourite haunt of locals and tourists alike. Regarded as one of the most charming beaches in South India, it is an ideal place for morning walk, swimming or bathing in the sun. Thirumullavaram beach is very well connected by road and offers good facilities for the tourists.

Thirumullavaram Beach kollam