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ASHTAMUDI LAKE IN KOLLAM
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Welcome To The Land Of Cashew
Quilon or Kollam , an old sea port town on the Arabian coast , stands on the Ashtamudi lake. Kollam , the erstwhile Desinganadu, had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans. 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 twenty four years, in the 14th century.
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The rulers of kollam (Desinganadu) and China , exchange embassies and there was flourishing Chinese settlement at Kollam. Merchant Sulaiman of Siraf in Persia ( 9th Century) found Kollam to be the only port in India , touched by the huge Chinese junks , on his way from Carton of Persian Gulf. Marco Polo, the great Venician traveller, who was in Chinese service under Kublahan in 1275, visited Kollam and other towns on the west coast, in his capacity as a Chinese mandarin.
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a trading center at Kollam in 1502. Then came the Dutch followed by the British in 1795. A British garrison was stationed at Kollam in pursuance of a treaty between Travancore and the British.
Velu Thampi Dalawa of Travancore, did much for the improvement of the Kollam town. He build new bazaars and invited merchants from Madras and Thirunelveli to settle here. Kollam later became the capital of the enlightened and liberal rulers of Desinganad. It was also the nerve center for the rebellion organized by Velu Thampi against the British.
Once a city of palaces, Kollam has been known to the outside world, by the time honoured proverb, "Once you have seen Kollam you would no more need your illam (Home)"
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HISTORY OF KOLLAM
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 The history of the district as an administrative unit can be traced back to 1835, when the Travancore state consisted of two revenue divisions with head quarters at Kollam and Kottayam.
At the time of integration of Travancore and Cochin in 1949, Kollam was one of the three revenue divisions in the state. These three revenue divisions were converted in to district. Shencottah taluk was merged with Madras state consequent on the implementation of the State Reorganisation act of 1956.
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When Alappuzha district was formed in 1957, Cherthala,  Ambalapuzha, Mavelikara, Karthikapalli, Chengannur and Thiruvalla taluks of Kollam district were united to form the new district. When Pathanamthitta district was formed on 1st July 1983, the entire Pathanamthitta taluk and nine villages of KunnathurKunnathur taluk were also removed. Now the district has a single revenue division with headquarters at Kollam. Pathanpuram, Kunnathur, Kottarakkara, Karunagappally and Kollam are the five taluks in the district. The district is divided into 13 development blocks. Kollam, Paravoor and Punalur are the three municipal |
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CHINNAKKADA CLOCK TOWER
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KOLLAM TOWN
Kollam town, the headquarters of Kollam district and Kollam taluk, has a hoary past. It was a international  emporium of trade and even now it is a prosperous commercial centre. It is situated about 71 kms. north of Thiruvananthapuram and is linked by rail, road and backwater transport. The town edges with the famous Astamudi lake. Many a foreign traveller has visited Kollam in the early midieval period. It was one of the early centres of Christian activity in Kerala.It is said that the present town of Kollam was built by the Syrian Merchant; Sapir Iso, in the 9th Century A.D. The popularity of Kollam has been established by the time honoured proverb once you see Kollam, you will not need your home any more. Kollam is an important commercial, industrial and trading centre. It is also the headquarters of the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation.
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The 144 ft. Thangassery Light house, built in 1902, is a centre of attraction. The Ananda Valleeswaram Temple here, attracts people on almost all days. There are several Churches and Mosques is not around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. One of the oldest and most important Mosques in the town is the Chinnakkada Palli. The Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, the first of its king in the state, is at Kilikolloor, about 7 kms. east of Kollam town. |
Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu,  Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic village, are some of the important sopts of local sight seeing. Mahatma Gandhi beach lies just 2 kms. from the town. It is facinating place for an evening. Thirumullavaram Beach is 5 kms. from the town. The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing. Ashramam picnic village is located in the 48 acre Guest House Complex. This is the centre of various tourism development activities of the district. The setting up of a picnic village here, is progressing under the supervision of the District Tourism Promotion Council. The Government Guest House here, is 200 years old. |
It stands along Ashtamudi lake and is a major attraction for its elegance and architectural beauty. Tourists can stay here at economical rates. The children's Traffic & Entertainment Park, designed by NATPAC, is also located in this Village. It is the largest traffic park in Kerala. The Adventure Park, located in the village along the shores of the Astamudi backwaters, is a novel experiment in the country. Different types fo boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats, are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the Adventure Park. A budget hotel for tourists. Yatrinivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation is also located in this village. The village is just 2 kms. away from the town. |
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