Kollam:The gateway to backwaters

Located 71 kms to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast, Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. Thirty per cent 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 district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

Sasthamkotta, situated about 29 kms from Kollam town, can be rightly called the 'Queen of Lakes'. This vast fresh water lake flanked by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple, which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. This temple dedicated to both Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa is surrounded by hills and forests, and the monkeys inhabiting the premises are considered holy. The monkeys of Sasthamkotta are believed to be the faithful entourage of the ruling deity, the Dharmasastha and therefore they have a spiritual ambience to it. The monkeys are devotee-friendly, and the thousands of devotees visiting the temple take pleasure in feeding these monkeys with nuts and fruits.

Some of the other important tourists attractions here include, Anchal, situated 13 kms south of Punalur, is known for its cattle market twice a month. Ariankavu, situated on the Kollam - Shenkottai road, is famous for the shrine dedicated to Sree Sastha. Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple is situated on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam MC Road and is an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture. Kulathupuzha, situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, is known for the Sastha temple. Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu the residence and headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor.

Ochira, Palaruvi waterfalls, Picnic Village, Rameshwara Temple, Sasthamkotta, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Thangasseri and Thenmala are also places worth visiting here.