Kollam

Kollam, also known as Quilon, is an ancient seaport situated along the Arabian coast in Kerala, India, adjacent to the Ashtamudi Lake. Formerly known as Desinganadu, Kollam has maintained a longstanding commercial reputation dating back to the times of the Phoenicians and Romans. Fueled by Chinese trade, it earned recognition from Ibn Battuta, who, in the 14th century, identified it as one of the five ports he encountered during his extensive travels spanning twenty-four years. The district of Kollam embodies a condensed version of Kerala's diverse landscapes, featuring seas, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forests, expansive green fields, and an array of tropical crops.

Jatayu Earth Centre

Situated on the shores of Ashtamudi, Kollam proudly bears the moniker "God's Own Country" with little hesitation. The intricate waterways of Ashtamudi Lake are located approximately 71 kilometers (44 mi) north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. Serving as the administrative hub of Kollam district, the city holds a prominent position as a key trade center within the state.

A historic trading hub engaged in commerce with Chinese, Arabs, and other Oriental cultures, this town boasts a trading legacy dating back to Biblical times and the era of Solomon, supported by the discovery of ancient Roman coins. Internal trade flourished through the Punalur Pass, connecting the town to Tamil Nadu. The transportation of its key commodity, pepper, occurred via bullock carts for overland trade, while waterways connecting Alleppey and Cochin facilitated trade, eventually evolving into one of the earliest industrial townships. The establishment of rail links to Tamil Nadu further strengthened trade connections. Marine export processing factories, along with the processing and packaging of cashew nuts, propelled the products of this region onto the global stage. The state of Kerala is actively promoting trade as a catalyst for environmentally friendly and sustainable development.

Kollam holds the distinction of being the fourth-largest village in Kerala, following Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode, based on population, and the fifth-largest in terms of area, after Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Thrissur. Renowned for its cashew processing and coir manufacturing industries, Kollam is recognized as the southern gateway to the enchanting backwaters of Kerala, making it a prominent tourist destination. The urban expanse of Kollam encompasses rapidly developing suburban areas such as Kottiyam to the south, Kundara to the east, and Chavara to the north of the city. Other significant towns in the city's outskirts include Paravur, Eravipuram, Kannanalore, and Anchalumoodu. Karunagapally, Chathannoor, and Kottarakkara emerge as major towns situated within a 25 km radius from the city center, spanning north, south, and east directions, respectively.

Referred to as Palombe in Mandeville's Travels, Kollam was purportedly mentioned as the location of a Fountain of Youth. As the Chera monarchy's influence waned in Kerala, Kollam ascended to prominence as a crucial hub for trade and politics. Today, Kollam maintains its status as a significant business and commercial center in the central Travancore region of Kerala.

There are a number of temples, ashrams and holy sites in the city, including Sree Subramanya Swami Kshethram Poojappura, in Keralapuram near Kundara. The Mata Amritanandamayi Math is situated at Parayakadavu in this district, about 20 km from the Kollam. Aasramam Sreekrishna Swamy temple is in the city where the annual Kollam pooram takes place. The Mukhathala Murari (Sree Krishna Swamy) Temple[18] at Mukhathala is about 10 km from the city. Umayanalloor Sree Balasubramanya Swamy(Lord Muruga)Temple about 8 km from Kollam. Sree Mahaganapathy temple at Kottarakara about 25 km from Kollam.

Other temples in the city include Puthiyakkavu Devi Temple, Thamarakulam Mahaganapathy temple, Kottarakulam Mahaganapathy temple, Mulamkadakom Devi temple, Rameswaram temple, Mahavishnu temple at Thirumullavaram, Ammachiveedu temple, Ashtamudi Veerabhadraswami temple, Pattathanam Ammannada temple, Dharmasastha temple at Kadappakkada, Peroor sree meenakshi temple at Punthalathazham, Mangalathu temple at Punthalathazham, Puttingal temple at Paravur, Edavanadu Bhagavathi Temple, Thrikkadavoor Mahadeva Temple, Kolloorvila Bharanikkavu Devi temple is located in Madannada, Pallimon Mahadeva Kshetram(temple),Pattazhy Devi Kshetram(temple), Unnikkicham Veedu Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Ananthavalleeswaram Temple, Sree Dharma Shastha Temple at Nedumoncavu, Sree Veera Bhadraswamy Temple at Nedumoncavu, Edakkidom Thettikkunil Sree Mahadevi Temple, Uliyakkovil sree durga devi temple