Kollam is one of the Malabar Coast’s oldest ports, and it has long drawn the attention of international visitors. In mediaeval and modern times, the town was the leading spice market. The name Kollam is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit word Kollam, which means “pepper.” Kollam, also known as Quilon or Desinganadu, is the location credited with being the country’s cashew commerce and processing centre. Kollam is commonly referred to as Kerala’s dreamland because of its immaculate mixture of scenic surroundings, history, and hospitality. Some of the best tourist places in kollam are here.
Jatayu’s Earth Centre
The Jatayu Earth Centre, located in a small village called Chadayamangalam in the Kollam (Quilon) District, is one of Kerala’s most anticipated feasible tourism sites. This is the first time the Tourism Department of Kerala and Mr. Rajiv Anchal (the thinker and promoter) have collaborated to create a destination that is an unparalleled mixture of all aspects of tourism, including adventure, mythology, history, nature, and beauty in the tranquillity.
The Jatayu Earth’s Center, which houses the world’s largest bird sculpture, will undoubtedly captivate you as newest tourist places in Kollam. This is the state’s first BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) tourism project, spanning 65 acres across four hills. On your trip to Chadayamangalam in Kollam district, the massive statue of Jatayu lying high up the hill attracts your eye even from distance. The mythological bird Jatayu appears in the Indian epic Ramayana. A cable car may take you to the summit of the hill. In Jatayu Rock, the traveller will have a plethora of adventures. Inside the sculpture, there is a museum and a 6D theatre. You can even go on a hele-taxi ride from here!
Every day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Jatayu Earth Centre is open and closed.Entry Fees: Rs. 400 per person plus tax. 1000 to 3500 rupees for adventure activities such as trekking and paintball.
Thangassery Lighthouse
Climb the stairs and take in the view from Thangassery Light House, Kerala’s tallest lighthouse. This 43 m (144 ft) tall cylindrical tower was built in 1902 and boasts red and white diagonal stripes, making it a local icon. Look down at the unusual pattern made by the spiral staircase inside the tower, then watch the sun set and the moon rise at the same time. From a distance, the structure resembles a huge candy cane with its crimson oblique stripes. The lighthouse is magnificent and dignified due to the red and white painted bands that surround it. Furthermore, seeing the beautiful sunset from the top of the lighthouse is an unforgettable experience.
Children pay INR 3 and adults pay INR 10. The camera is subject to additional fees. Visit throughout the winter months, from November to March, for cool and pleasant weather.An evening at the lighthouse is one of the best things to do in tourist places in Kollam, attracting tourists with its stunning beauty and relaxing outlook.
Ashtamudi lake
Ashtamudi Lake, in Kerala’s spectacular beauty, has eight branches that meet the Arabian Sea after converging into one channel, thus the name Ashtamudi, where Ashta means eight and mudi means branch. Ashtamudi Lake, which thrives peacefully in Kerala’s Kollam district, provides tourists with a great deal of enjoyment by allowing them to go houseboat sailing. View more
Kollam Beach
The natural beauty of Kollam beach makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The mystical sight of natural blue waters combining with an endless dazzling sky leaves visitors speechless. The Kollam beach beckons visitors to refresh their minds and bodies, energising them with its cultural and spiritual aura. view more
Punalur Hanging Bridge
The only hanging bridge in South India is the thookupalam (hanging bridge) across the Kallada river near Punalur in Kollam district. The 400-meter-long bridge was erected in 1871-72 under the direction of a Scottish national named Henry. To meet the increased traffic, an ordinary bridge was built parallel to the original bridge in 1877. The bridge is now a protected monument under Kerala’s Archaeological Department, and it is only accessible to pedestrians. The bridge underwent renovations and reopened to the public in 2014. Seating is available along the bridge, and there is abundant lighting around it at night.
Alumkadavu
Alumkadavu is a popular tourist places in Kollam noted for its houseboat building. It is the site of the first houseboat, which was made using eco-friendly materials such as wood, bamboo poles, and coconut fibre. The area is endowed with amazing natural beauty and a plethora of flora, including a coconut grove, palm trees, mango trees, banana trees, and many more. Alumkadavu is also a coir manufacturing centre, hence Kollam is well-known for its coir products. People travel to this quiet village to refresh themselves in the backwaters and take in the sights of the diverse flora and fauna on show.
Alumkadavu’s backwater cruises are reasonably priced, and they operate at specified times of the day. It is one of the most popular houseboat tours in Kerala and is best experienced between August and March.
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