Kollam

exploring the diverse attractions this picturesque state has on offer to the discerning tourist

• District Area - 2491 sq.km
• District Population - 25,84,118 (2001 census)
• Altitude - sea level
• Climate - Tropical
• Rainfall (avg) - 270 cm
• Tourist season - Aug to March

Kollam ( formerly Quilon ), another coastal district located 71 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is quite important for Kerala's trade and commerce and is the centre of India's cashew trading and processing industry. In fact, in 2004-05, Kollam generated 70 % of India's export earning (Rs. 2717 crores) from the cashew industry. It is an important hub, as well, for Kerala's marine products industry, with the port of Neendakara being the centre for trawlers and ice plants.

For all its natural gifts of rivers, hills and forests,lakes and plains, there is the throb of vibrant industrial activity that combines the wonders of the modern age with the nostalgic traces of a bygone era, complete with its interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest- and most spectacular- backwater cruise in Kerala.

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Important destinations

• Ochira

The tourist is in for a surprise as soon as he enters the premises of the Ochira Temple, situated on the way from Kollam to Alappuzha.

A striking feature of this temple is that unlike the traditional temples, which have a definitive structural layout and mode of worship, the temple at Ochira does not have a proper structure or an idol for the visitors to worship. The whole concept of worship revolves around the Parabrahmam or the universal consciousness. This unique temple setting itself is a big attraction to hundreds of visitors coming to the temple everyday, irrespective of their religious faith.

The temple is also known as 'Dakshina Kashi 'and a unique offering to the temple is in the form of bulls. Another interesting aspect in connection with the temple is the annual festival called 'Ochira Kali', where men, both young and old, step into waterlogged paddy fields and indulge in mock fights, exhibiting their physical skills .

More destinations.......

More travel and sightseeing.....Kottayam

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