Kollam
Kollam is a city located in the state of Kerala, India. It is situated along the Malabar Coast and covers an area of approximately 2,491 square kilometres. Kollam is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the city being surrounded by picturesque backwaters, rivers, and lakes.
The population of Kollam is approximately 2.6 million people, with a mix of different religions and cultures. The climate in Kollam is tropical, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The city experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
The main occupation of the people in Kollam is agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The majority of the people are Hindus, followed by Muslims and Christians. Hinduism and Islam are the predominant belief systems in Kollam.
The major source of income for the people of Kollam is from the tourism industry. The city is known for its beautiful backwaters, which attract many tourists every year. Some of the popular tourist places in Kollam include the Ashtamudi Lake, Paravur Backwaters, Kollam Beach, and the Tangasseri Lighthouse.
Kollam is also known for its temples, with some of the most famous ones being the Sree Krishna Swamy Temple in Umayanalloor, the Thirumullavaram Mahadeva Temple, and the Kollam Pattazhy Devi Temple. The city is also home to many churches and mosques.
In terms of cultural and social events, Kollam has a rich tradition of indigenous art forms such as Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, and Mohiniyattam. The city hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Kollam Pooram, a colourful festival featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional music, and dance performances.
Overall, Kollam is a beautiful city known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thriving tourism industry. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of southern India.
Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi Lake is a beautiful water body located in Kollam district of the southern Indian state of Kerala. The lake is one of the largest and most scenic in Kerala, covering an area of approximately 61 square kilometres. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
The name “Ashtamudi” means “eight coned” in the local language, which refers to the unique shape of the lake. Ashtamudi Lake is connected to the Arabian Sea through a natural channel known as the Neendakara Estuary. The lake is also fed by several rivers and canals, which provide a steady flow of fresh water.
Ashtamudi Lake is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its calm waters, lush green surroundings, and abundant flora and fauna. The lake is home to several species of fish, crabs, and other aquatic life. It is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as the lake attracts a wide variety of migratory and resident birds.
Tourists visiting Ashtamudi Lake can enjoy a range of activities, including boat rides, kayaking, and fishing. The lake is also an ideal location for photography enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to its natural beauty, Ashtamudi Lake is also home to several temples and shrines, including the famous Sastha Temple located on the banks of the lake. The temple is believed to be over 500 years old and attracts devotees from all over the country.
Overall, Ashtamudi Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Kerala. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational activities, making it an ideal location for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation
Jatayu Earth Centre
Jatayu Earth Centre and Sculpture is a unique tourist attraction located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The centre is dedicated to the mythical bird Jatayu, a character from the Hindu epic Ramayana, who is believed to have fought valiantly to save Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, from the demon king Ravana.
The Jatayu Earth Centre is spread across 65 acres of land and features a massive sculpture of Jatayu, which is said to be the largest bird sculpture in the world. The sculpture, which is 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 70 feet tall, is made of steel and concrete and weighs around 2000 tonnes.
The Jatayu sculpture is situated on top of a hill, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The sculpture also features a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita, where visitors can offer prayers.
Apart from the Jatayu sculpture, the Earth Centre also offers a range of other activities and attractions for visitors. This includes adventure activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, and rappelling, as well as cultural experiences like traditional dance performances and art exhibitions.
The Earth Centre also features a museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of the region. The museum has several exhibits that highlight the flora and fauna of the region, as well as the local customs, traditions, and beliefs.
One of the unique features of the Jatayu Earth Centre is its focus on sustainable tourism. The centre is built with eco-friendly materials and incorporates several sustainable practices, including rainwater harvesting and waste management systems.
Overall, the Jatayu Earth Centre and Sculpture is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Kerala. It offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and adventure activities, making it an ideal location for a memorable and enriching travel experience
Munroe Island
Munroe Island is a picturesque island located at the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The island is named after Colonel John Munroe, a British Resident who developed the island’s infrastructure in the early 19th century.
Munroe Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty, backwater cruises, and traditional village life. Visitors can experience the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty through a range of tourist activities.
One of the most popular tourist activities on Munroe Island is backwater cruises. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride through the narrow canals and waterways that criss-cross the island. The backwater cruises offer a unique opportunity to witness the local way of life, including traditional fishing methods and coir-making.
Visitors can also explore the island’s traditional villages, where they can experience the local way of life and learn about the island’s history and culture. The villages are home to traditional homes, temples, and schools, which offer a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Munroe Island is also a popular destination for birdwatching. The island is home to a variety of bird species, including the Indian cuckoo, kingfisher, and Brahminy kite. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the island’s birdlife and witness the beautiful bird species in their natural habitat.
For those interested in adventure activities, Munroe Island offers options like kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can paddle through the calm waters of the backwaters and explore the island’s beautiful mangrove forests and wetlands.
Munroe Island is also known for its delicious seafood and traditional cuisine. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies like fish curry and prawn fry, which are prepared using fresh, locally caught seafood.
Overall, Munroe Island offers a unique and memorable travel experience, combining natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. A visit to this island is a must for anyone visiting Kerala and seeking to explore its rich culture and scenic beauty.
Kollam Backwaters
Kollam, a picturesque city in the southern Indian state of Kerala, is known for its beautiful backwaters. The backwaters of Kollam are a network of interconnected lagoons, lakes, and canals that flow into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters provide a unique and tranquil travel experience, making Kollam one of the most popular backwater tourism destinations in Kerala.
Backwater tourism in Kollam offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors. One of the most popular activities is taking a boat ride through the backwaters. Visitors can take a leisurely ride on a traditional houseboat or a motorboat, and enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters. The boat rides also offer a unique opportunity to witness the local way of life, including traditional fishing methods and coir-making.
Kollam also has several picturesque villages along the backwaters, where visitors can experience the local way of life and learn about the region’s history and culture. The villages are home to traditional homes, temples, and schools, which offer a glimpse into the local way of life and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The backwaters of Kollam are also home to a variety of bird species, including the Indian cuckoo, kingfisher, and Brahminy kite. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the birdlife and witness the beautiful bird species in their natural habitat.
For those interested in adventure activities, Kollam offers options like kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can paddle through the calm waters of the backwaters and explore the region’s beautiful mangrove forests and wetlands.
One of the unique features of backwater tourism in Kollam is the opportunity to stay in a traditional houseboat. The houseboats are equipped with all modern amenities and offer a unique and luxurious travel experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine prepared by the houseboat staff and witness the beautiful sunsets and sunrises over the backwaters.
Overall, backwater tourism in Kollam offers a unique and memorable travel experience, combining natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. A visit to Kollam’s backwaters is a must for anyone visiting Kerala and seeking to explore its rich culture and scenic beauty.
Sasthamkotta Lake
Sasthamkotta Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. It is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala and the second largest in the country, covering an area of approximately 375 hectares. The lake is fed by several streams and receives its water from the surrounding hills.
The Sasthamkotta Lake is an important source of drinking water for the people of the nearby villages and towns. The lake is also an important habitat for several species of aquatic animals and birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
The lake’s pristine waters and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal location for boating and fishing. Visitors can hire boats to explore the lake or go fishing for some of the freshwater fish species found in the lake.
The Sasthamkotta Lake is also home to the Sastha Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple is located on the banks of the lake and is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees from all over the state.
The lake is surrounded by lush green forests, making it a perfect spot for picnics and nature walks. There are also several trekking trails in the area that lead to beautiful viewpoints from where visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings.
In conclusion, Sasthamkotta Lake is a beautiful and serene destination that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience the tranquillity of Kerala’s backwaters. With its stunning surroundings, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural significance, Sasthamkotta Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the Kollam district of Kerala.
