Kollam

This is an oldest industrial centre of Kerala. It had trade with The Arab, China, Portugese, etc. It has beautiful backwaters, lovely lakes, picturesque mountains, lush forests, fertile plains with vast green fields producing tropical crops. It was the largest port in the world and its market as one of the finest in India. It is still an important centre for cashew trading and processing and coir manufacturing.
Kollam is connected by road and rail by important cities and tourist places in Kerala. The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram about 71 km.
Ashtamudi Lake:
It is the second largest and famous lake in Kerala with full of scenic beauty. The lake is named 'Ashtamudi' as it branches off into 8 creeks. The marvellous house boats offer the enchanting beauty of the lakes, canals and bound villages.
Thangassery:
It is about 5 Kms. from Kollam and is known for the churches and bungalows built by Portugese. The 144 feet high light house is the special attraction of the town. The power light from the light house can be visible upto 29 kms. It can be visited between 3.00pm to 5.00pm.
Ochira:
It is 34 km north of Kollam town that the unique Parabrahma Temple is situated. The temple has no idol, no diety and is dedicated to the 'Universal consciousness' instead. Ochira Kali in middle of June and Panthrandu Vilakku in November are the two main festivals celebrated here. Ochira kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men, highlighting their martial skills.The Panthranwdu Vilakku which means twelve lamps is a festival which last for 12 days.
Matha Amrithananthamayi Ashram:
The Ashram of Matha Amrithananthamayi situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikkavu is also the headquarters of the Matha's Ashram. The ashram can be reached by boat, there is also a road link. Sasthamkotta:- This is an important pilgrim spot29 km from Kollam where the ancient Sastha temple is situated. this town is also famous for Sasthamkotta Lake, which is the only fresh water lake in the state.

Palaruvi Waterfalls:
Located at about 75 kms. from Kollam is a major picnic spot. As name suggests, the waterfalls give an impression of flowing milk.
Picnic Village:
This centre of recreational activities is located at Ashramam, along the backwater front. The tourist complex has a 200 year old Govt. guest house, a tourist boat club, an adventure park, a traffic park for children imparting the important knowledge of traffic rules and a Yathri Nivas.
Jatayu Para:
This is a huge rock at Chadayamangalam. It has a mythological importance. The history says, after his battle with Ravana to save Sita, he made his last breath at this rock and thus named Jatayu para.

KOLLAM

Though backwater tourism in the state has always been associated with canals of Alleppey, a cruise through the serpentine waterways of Kollam is sure to enmesh you in an eternal love triangle. Placid lakes with beautiful and luxurious houseboats, lush green-fringed palms rippling on the emerald green waters and Chinese fishing nets patiently waiting for their prey, all make Kollam an ideal destination for the tourists.
Kollam, formerly known as Quilon, is an old seaport town on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake with places mired deeply in history. It was regarded by Ibn Batuta as one of the finest five ports he had ever seen.
Quilon has maintained a commercial reputation from ancient times. Phoenicians, Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans and Chinese traded with this port. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a trading center at Kollam, followed by the Dutch and the English.
Velu Thampy, the Dalawa of Travancore, did much for the improvement of Kollam town. He built new bazaars and invited merchants from Madras and Thirunelveli to settle there.
Kollam later became the capital of the enlightened and liberal rulers of Desinganadu. Considering the ever increasing demand of 'Backwater Tourism', the Kollam District Tourism Council has introduced several steps to promote Kollam as the embarkment to the languid backwaters of Kerala.  Places of interest include Thangassery, a fishing port, 5 km away from Kollam. Palaruvi, 5 km from Ariankavu has a beautiful 300 feet silver cascade. Oachira temple is an important pilgrim center. The Matha Anulthanandamayi Ashram at Vallikkavu, the residence and headquarters of Sri Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, one of the most prominent spiritual leaders of India also offers solace to the spiritually-inclined travelers. Mayyanad, 10 km south of Quilon, is also noted for its shrines and temples. There are about nine temples here and the most noted among them is the one at Umayanalloor, dedicated to Lord Subramanya. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by Sree Sankaracharya. The Ananda Valleswaram temple attracts people on almost all days. There are also several churches and mosques in and around Kollam. One of the oldest and most important mosques in the town is the Chirmakkada Palli. Mahatma Gandhi beach and park, Thirumullavararn beach and Ashramarn picnic village are some of the most important spots of local sight-seeing. The Sasthankotta Lake , the only freshwater lake in the state, is here.