Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple: Situated on the Thiruvanant-hpuram-Kottayam M.C.Road, this temple is an example for rock-cut cave temple architecture. Thevally Palace: Built between 1811 and 1819 during the reign of Gauri Parvathy Bai, this palace enjoys great significance in the history. The erstwhile Maharaja used this palace during his visit to Kollam in order to meet the British Resident. Kollam Beach: A full range of lives and activities and some of the most beautiful sceneries attract thousands to this beautiful beach. Kollam (Quilon) is a charming old port city on the banks of the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake. It is also known as the center of cashew industry. Achancoil and Kottavasal: Achancoil and Kottavasal ranges, beautifully clad with dense tropical evergreen forest, shola forest and sub-tropical grass lands are truly an awe inspiring sight to any nature lover. At Achencoil one can go for a soft trek to Khumbhavurutty waterfalls through the forest tract enjoying the chirps of birds. On your way back pick-up a drift-wood of your choice or a cute pebble as a souvenir. If you are in for greater excitement, the denizens of Achencoil forest will show you the way to the birth place of Achencoil River high up in the misty mountains. The Sree Sastha temple on the banks of the Achencoil river and surrounded by the woods is visited by thousands of pilgrims from far and near places. Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary: It is the only wildlfe sanctuary in Kollam district. It is rich with biodiversity lying on either side of Shanduruney river. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum: It is one of the rarest museums of its own kind in the world situated right in the centre of Kollam town. Neendakara: (8 km from Kollam) A famous fishing harbour, you can see the Ashtamudi Lake joining the sea from the Neendakara Bridge and also the Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the sky. This is one of the major Harbours in Kerala and second largest busiest fishing harbour in the world. Kathakali Museum: An educative display of Kathakali articles at Kottarakkara 28Kms east of Kollam. Rameswaram Temple: The temple, which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil dating from 12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple give one the impression that the creatures are animate and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws. Paravoor: Safely perched on the back of an elephant, have a ride through the verdant country, Paravoor to the South of Kollam. A little bit of boating in the Paravoor backwaters to meet the native inland fishermen and to gain first hand information on the flourishing cottage industry of coir making is worth while. 150
KOLLAM|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS