Kollam Tour: Kerala In Miniature

<h1>Kollam Tour: Kerala In Miniature</h1>Author: <a title="Manish Sinha" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/manish-sinha/119320.htm">Manish Sinha</a> Searching for a destination gifted with the best of waterways and the best of greenery? Plan out a Kerala tour and go through Kollam travel guide. This old seaport is also known as Quilon and is located on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, about 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Apart from serving as a wonderful gateway to Kerala, this beautiful district is also known as a renowned trade and commerce centre. Background Earlier a renowned trading point for spice, Kollam has been a favourite place for the traders of Persia, Arab, Rome and China. It was established as a modern trading centre by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch and the British. For the past few years, it has emerged as a leading cashew trading and processing industry in India. Moreover, Kollam is an important hub for the state's marine products. Major Attractions Ashtamudi Lake This second largest lake of the state offers the best of backwater cruises. The backdrop of Chinese fishing nets forms the spell binding view here. Dense coconut groves and palm trees surrounding the entire lake make it an ideal place for your vacations. Kollam Boat Club offers ample opportunities for cruising alongside the waterline. Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku This is a unique and interesting festival, in which all the men dress themselves like women and perform various art forms in devotion to Goddess Bhagavathy. Organized at the Kottankulangara temple in Chavara in March – April, the festival is marked by the 'Damsels' that come to the temple at night in a long procession with lighted lamps in their hands. Jatayupara As the name suggests, this huge rock at Chadayamangalam is dedicated to the mythical bird Jatayu in the epic Ramayana. As the legend goes, that huge bird died here only while fighting against the demon King Ravana, who kidnapped Devi Sita. Jatayupara serves as the venue for the 'Crafts Festival' that is held annually during December-January. This festival features the craftsmanship of artisans from all over the country. Kottarakkara Earlier being the capital of Travancore Royal family, Kottarakkara is popular as the place from where the famous Indian classical dance form originated. Kollam has no dearth of attractions. It is also frequented for the Picnic Village (the main centre of recreational activities), Rameshwara Temple, Palaruvi Waterfalls and the fresh water lake Sasthamkotta. Kollam is favourite among history buffs because of several ruins of palaces and forts that are worth visiting. The scenic beaches are a treat to all the honeymooners as well as the routine vacationers.About the Author: <a href="http://www.keralaindiavacation.com/kerala-tourist-destinations/kollam-kerala.html">Kollam tour</a> is an unavoidable element of <a href="http://www.keralaindiavacation.com/">Kerala tourism</a>. If you wish to enjoy your Kerala vacations with family or friends, go though Kollam tour guide and you will come across the most enchanting backwaters that make your holidays memorable for a lifetime.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/kollam-tour-kerala-in-miniature-1183073.html" title="Kollam Tour: Kerala In Miniature">Kollam Tour: Kerala In Miniature</a>

Searching for a destination gifted with the best of waterways and the best of greenery? Plan out a Kerala tour and go through Kollam travel guide. This old seaport is also known as Quilon and is located on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, about 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Apart from serving as a wonderful gateway to Kerala, this beautiful district is also known as a renowned trade and commerce centre.

Background

Earlier a renowned trading point for spice, Kollam has been a favourite place for the traders of Persia, Arab, Rome and China. It was established as a modern trading centre by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch and the British. For the past few years, it has emerged as a leading cashew trading and processing industry in India. Moreover, Kollam is an important hub for the state's marine products.

Major Attractions

Ashtamudi Lake

This second largest lake of the state offers the best of backwater cruises. The backdrop of Chinese fishing nets forms the spell binding view here. Dense coconut groves and palm trees surrounding the entire lake make it an ideal place for your vacations. Kollam Boat Club offers ample opportunities for cruising alongside the waterline.

Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku

This is a unique and interesting festival, in which all the men dress themselves like women and perform various art forms in devotion to Goddess Bhagavathy. Organized at the Kottankulangara temple in Chavara in March – April, the festival is marked by the 'Damsels' that come to the temple at night in a long procession with lighted lamps in their hands.

Jatayupara

As the name suggests, this huge rock at Chadayamangalam is dedicated to the mythical bird Jatayu in the epic Ramayana. As the legend goes, that huge bird died here only while fighting against the demon King Ravana, who kidnapped Devi Sita. Jatayupara serves as the venue for the 'Crafts Festival' that is held annually during December-January. This festival features the craftsmanship of artisans from all over the country.

Kottarakkara

Earlier being the capital of Travancore Royal family, Kottarakkara is popular as the place from where the famous Indian classical dance form originated.

Kollam has no dearth of attractions. It is also frequented for the Picnic Village (the main centre of recreational activities), Rameshwara Temple, Palaruvi Waterfalls and the fresh water lake Sasthamkotta.

Kollam is favourite among history buffs because of several ruins of palaces and forts that are worth visiting. The scenic beaches are a treat to all the honeymooners as well as the routine vacationers.

Kollam tour is an unavoidable element of Kerala tourism. If you wish to enjoy your Kerala vacations with family or friends, go though Kollam tour guide and you will come across the most enchanting backwaters that make your holidays memorable for a lifetime.

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Article Tags: kerala, kerala tourism, kerala vacations, kerala tour, kerala tour packages, kollam tour, kollam kerala, kollam travel, kollam travel guide

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