Kollam
The heady swish of coconut palms, the mesmerising sounds of
backwaters setting a soothing background score - all these describe the
appealing beauty of Kollam. Kollam flaunts its beauty very graciously and
one can find the unmistakable scent of spices in her name. Many of the
admirers of Kollam call her as " Swapna Desham."It is also an
important gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. Kollam is located
between the eight cornered Ashtamudi Lake and the Arabian Sea, at the
southern extremity of a network of backwaters.
Climate
The climate is of tropical humid type with an oppressive summer and plenty
of seasonal rainfall. The summer season lasts from March to May.
Sightseeing
There are a number a colonial relics here awaiting to be explored. The
square shaped
clock tower, which you can see from any
part of historic
Chinnakada market, is the best place to
start touring Kollam.
Dutch Quilon was once a British
enclave where you can see the sun setting and the moon rising
simultaneously. One can enjoy the backwaters as Kollam is the principal
centres of backwaters in Kerala.
Velankanni Church, the
Adventure Park and
Ashtamudi Park are the other
popular attractions here.
Getting there
Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (71 km). Kollam is an important
railhead of the southern railways providing good links to the major cities
and towns of South India. An excellent road network links kollam to all
major towns cities of the state and the country.
Activities
- Buy cashew in unimaginable low rates, as this is a major Cashew trading
and processing centre of India.
- Build sandcastles or play in the sand or enjoy swimming and bathing at
Thirumullavaram beach, 6 kms from city centre.
- Spend your holidays cruising on The Kayal Pradakshina Cruise which will
take you to Munroe Island through Kollam backwaters. Take the sunbath on
the roof of the boat, look otters playing, discover nearby areas in labyrinthine
water ways and feel the simplicity of Malayalee rural lifestyle.
- Get Ayurvedic Treatment at Alumkadavu, 26 kms from Kollam.
- Visit Amritapuri Asramam and see how followers of Mata Amritanandmayi
Devi have been bringing the positive change in the psyche and lives of the
people.
- Go for trekking at Jetayu Para, huge rock in the Chadayamangalam village
on the MC road.
Varkala
Varkala, a tiny quaint town in Kerala, has been a Hindu
pilgrimage centre since the 12th century. And today, as a seaside resort, it
ropes in a good number of tourists from across the globe. Still unexplored,
Varkala is a perfect hideout for those who are looking for respite from
their city life. Pristine beaches and ancient places of worship are the
major attractions here. Ayuveda and yoga centres here are also a craze among
vacationers. The Ayurveda programmes could range from a week to even a
month. It's a land where the sea entres the mainland in the form of
enchanting backwaters. The serene and secluded ambiance offers the much
needed escape to one and all. The town lies at a distance of 54 km from
Thiruvananthapuram.
Climate
As Varkala is positioned close to the sea, it experiences a moderate
climate. March to May is the summer time with a maximum temperature of 35
degrees Centigrade. Months of June, July and August see heavy rainfall.
Annual average rainfall records 310 cm. Winter extends from December to
February with the minimum temperature recording 25 degrees. September to May
is the ideal time to visit this seaside destination.
Sightseeing
Papanasam Beach is the main attraction here. At the beach, you can feast
your eyes on some of the most stunning sights and watch the sun seem to sink
in the sea. As Varkala is a chief Hindu pilgrimage site so a good number of
devotees can be seen at its 800-year-old
Sree Janardhana
Swamy Temple. The
Sivagiri Mutt is another religious site here,
established by Sree Narayana Guru.
Getting There
Thiruvananthapuram, which is 54 km from here, is the closest airport. There
are regular flights from here to all the key destinations of the country and
the world. Quilon is the closest major railhead providing links to major
cities and towns of the South India. Road routes are also well connected.
Activities
- Have fun with your loved ones at its any of the pristine beaches as
Papanasam Beach for example.
- Get your body fine tuned at any of the Ayurveda, Yoga or massage
centre.
- Pay your visit at Janardhana Swami Temple.
- Watch and participate if possible all the funfair of Onam or Vishu
festivals.
- Enjoy Kathakali, Ottanthullal and other music concerts in the
surroundings of old Devaswom building during december to January.
- Go for boating in the backwaters of the region. You will surely
appreciate the beauty of the estuary between Edava & Kappil..
