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Kollam (or Quilon), formerly
Desinganadu, is an old seaport and city on the Laccadive Sea coast in Kerala,
India on Ashtamudi Lake. Kollam has had a strong commercial reputation since
the days of the Phoenicians and Romans. Fed by the Chinese trade, it was
mentioned by Ibn Battuta in the 14th century as one of the five Indian ports
he had seen during the course of his twenty-four year travels. Desinganadu's
rajas exchanged embassies with Chinese rulers while there was a flourishing
Chinese settlement at Kollam.
The place has also got natural
beauty in abundance. Also known as Desinganadu in the ancient times, this
place has been blessed with plains, mountains, rivers, sea, lakes,
backwaters, streams, lush green fields and forests.
Kollam is an ancient trading town – trading with Romans, Chinese, Arabs and
other Orientals – mentioned in historical citations dating back to Biblical
times and the reign of Solomon, connecting with Red Sea ports of the Arabian
Sea (supported by a find of ancient Roman coins). There was also internal
trade through the Punalur Pass connecting the ancient town to Tamil Nadu.
The railway station in Kollam is
well connected to the important destinations of the state and the country.
In case, you are a visitor from the southern part of the country, the
Chennai - Kollam, Kollam Express is the best option. However, for those
coming from the northern region, there are no direct trains and so flight
can be a better option.
Trivandrum International Airport, located at a distance of around 71 km, is
the nearest airport to Kollam, with around 40 national and international
flights operational every day. Once you reach the airport, you can hire
taxis to reach Kollam, which charge around INR 7, per km (price subject to
change).
A number of national highways including NH-47, NH-220, and NH-208 connect
Kollam to other destinations. There are regular interstate buses along with
buses from important cities like Thrissur, Bangalore, Madurai, Chennai,
Coimbatore, Pondicherry and more. There is also an option of luxury Volvo
buses and semi deluxe buses that are managed by private. The price varies as
per the bus type and boarding destination.
Kollam Quick Facts
State: Kerala
Languages: Malayalam and English
STD Code: 0474
Weather: Experiences hot and humid summer season / gentle cool breeze at
winter
Best Season: September - February
Famous For: Lakes and beaches |
