State: Kerala

District: Kollam district

Main languages: Malayalam

 

History:

 

 

Kollam was known to the Portuguese as Quilon and is the headquarters of the Kollam District. The city has been famous for cashew processing and coir manufacturing along with being the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. The area was formerly called "Desinganadu" and was also the focal point of trade during the rule of the Travancore kingdom. The city shares its fame with Kodungallur, as an ancient sea port on the Malabar Coast. The area had a reputation for being a vital commercial centre since the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans. History shows that Plinym entions about Greek ships anchored in this region in 23 AD. It was also the chief port of the Pandyas on the West Coast. The area was connected with Korkai port on the East Coast. Pearls, spices, diamonds and silk were exported to Egypt and Rome from this area. The Cosmas Indicopleustes, visited Malabar Coast in 522 AD, mention the area of Kollam. The era of Kollam began in 824 AD and gets its named from 'Kolla Varsham'. The Merchant Soleyman of Siraf of Persia visited the area in the 9th century. The rulers of Kollam were formerly called 'Desinganadu'. They aslo had trade relations with China and exchanged embassies. Marco Polo visited Kollam in 1293 A.D. on his return trip from China to Venice. IN 1502 the Portuguese became the first Europeans to establish a trading center at Kollam. 

 

Geography:

 

The soils of Kollam are of various kinds namely sandy loams, larerite and forest soil. The area of the costal belt has sandy loams and the forest soil and the rest of the city has laterite soil. Kollam is bound on the north by Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. On the eastern side is Tamil Nadu and on the west, the Arabian Sea.

 

Demographics:

 

As per 2001 India census, Kollam had a population of 361,441 and had an average literacy rate of 82%. 

 

Climate:

 

The climate of Kollam is tropical and has an average rainfall of about 270 cm annually. The maximum temperature here is about 36 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is about 22.4 degrees.

 

Economy:

 

 

Kollam is moderately industrialized as compared to other areas in the state. There are various kinds of small scale industries located in the area. The metals and minerals in the area are also one of the major sources of income. The cashew processing and coir production still rule as the major sources of employment. Tile manufacturing using clay is also a vital industry. 

 

Places of worship:

 

There are various temples, churches and mosques in this region due to the mixed cultural influence. Some of the temples are the Kottarakara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram Temple, Mahavishnu Temple, Mata Amritanandamayi Math and many others. The mosques in this area include Valiyapalli at Jonakappuram, Chinnakada juma Masjid, Juma-'Ath Palli at Kollurvila, Juma-'Ath Palli and many more. It is said that there are "seven and a half churches" in Kollam because many churches had to be re-constructed due to sea erosion. 

 

Tourism:

 

Kollam is one of the most popular tourist spots of Kerala due to its beaches and backwaters. The Thirummulavaram and Tangasseri beaches along with the Kochupilamood Beach are the popular beaches here. The Tangasseri Light House made in 1902 is also a popular tourist spot. The Kayal Lake also has cruises operated by the local boat owners. The Munroe Island, formed by the backwaters of Ashtamudi and Kallada River, is one of the most visited tourist spots of the area. Thenmala, Residency Palace Ashramom, Jetayu para, Adventure Park and Palaruvi water falls are popular attractions.

 

Transportation:

 

The city is situated on NH 47 which has links to major cities nearby. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and the city also has a good railway network.

Comments