Kollam or Quilon, an old sea port town on the Arabian coast , stands on the Ashtamudi lake. Kollam, the erstwhile Desinganadu, had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans.

Considered as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, the district takes the credit for being the hub of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry .The district is a leading center for fishing in Kerala and is home to the largest fresh water lake in Kerala – Sasthamcottah. A boat cruise starting from the Ashtamudi backwaters in Kollam to backwater networks in the adjoining district of Alappuzha and further is a delightful experience.

Getting there
Air : The nearest airport is Trivandrum

Rail : The nearest railway station is Kollam

Best season to visit
Between August to March.