KOLLAM
BACKWATERS
Located
71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic coastline district known
for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar
coast and a major international trading point in day gone by. The district also
has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the
traditional ornate architectural style. Thirty percent of this historic town
is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent
backwaters of Kerala.
The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise
in Kerala. The District Tourism Promotion Council here offers a wide range of
backwater tours and cruises.
Alumkadavu: (23 km from Kollam town)
Along the vast expanse of the Kayamkulam lake is the pictures little village
of Alumakadavu. This village is the home of the skilled artisans who crafted
the enormous Kettuvalloms in yester years.
