Quilon is a city in Kollam district in the Indian state of Kerala. It lies 71 Kilometres north of the state capital Thiruvanathapuram(Trivandrum). It is also the headquarters of the Kollam District, one among the 14 districts in the state of Kerala. In the past, Quilon has been glorified by travellers like Marco Polo stating Quilon as a major trade centre in the Old World. Considering it as a hub for Cashew processing, Quilon is also called as the Cashew Paradise of Kerala. The industrial units here produce and process products like minerals, seafood, ceramics, chemicals and coir making it the industrialised district of Kerala. It is the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, and thus, a prominent tourist destination. The long stretch of backwaters begin with the scenic lakes and crisscross canals begins at Ashtamudi Lake. Quilon like Alleppey is also surrounded by beautiful coconut palms presenting a panoramic view while cruising on this lake.
Best For:
Cruising through the backwaters in a Kettuvallom house boat
Visiting a cashew factory
Watching the process of coir making
Lazing away at the beach
Visiting temples and churches
Excursions
The city has been frequently known as Desinganadu, Kollam, and Quilon at various points of time. It remains a commercial capital till date as was known from the days of Phoenicians and the Romans. According to Ibn Batuta, Kollam was one of the five ports, which he had seen during the course of his travel in the 14th century. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a trading center at Kollam in 1502. Then came the Dutch followed by the British in 1795. The remnants of the Dutch forts can be found at Thangasseri. Velu Thampi Dalawa of Travancore, worked towards the improvement of the Kollam town. He helped build new markets and invited merchants and traders from Madras (now Chennai) and Tirunelveli to set up trade in Kollam. Kollam, to this day has a thriving business in cashewnuts, coir and spices.
The summer begins in the March and lasts till May followed by the southwest monsoon from June to September. The northeast monsoon occurs from October to November. The climate for the rest of the year is otherwise dry. During the Summer the minimum temperature is 22.5 degree C and the maximum temperature soars only to 35 degree C. The best time to travel to Quilon is from October to March. During summer, the climate gets very humid making it uncomfortable for travel. However, it is advisable to carry warm clothes and lots of cotton clothes for the trip.
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of Quilon. Currency can be converted at the currency exchange counters at the Airport. Credit and debit cards are accepted in only big shops and major hotels.
No permits are required to travel to Quilon, other than a visa for India.
By Air The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is a 71 km drive to Quilon, approximately a 3 hour drive. It is well connected to most of the important cities like Bombay, Bangalore, Cochin, Delhi, Madras and Colombo.
By Rail The Kollam railway junction is well connected to all the major towns in Kerala and cities in the country.The Kollam Junction being an important railway station in the Southern Railways network in Kerala is well connected with almost all the major cities in the country.
By Road Quilon is easily accessible by road as it has transit points on 3 national highways which include NH 17, NH 47 and NH 208. Services of several state run and private buses are available if you are planning to travel by bus. Thus, Quilon is connected with all the major cities and also the towns and villages in Kerala and is a transit point for buses on the NH 47 highway. From Thiruvananthapuram there are several state run and private bused that ply regularly to Quilon and further
By Ferry
You can choose to travel to Quilon by Ferry. Ferries are run by the State at regular intervals connecting most of the villages and towns which are along the coast of the backwaters.The State Water Transport Department operates boat services to West Kallada, Munroe Island and Alappuzha. The Alappuzha service attracts a lot of tourist attention. A full day onboard journey through the backwaters provides an opportunity to experience the natural way of life of the people around. Luxury boats, operated by Government and private owners, operate from the main boat jetty during the tourist season. The West coast canal system, which starts from Thiruvananthapuram in the south and ends at Hosdurg in the north, passes through Kollam and Karunagappally taluks. The Thiruvananthapuram-Shornur canal forms a part of the Thiruvananthapuram-Hosdurg system, runs a distance of about 62 km. The other canal systems include the Paravur Kayal, Kollam canal and Chavara canal.
Local Transport
For local transport tourists can opt for private and KSRTC buses or hire cabs and autorickshaws which are easily available.
Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard: This place lies near Karunagapally and is known for the houseboats(called kettuvalloms) crafted here. One can also see craftwork and products being made from coir.
Mata Amritnandamayi Ashram: It is the birthplace of renowned Spiritual guru Mata Amritanandamayi.
Asthamudi Backwaters: It is the starting point of the long 130 km stretch of backwaters which makes it an ideal starting point for the boat cruises too. There are a lot of packages available for boat cruising. Cruise in a houseboat would cost you anywhere between Rs. Rs.4000 to Rs.16000 for two people, which would include meals. A cruise through the backwaters is the best way to explore the natural beauty of Kerala which never fails to astound. A one day houseboat cruise would include visits to Panmana Beach, the Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard and Coir making units.
Ochira Parabrahma Temple: It is a very rare temple. Ochira Parabrahma Temple at Ochira in Quilon is known for it's worship without an idol or any visible form of a deity. It is dedicated to the formless concept of worship here is that of Parabrahma marking the formless and infinite. The temple is visited daily by hundreds of people irrespective of religious faith. One of the festivals here called the Ochira Kali, held during June-July attracts a lot of tourists. During the festival, men, young and old engage in mock fights in waterlogged paddy fields, exhibiting their physical skills.
Sasthankotta Dharmasastha Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It is believed that Lord Hanuman at the time flying to Lanka in search of Goddess Sita, halted at this place also and since then this Temple is a home for Monkeys. The temple is famous for a 10 day annual festival which includes Kettukazgcha procession along with art performances and elephant processions. However only Hindus can enter this temple .
Thangasseri: Also known as the 'gold village' Thangasseri is located in the south of Kollam. It is called so as a lot of trade exchange happened using Gold currency . One of the main attractions of this town is a 144 ft lighthouse built by the British in the year 1519. One can also get to see ruins of Portuguese / Dutch forts and 18 century churches and beach.
Thevally Palace: Thevally palace overlooks the scenic Ashtamudi lake. The palace is famous for the legendary love of a British resident with a lady from the palace. The palace is currently occupied by the army and Public Works Department.
Mayyanad: Mayyanad lies to the south of the Kollam, the distance being 10 kms from the city. The place features several important worshipping places in and around the city. The shrines and temples located here are prime attractions. Temples dedicated to Lord Subramoniya and Shri Shankaracharya are very famous. Apart from temples there are also some popular mosques and churches present in the town.
Munroe Island: It is found at the confluence of Ashtamudi Kayal and the Kallada River, in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the most picturesque village of Kerala. An island sorrounded by Kallada River and Ashtamudi Lake.
Adventure Park : This village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. It is currently a government guest house, which was once used by Lord Munroe. The Paaramparya Museum exhibits paintings from across the country.
Shopping:
Quilon is best for shopping handicrafts made of coconut and bamboo cane, metal-ware, camel-bone carvings and wooden structures
Where To Eat: Like any other city in Kerala, even Quilon offers the best of traditional Kerala cuisine. The exotic seafood like sea fish or fried sea fish and crab curry will keep you asking for more. While most of the hotels in Quilon serve typical south Indian food you will find traditional Indian food along with Italian and Chinese cuisine also. Some of the restaurants are Hotel Eat N Park, College House Restaurant, Hotel Karthika, Hotel Sea Bee, Indian Coffee House.
Where To Stay:
Some of the Hotels you can pick from depending on your budget are Astamundi Resorts, Nila Palace, Hotel Highland, Fragrant Nature Resort, Yatri. The price range for accommodation varies to suit all pockets.
