It is located at a distance of 71 kms to the north of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Kollam forms a main destination on Luxury Kerala Travel Backwaters. 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. Visit the temples of Kollam, built in the traditional ornate architectural style. The renowned Ashtamudi Lake makes Kollam, a popular gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. It covers 30% of this historic town and a visit to Kerala would take you on an eight-hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha, the longest backwater cruise in Kerala.

Kollam is renowned for its Cashew industry and used to be an important trade center during old days. Kollam also has a number of historical monuments and ancient ruins that give a mystical essence to this quiet little town. The Kollam backwaters are best explored on traditional Kerala houseboats known as "Kettuvalloms".These houseboats look

The backwaters of Kollam are a great way to observe nature flourishing in its best form here. The shores are lined with many trees and provides shelter to many exotic birds like cuckoos, egrets, ducks, etc. that come out in the water for an occasional swim. The water is a natural habitat for water plants like water lilies and lotus that add charm to the meandering waterways. There are small restaurants lined up on the shores where you can stop and have a taste of local cuisine.