Kerala Cities

Kollam:
Located 71 kms to the north of thiruvananthapuram, kollam is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports on the malabar coast, kollam was one the port of international spice trade. Thirty percent of this historic tous is covered by the renowned asthamudi lake, making it the gateway to magnificent backwaters of kerala. The eight hour boat trip between kollam and allappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

Area - 2579 sq. Kms
Population - 2,398285 (1991 census)

Access :

Air - nearest airport thiruvananthapural (71 km).

Rail - kollam is an important railhead of the southern railways.

Road - an excellent roat network links kollam to all major towns & cities.

Places to visit :

Thangasseri - This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old portuguese fort and churches built in the 18 century. The Thangasseri Lighthouse which is 144 feet hight, is open to visitors from 1530 = 1730 hrs.

Thirumullavaram beach - 6 kms north of kollam this secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre.

Mayyand - 10 kms south of kollam mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the subramanya temple at umayanallor.



Munnar:
Munnar is situated at the influence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, nallathanni and kundala, 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile british government in south india. Sprawling tea plantations, picturebook towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006. Munnar also has the highest peak in south india, anamudi, which towers over 2695m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Area - 1414 sq. Km

Population - 1,990,603 (1991 census)

Places to visit :

Pothamedu - 6 kms from munnar, pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam - 7 kms from munnar, this idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Nyayamakad - 10 kms from munnar: located between munnar and rajamala, nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Rajamala - 15 kms from munnar : this is the natural habitat of the nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.

Eravikulam National Park - 15 kms from munnar : the 97 sq. Km park is situated in the devikulam taluk and is home to the nilgiri tahr. The anamudi peak (2695 m ) is located in the southern region of the park.