Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 145

Area: 2579 sq kms Population (2001): 25,84,118 Altitude: Sea level Clothing: Tropical Tourist Season: August to March Kollam is a charming old seaport town in Kerala, on the shores of the Arabian Sea, renowned for the natural beauty of its Backwaters, Beaches, places of historical importance and the tempting tastes of its much sought after hygienically processed Cashew Nuts. From the sandy beaches, along the tranquil backwaters, across the emerald green mid-lands, through the grandeur of tropical wet ever green forests to the top of gorgeous lofty mountains. A lively and peaceful culture evolved through centuries and matured through generation with a bit of Austroloid to Aryan from Semitic to Dravidian etc blended together and harmoniously woven with threads of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christian, to form a myriad hued cultural fabric. A tour through the picturesque landscape and a journey into the vibrant cultural life of the people offer a vivid but unique experience. Attracted by her bounties many travelers and traders from different corners of the world have been visiting Kollam from time immemorial. If Sulaiman (851 A.D), Marco Polo (13 th Century A.D) and Ibn Batuta (14 th Century) had been attracted by the prosperity and glory of Kollam, traders and merchants from China, Persia and later Europe were lured by the rich spices of Kollam. Telephone Access Codes Chavara Karunagapally Kollam Kottarakkara Punalur ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ 91 476 91 476 91 474 91 474 91 475