Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 146

Transport and Communication Air - Nearest airport - Trivandrum international airport (71 kms). International and domestic flights of major companies operate to cities and countries from here. Airport International Ph: 0471 2500140, Domestic - 0471 2702311. Rail - Kollam is an important railhead of Southern Railways, Ph: 0474 2746194. Railway enquiry - Ph: 139, 1397. Road - Kollam is connected by road with major centres and cities in India. Long distance buses operate from KSRTC Bus Station - Ph : 0474 2752008. Local Transport - Buses, Taxis and Autorikshaws. Ferry Services - The ferry station is adjacent to the central bus station (3 km from the railway station). Tourist Information Offices - DTPC office KSWTD boat jetty, Ph: 0474 2745625, 2750170, [email protected], www.dtpckollam.com. DTPC tourist information centre, KSRTC bus station, Ph: 0474 2745625. DTPC house boat booking office KSWTD boat jetty, Ph: 0474 2750170. Places Interested Picnic Village: The main centre of recreational activities in Kollam, this village located along the backwater front attracts a large crowd. The government guest house over two centuries old, the Adventure Park, the Tourist Boat Club, the Children Traffic Park and the Yatri Nivas are housed in the vast Picnic Village. Thirumullavaram Beach: (6 km north of Kollam town) This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic spot with panaromic views. Oachira: (34 km north of Kollam town) On the side of Alappuzha-Kollam route 34 kms from Kollam town. Dedicated to the universal supreme power, this temple has no particular idol or deity. Yet it is a famous pilgrim centre. Oachira Kali in June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku Ulsavam (twelve lamp festival) in November-December are the two annual festivals. Oachira Kali is a mock festival enacted between two groups of men dressed as fighters on the padanilam (battle field). They perform a martial art dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. Fascinating Destinations Achancoil | Alumkadavu boat building yard | Anchal | Ariankavu | Ashtamudi | Ayiramthengu Mangroves | Jatayupura | Kulathupuzha | Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum | Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple | Matha Amrithanathamayi Asram | Mayyanad | Munroe Island | Oachira Parabrahma Temple | Palaruvi Water Falls | Paravoor | Picnic Village | Rameswaram Temple | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Museum | Sasthamkotta Temple | Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary | Thangasserry | Thenmala | Thevally Palace | Thirumullavaram Beach 144 KOLLAM|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS