Kollam district

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Kollam district, formerly Quilon, is a coastal district in the state of Kerala, India. It sits by the Laccadive Sea and contains a network of backwaters, including the wide Ashtamudi Lake. The district also has many rivers, lakes, lagoons and a busy fishing industry, especially around Neendakara and Sakthikulangara.

The area is famous for cashews. Kollam is known as the cashew capital of the world, with many factories and government organizations supporting the industry. Other traditional industries include coir, handlooms, clay and wood crafts. The district is also rich in forests and wildlife, with protected areas such as the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary and parts of the Thenmala and Achencoil forest divisions.

Kollam has a long history. In 825 CE, the Malayalam calendar Kollavarsham was created here. The city has been known by different names in different languages over centuries. The Kallada River runs through the district, creating East Kallada and West Kallada on its banks, and the Kallada Boat Race is one of the district’s well-known festivals.

Geographically diverse, the district includes plains, backwaters, hills, forests and long coastlines. The coastline stretches about 37 km, and the backwaters are popular for tourism, with houseboats and luxury boat services. The Thenmala ecotourism project is India’s first government-run ecotourism initiative, and Munroe Island, Paravur Kayal and other water routes attract visitors. Jatayu Earth Centre near Chadayamangalam is another famous landmark.

Administratively, Kollam district has two revenue divisions (Kollam and Punalur) and six taluks: Kollam, Karunagappally, Kunnathur, Kottarakkara, Punalur and Pathanapuram. It contains 4 municipalities (including Kollam city) and many panchayats. The district is divided into three Lok Sabha constituencies for national elections.

Languages and people: Malayalam is the main language, with English also used in official work. The 2011 population was about 2.63 million, with a high literacy rate around 94%. The sex ratio is favorable to women, and about half the people live in urban areas.

Transport and connectivity: Kollam is connected by road, rail and water. Kollam Junction is the main railway hub, with several other stations like Punalur, Paravur and Kottarakkara. Major national and state highways pass through the district, and KSRTC runs frequent bus services within Kerala and to nearby states. Water routes, including backwater boats and ferries, link various towns and tourist spots.

Tourist highlights and culture: In addition to the backwaters and houseboat stays, visitors enjoy Ashramam Tourist Village on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, the city’s beaches at Kollam, Thangasseri and Thirumullavaram, and nearby Varkala. The region’s fishing harbors and markets are lively, reflecting the district’s strong fishing tradition. The Jadayu center, Thenmala and the Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary offer nature and adventure experiences, while the coast and small towns showcase Kerala’s rich culture and history.