Kollam or Quilon, an old sea port town on the Arabian coast , stands on the Ashtamudi lake. Kollam, the erstwhile Desinganadu, had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans. Fed by the Chinese trade, it was regarded by Ibn Batuta, as one of the five ports , which he had seen in the course of his travels during a period of twenty four years, in the 14th century. Kollam District which is a veritable Kerala in miniature is gifted with unique representative features - sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forest, vast green fields and tropical crop of every variety both food crop and cash crop, so called 'The Gods Own Capital'.

Kollam, also known as Quilon or Desinganadu, is the place which takes the credit for being the hub of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. Affording an impeccable blend of scenic surroundings, tradition and hospitality, Kollam is often referred to as the dreamland of Kerala.Kollam is considered as one of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast and has long been drawing attraction worldwide.The town served as the leading spice market in medieval and modern times.It is a town famous for its antiquity.Kollam in the bygone days was famous for its palaces and the place was sometimes called as the City of Palaces . The region also has a reputation for cashew plantations.

Kollam is an old sea port town on the Arabian coast, standing on the Ashtamudi lake.It is the gateway to Kerala's beautiful backwaters and is blessed with unique representative features - sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forest, vast green fields and tropical crops of every variety, both food crop and cash crop.The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala.

The capital of a powerful kingdom called "Venad", Kollam came into prominence in the 9th century AD. As cited by some historians, the Malayalam era - called the Kollam era - was established by Marthanda Varma, the ruler of Kollam in 825 AD.Kollam also has some notable importance in Indian history during the British Raj - it was the nerve centre of the rebellion organised by freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalava.Speaking of culture, it was in Kollam where Ramanattam - the dance form of Kathakali originated.

Kallada and Ithikkara are the two rivers that flow through this district. Shasthamkotta Lake is the only major fresh water lake in the State. Two other major lakes are the Ashtamudi Lake and the Paravur Kayal. Edava and Nadayara lakes lie partly in this district.

The district has a tropical and humid climate, with an oppressive summer and plentiful seasonal rainfall. The summer season, from March to May, is followed by the south west monsoon from June to September. Kollam was once an international emporium of trade and even today it is a prosperous commercial center. Kollam is located on the edge of the famous Astamudi. Kollam was one of the early centers of Christian activity in Kerala. The popularity of Kollam has been established by the time-honored proverb once you see Kollam; you will not need your home any more.

The Thangassery Light house, built in 1902, is a great center of attraction in Kollam. The Ananda Valleeswaram Temple of Kollam attracts people on almost all days. There are several Churches and Mosques around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. One of the oldest and most important Mosques in Kollam is the Chinnakkada Palli.

Mahatma Gandhi beach and park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing in kollam. Mahatma Gandhi beach lays just 2 km from Kollam. It is fascinating place for an evening walk. Thirumullavaram Beach is 5 km from Kollam. The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing.

Kollam stands along Ashtamudi Lake and it is a major attraction. The children's Traffic and Entertainment Park, designed by NATPAC, is also worth visiting in Kollam. It is the largest traffic park in Kerala. The Adventure Park, located in Kollam village along the shores of the Astamudi backwaters, is also an exciting place to be at.