Kollam

Kollam is a city in Kerala in India.

Kollam Halal Travel Guide

Mentioned in Greek literature from the first century, Kollam or Quilon has been a thriving trading port for centuries. The surrounding region produces pepper (after which the city is named), cashews, coir and other agricultural products. Local communities include Christians, Muslims and Hindus. A historical Chinese population is known to exist, and the town's market is still named after them. Fishing occurs right along the coast as in other parts of Kerala. West and slightly north of the town some 5 kilometers lies a beach, on the north end of which are various European colonial-era relics, including the ruins of a fort and a few churches. There are also some old colonial buildings scattered about the town proper.

Travel to Kollam

The city is well connected by road. National Highways 47 and 208 pass through it. A number of long distance buses and inter state buses ply through the city. You have buses from Cochin, Alappuzha, Trivandrum, Bangalore, etc. The city is also well connecedt by railways. The railway code is QLN. You can get trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport and it is 70 kilometers away from the city.

Get Around

What to See

Fishing in Backwater of Kollam - Fishing in Back water of Kollam Paravur Lake, Kollam - An evening scene - Backwaters in Paravur Country boat in Kollam Back water - Country boat in Kollam Back water Busy streets of Kollam in an evening - Busy streets of Kollam in an evening

Alumkadavu - 26 kilometers from Kollam - Scenic place, with blue green stretches back water, coconut palms, back water cruise, house boats, Ayurvedic treatment centers.

Amritapuri Asramam - A Hindu pilgrim center for worshipers of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.

Aryankavu - 73 kilometers east of Kollam - Pilgrim center, old trade route for merchants from either sides of western Ghats, famous for shrine of Lord Sastha, fine sculptures and mural paintings.

Chavara - 14 kilometers north of Kollam on NH47 - Famous for the mineral sand and place of Catholic saint Sister Alphonsa.

Kalayapuram - 34 kilometers from Kollam, on the way to Kottayam from Kottarakara - It is believed that old Kalayan royal family were ruled from this place, hence the name Kalayapuram.

Karunagappally 27 kilometers north of Kollam in NH47 - Famous mosque and dome of martyrs, a unique pilgrimage center. Old military station of Kayamkulam Rajas.

Kottarakkara - 27 kilometers northeast of Kollam - Erstwhile capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a ruling family. Famous for Kath Kali (a dance drama).

Kundara 1 3 kilometers east of Kollam, on the way to Kottarakkara - A prominent place in the area famous for industries.

Mannadi - 24 kilometers east of Kollam - Famous as the place where Veluthampi Dalawa laid down his life.

Mayyanad - 10 kilometers south of Kollam - Famous for its shrines and temples.

Neendakara - Long Shore - 8 kilometers north of Kollam - Famous for its fisheries industries.

Oachira - 32 kilometers north of Kollam in NH47 ☎ +91 476 - Famous temple & mosque, a unique pilgrim center and handicraft center. Oachira padanilam was the battle field of Kayamkulam Rajas.

Paravur - 13 kilometers south of Kollam - Famous for coir production center and fishing. Beautiful tourist destination, eye-catching because estuaries, backwaters and beaches.

Sasthamcotta - 19 kilometers from Kollam - Biggest freshwater lake in Kerala.

Thangassery - 5 kilometers away from Kollam - Place of historical importance, with old 18th century churches, light house and remnants of Portuguese and Dutch forts.

Thangassery Church Ruins - 200m north of the Thangassery Fort intersection, on the right-hand side of the road, behind a house - The ruins of a church belltower and some adjacent graves and headstones are still standing here behind some local houses. You can probably spot them from the road if you're careful, but ask around and you will likely be shown inside. The local residents are Christians and speak English.

Thangassery Fort - North end of the harbour Some limited standing ruins of an old colonial fort. You can see two different sides of the building and the first from the harbour side (where it is visible at some distance), and the second from the opposite side. The site is slightly overgrown so beware of snakes if you venture close. An auto-rickshaw from the Main Road bus stop cost ₹50.

Thangassery Lighthouse 8.87833, 76.5667 Opening Hours: 3-5PM Small fee Tangasseri Lighthouse Thangassery Light House, Kollam A A modern lighthouse in a historic Christian quarter of town that is feasible to climb in the afternoons. Best to combine with the Thangassery Fort, as the two sites are in easy and shaded walking distance.

Thenmala - 66 kilometers east of Kollam on the way to Shencottah, it is also reachable from Trivandrum - Dam site with dense forest is famous for eco tourism.

Jatayu Earth Center - Jatayu Nature Park Road,

Jatayu Junction, Chadayamangalam 8.860525, 76.845663 ☎ +91 4702477077,+91 9072588713, +91 9072088122 Opening Hours: 10am-8pm Rs.400 + tax for cable vehicle and sculpture visit. Tickets MUST be purchased online. 2022-January - 20 This rock-theme nature park has a sculpture of Jatayu, a bird that is a character in the epic Ramayana on top of a mountain. It is the world’s largest bird sculpture (200 feet (61 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) broad, 70 feet (21 m) in height. You can take a cable vehicle ride to the sculpture. The view from the gondola is nice, and the sculpture is worth a look. Many other facilities are planned, but not yet open to the public. There will be a museum inside the sculpture and a temple to Rama. As of Jan 2019 and the helicopter ride advertised on the website was not actually available. A food court where you can purchase Snacks is also available - try the vazhaniyala appam and the vegetable cutlets and the banana fries - all of these are very tasty.

There is a "12D" show at the cable vehicle station that costs extra.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kollam

It's basically eating/shopping/sightseeing. Don't swim in the water as there's a large amount of unprocessed sewerage that goes in to it from local residents who crap on the beach.

Munroe Island Canoe Tours | Chittumala Road | Munroe Island Northeast of Kollum ☎ +91 904 817 6186 ₹300 pp Vijeesh runs canoe tours which are an excellent way to explore Munroe Island. You get to go places that the house boats can't and will literally be going through the village and get to see life there. He has great English and an excellent personality. Also runs a home stay on the island. Rickshaw ~₹400 from Kollam or local train, contact him via email/phone for train details.

Shopping

Joy Allukas Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM For clothes, Gold, footwear etc.

Kairali Handicraft Residency road, near Hotel Shah International Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Handicraft from Kerala.

RP Mall - K Mall - Opening Hours: 10 AM to 11 PM Carnival multiplex, Devi and Jajji's beauty salon, Reliance footprint & Trends for clothes, Fab India, Blackberry, Food Court, Game Zone

Halal Food & Restaurants

Kappa and meen Curries - Kappa or Tapioca is served with fish

Hotel Bright Kottiyam, Kollam. Famous for their mutton chops.

Hotel Sea Palace Beach road Opening Hours: 10 PM to 11 PM It has a café.

Hotel Sudarshan Opposite Joy Allukas Opening Hours: 10 AM to 11 PM It has a café.

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kollam

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At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kollam ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kollam. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kollam, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Fragrant Nature Retreat and Resorts
Government Guesthouse Next to Chinnakada circle ☎ +91 474-2742530 It is noisy as the guest house is situated on the national highway in the centre of the city.

Hotel Prashanti Beach Road ☎ +91 474-2752061 Starts from 1700 It has a Vegetarian restaurant. It's a walkable distance to the beach. It has both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms.

Munroe Island Backwaters Homestay | Chittumala Road, Munroe Island Northeast of Kollum ☎ +91 904 817 6186 ~₹1000 Vijeesh and his family have a very quiet homestay. You eat with the family(pay what you think the meal is worth) and they are very friendly. The guest house is very modern and very clean. It was built in 2011 so is very new. Visjeesh will also take you on canoe tours of the backwaters which last the afternoon. Best way is to contact him via email or phone and he replys very fast. Rickshore is about ₹400 from Kollum bus station. Vijeesh can also arrange a driver for you if he knows what time you pull in.

Nani Hotel - Next to Main Road bus stop, east of the market area

~₹1200-1600 (maybe+tax) for fan/AC rooms Excellent location. For slightly more money than the government-run Tamarind Hotel (miles from anywhere, and nothing special) this place gets you a much nicer environ and location. Reception staff speak excellent English, others apparently cannot. At check-in I was told that no fan rooms were available, and was forced to pay for AC. However, upon complaining about the tax it was quickly considered included in the room rate instead of added on as usual: worth trying. Wifi is available but is charged at ₹50/hr, or ₹300/24hr: you wonder why the bothered installing it!

The Quilon Beach Hotel - Beach Orchid - Next to Quilon Beach. ☎ +91 474-2769999 Low season from 3100+tax It is a 5 star rated hotel. There is a swimming swimmingpool facing the beach that looks quite nice. The beach has a children's park in it. During some days there are also cultural events conducted on an open air stage on the beach.

Railway Retirement Room inside the train station

₹165

Tamarind Hotel - Near the Government Guesthouse

~1200 incl. tax for an AC room (No fan rooms available) An inconvenient location and poor value for the price make this a terrible selection, save for the view out over the water. The rooms are spacious, just about three times what you'd expect them to cost. A classic study in a government-run business... all the makings of success, but none of the right decisions, and an evidently rapidly progressing trend toward total apathy.

WelcomHotel Raviz - WelcomHotelRaviz@ Thevally, Mathilil☎ +91 474 2751111

News & References

Travel Next

You could leave for Alleppy, Cochin or Trivandrum.

Buses and trains head in all directions.