It is situated 5 km from Kollam town. This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches which was built in the 18th century. The chief attraction of the place is the light house, built in 1902. The 144 ft. light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery. Visitors are permitted to visit the lighthouse between 3.30pm and 5.30pm
It is about 10 km south of Kollam town. Mayyanad is famous for its shrines and temples. Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor is the most important among the nine temples of this area. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya.
It is the residence and head quarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi one of India 's great Gurus, and is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. Vallikavu is a pilgrim centre near Kayamkulam. Special boats are available for hire from DTPC boat jetty in Ashramam near the Government Guest House. There are frequent buses from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram to Kayamkulam from where there are local buses to Vallikavu.
Chavara is situated 14 kms, north of Kollam on the Kollam-Alappuzha road. Thousands of tonnes of mineral sand are exported from Chavara to various countries. The Koilthottam port is situated within the limits of Chavara panchayat. Four major industrial establishments - Indian Rare Earths, The Kerala Premopipe factory, Kerala Minerals and Metals and the Titanium complex - are at Chavara. The Thalappoli Mahotsavom- offerings of lighted lamps in decorated small pans - in the Kottamkulangara temple here is very famous. It falls in March - April. The interesting features of the festival is that men dress themselves as women and carry lamps. This is a time-honoured custom
It is 29 km from Kollam town and is the largest fresh water lake of Kerala which is surrounded by hills on three sides. It is a beauty spot, a health resort and a centre of pilgrimage. The ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. Accomodation is available at the PWD Rest House in the town. There are frequent buses from Quilon. The journey takes one hour.
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