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Kollam is situated about 71 Kms. north of Thiruvavanathapuram and is linked by rail, road and backwater transport.  The town edges with the famous Ashtamudi lake.  Many a foreign traveler has visited Kollam in early medieval period.  It was one of the early centres of Christian activity in Kerala.  It is said that the present town of Kollam was built by the Syrian Merchant; Sapir Iso, in the 9th Century A.D.  The popularity of Kollam has been established by the time honoured proverb once you see Kollam, you will not need home any more. Kollam is an important commercial, industrial and trading centre.

The house boat trips at serene Ashtamudi Lake is a great pleasures and so is the boat cruise. The boat cruise to Munroe Islands is a wonderful experience. The popular cruises one can avail at the place are Kayal Pradakshina Cruise and Sayanthanam Sunset Cruise.

Mayyanadu,10 kms south of Kollam is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important temple is the one at Umayanallor, dedicated to Lord Subramanian. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by Shri. Sankaracharya of Kaladi. Besides the temples, there are three churches and a Mosque. Cotton weaving and oil pressing are the main occupation in the village.

Situated about 8 kms north of Kollam , Neendakara is the Headquarters of the Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community project, which was established in 1953.The important institutions under this project are the boat building yard at Sakthikulangara the Fisherman’s Training Institute, the ice factory and the refrigeration Plant. Neendakara Port, the hub of fishing activities is here.

This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. TheThangasseri Lighthouse is open to visitors from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. There are buses at 15 minute intervals from Kollam town.

Chavara is one of the important industrialized zones in the state of Kerala. There are large mineral deposits located in the Chavara region. The place supports four major industrial establishments which includes Indian Rare Earths, The Kerala Premo Pipe factory, Kerala Mineral and Metal factory and Titanium Complex.

3 kms from the central bus stand and next to the government guesthouse at Asramam, is an Adventure park, which delights children. The Kollam District Tourist Promotion Council organises backwater cruises from there and during the season conducts cruises to Alappuzha.

Kottarakkara is the origin of the famous classical dance has originated from Kottarakkara Taluk. It was once the capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family.

Situated on the Thiruvananthapuram – Kottayam MC Road, Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple is a magnificent masterpiece of Sculptures.

This temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th century. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple are carvings which give one the impression that the creatures are animate and are actually climbing upstairs with their outstretched paws.