Kollam or Quilon in the state of Kerala, an old sea port town on the Arabian coast, stands on the Ashtamudi lake. In the ancient times, Kollam, had a sustained commercial reputation around the world. 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 24 years, in the 14th century AD.

Kollam, the gateway to Kerala's beautiful backwaters is blessed 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'.

Sightseeing at Kollam (Quilon):-
Thangasseri : Located 5 Km from Kollam city, Thangasseri is historically important as the ruins of Portughese & Dutch structures. 18th century church are also evident here. The 3 km long beach has a light house.

Thirumullavaram Beach: Thirumullavaram Beach is about 6 kms north of Kollam. This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre. Mayyand : Mayyad is 10 kms south of Kollam and noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the subramanya temple at umayanallor.
 
Thevalli Palace: This is a beautiful and historically renowned palace situated on the banks of Ashtamudi Kayal (backwater) Sasthamkotta 26 Km. north-east of Kollam city. Sasthamkotta is situated on the bank of Kallada River. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Sastha. Sasthamkotta lake The place in known for the Sasthamkotta fresh water lake. The natural gift is set amidst scenic surroundings covered by hills on the three sides.

Thenmala: 70 km from Kollam, Thenamal is a small hill town amidst thick forest. Thenmala is an interesting picnic spot to enjoy natural scenery. The main attraction is trekking. Boating facility also available. Best Season - September to January

Thenmala Deer Park: The attraction of Thenmala is the Deer Park. Thenmala Rock is about 5000 year old, which are worth seeing.

Kottarakkara Kathakali Museum: Kottarakkara Thamburan Kathakali Museum is the memorial of Kottarakkara Thamburan (King) the father of the Kathakali. Exhibited here are various models of Kathakali, Kathakali classes and ornaments, rare musical instruments, sculptures, models of mohiniyattam and other classical dances, 108 natya Kiranangal (Dance Sings) etc.

Thekkady in the south Indian state of Kerala is one very appealing town of India with vast forest areas and some finest nature views. The very sound of the word Thekkady recollects images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Periyar forest in Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are bewitching plantations and captivating hill towns that hold great
opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Sightseeing at Thekkady :-
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The rich forest area of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. Spread in an area of 777 sq km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mulla Periyar dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. Here, you can enjoy the unique experience of observing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. Though the greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, you can also see gaur, sambar deer, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats. There are about 265 species of birds including migrants, which make your boat ride more lyrical.

Kumily: About 4 kms from Thekkady, this plantation town is closely associated with Thekkady. Situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary, Kumily is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre.

Murikkady: Situated 5 kms from Thekkady. Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi: This is about 5 kms away from Kumily. Cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border, this picturesque place is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.
 
Reaching Thekkady:-
Air : Nearest Airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 kms, Kochi (Nedumbassery - 185 km), Thiruvananthapuram (265 kms).
Rail : Nearest railway station is Kumarakom 114 kms. Madurai station is about 136 kms.
Road : An excellent road network from kumily (4 kms) links the to all major towns and cities in india.

Being set in the high ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Periyar is spread in a tropical forest area, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen and characterized by tall trees, and a closed canopy. Periyar boasts of a rich bird life, animal life and plant life.

The Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. You may even get a glimpse of the tiger during this season. A summer palace of the former Maharaja of Travancore, set along the lake, is a hotel and a fine place to stay. Spice gardens and plantation estates surround the national park.

Sightseeing at Periyar :–
Wildlife: The Periyar region is mostly tropical; a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen forests. On your tour to Periyar you can visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. The region offers a refuge to many mammals, reptiles and amphibians and around 320 avian species. Periyar has a few Nilgiri Tahr, good numbers of which may also be seen on a day excursion to nearby Eravikulam National Park near Munnar.

Kumily: The main attractions at Periyar include Kumily, a plantation town closely associated with Thekkady. It is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping center and spice trade center, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region is found in Kumily.

Boat Cruises: Boat cruises make the best bet to explore the wilds of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Today the Periyar Lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge.

Cradomom Hills: Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills.

Reaching Periyar :–
Air : The nearest national airports are Cochin (200 km) and Madurai (140 km).
Rail : The nearest major rail junction is Kottayam.
Road : The Park is well connected by bus service from the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram (271 km), as well as the cities of Cochin (200 km), Kottayam (117 km), and Madurai (140 km).