Kollam


Kollam is one among the 14 districts of God’s own country – Kerala, situated in the southern part with Trivandrum in the south, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha in the north, Tamil Nadu in the east and Arabian sea in the west. Kollam was known as Quilon in english and later it was accepted as Kollam even in english too. Coir and Cashew is the main trade. 30% of the district is covered by the Ashtamudi Lake. The second largest lighthouse of Kerala is situated in Thangasseri in Kollam. Thenmala, Jadayupara, Paravoor, Paalaruvi Waterfalls, kaapil and Punaloor are the main tourist attractions here. Kollam was formed on August 17, 1957 with Kunnathoor, Karunagapally, Kottarakara, Pathanamthitta and Pathanapuram as the Taluks.

History
Kollam was the ancient headquarters of venad.Kollam harbour was the largest one. The biggest market in India was located here. These information is rendered from the travelogues by the travellers who had visited Kollam. There existed a strong trade with China and Arabia. The Chinese Emperor Kublakhan maintained a remarkable political relationship with Kollam. There is a saying in malayalam that a person who has seen Kollam need not have a palace by his own explaning the fame and glory of Kollam. Kollam was known as God’s own capital.

Behind the name
There are many opinions regarding the name Kollam. It is said that Kollam got its name from the ‘Kollavarsham’, beginning of the malayalam year. In sanskrit Koilum means pepper, since there was pepper in abundance in Kollam it is said Kollam got its name so.In chinese, Quilon meant business and it might have derived the name thus. Another one was Kolam meaning ferry. Kollam also had a word meaning Abode of King.

Business
Chavara, a place in Kollam rich in lead sand has Indian Rare Earth and Kerala Minerals and Metals. The famous fishing harbour Neendakara that uses advanced fishing technology is located here. Cashew is a known business here. The first paper manufacturing factory, Punaloor Paper Mills was located here.

Places of Worship
Kottarakara Sri Ganapathi Temple: The temple is about 27 kms away from Kollam city. Originally the temple has Lord Siva as its diety, the idol of Siva facing east. Yet, the Second God, Sri Ganapathi is also worshipped here.

Achenkovil: Achenkovil temple is situated in the Pathanapuram taluk of the kollam district.This temple is worshipped more by the tamilians more than
keralites. It is believed that the temple was built by Parasuraman for the safety of the state.Revathipooja and Mandalapooja are the known feasts of this temple. Treatment for snake bites is famous here. The blessed water given from the temple is a great cure.

Umayanaloor Subramanya Temple: One of the famous Balasubramanya temple after Pazhani. Built 2000 years ago and it was in 8th century that Sri Sankaraacharya made the temple able for worshipping.

Matha Amrithanandhamayi matom: Situated in the coastal village, Amrithapuri, this matom is a famous pilgrim center where people from various places visit. The inmates include foreigners too.

Pulichira Amalothbava Matha Church: Christian pilgrim center which follows a secular tradition. All religious people come to visit this church. Valiyapally, Jonakapuram, Koloorvila Juma at mosque and Thattamala juma at mosque are other places of worship.

Educational Institutions
Fathima Matha National College
S.N College
S.N Women’s College
T.K.M arts and Science College
M.M.N.S.S College, Kottiyam
S.N College, Kottarakara
St.John’s College, Anjal
D.B College, Sashthamkotta
S.N College, Punaloor
Marthoma College of Arts and Science

Engineering Colleges
T.K.M College of Engineering
College of Engineering, Perumon
College of Engineering, Karunagapally
Yunus College of Engineering, Pallimukku
Bishop Jerome College of Engineering, Kollam
Travancore Engineering College, Oyoor
M.E.S Institute of Technology and Management, Chathanoor
Hindustan College of Engineering, Kulathupuzha
S.H.M College of Engineering
College of Engineering, Kottarakara

Medical Colleges
Assissi Medical College
Assissi Dental College
Fathima College of Pharmacy
Travancore Medical College
NSS Memorial Institute of Medicity
Royal Hospital, Chathanoor

Polytechnic Colleges
S.N.Polytechnic College, Kottiyam
Govt.Polytechnic College, Ezhukon
Govt.Polytechnic College, Karunagapally
Govt. Polytechnic College, Punaloor

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