Kollam, also popular to the Portuguese as Quilon, is a city and a Municipal corporation in Kollam district of Kerala. It lies 71 kilometres north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). The town is very famous for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. It is the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, and thus, a major tourist destination.

Kollam was formerly called "Desinganadu". During the rule of the Travancore kingdom in southern Kerala, Kollam was the focal point of trade. It is believed that the era was started by Nestorian Christian merchants who settled in KorukeNi kollam, near to the present Kollam. Kollam is supposed to be one of the state's oldest ports and hub of international spice trade.

Kollam (Quilon) is a charming old port city on the banks of the charming Ashtamudi Lake. Traces of a once prosperous trade with China are still seen in the form of Chinese fishing nets, huge Chinese water pots, blue and white porcelain and sampan-like boats.

Located at a distance of 5 km from Kollam, Thanagasseri is a beautiful village having the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The lighthouse in Thanagasseri offers amazing views of the beach. Mahatama Gandhi Beach. Located at a distance of 2 km from Kollam, Mahatama Gandhi Beach offers serene and beautiful environment. It is ideal for bathing and swimming.

Mesmerizing, beautiful and rejuvenating, such are the Kollam backwaters. Offering picturesque views of the gorgeous green surroundings, the backwaters attracts tourists from far and wide. The lush green trees at lining the backwaters are homes to wonderful birds like egrets, cuckoo and ducks. The views of water lilies and lotus at the backwaters are a great delight. You can also enjoy traditional cuisine at the small restaurants on the shores of the backwaters.

It is a beautiful waterfall cascading from steep heights. Its water looks so white that it gives the impression that it is milk not water. Surrounded by lush green vegetation, the waterfall is a perfect place to spend some quality time with nature.