KollamAn ancient Phoenician and Roman trading port situated on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, serving as the gateway to the Kerala backwaters.
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Kollam in one minute
Kollam — live weather, population, hidden places and cost of living, auto-updated.
The historic city of Kollam, formerly known as Quilon, ranks among the oldest ports on the Arabian Sea. It serves as the southern gateway to the Ashtamudi Lake, a vast wetland ecosystem that defines the city geography. As a primary center for the cashew processing industry, the city maintains a global trade network that dates back to the era of the spice route and Chinese merchants.
Modern Kollam is a vital transport hub and the fourth largest city in Kerala by population. It is characterized by its colonial architecture, including remains of Portuguese and Dutch influence, and its strategic position on the National Waterway 3. The city serves as a base for exploring the Kallada River delta and the traditional coir manufacturing units scattered across the rural hinterland.
Fast facts
| Status | Municipal Corporation |
| District | Kollam |
| Division | Kollam |
| District population (2011) | 2635375 |
| City population (2011) | 367107 |
| Urban agglomeration | 1110668 |
| Density | ≈6300 per sq km — pending |
| Languages | Malayalam, English |
| Main stations | Kollam Junction (QLN) |
| Nearest airport | Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) |
| River | Kallada River |
| Sub-divisions | Kollam, Punalur, Karunagappally |
| District literacy | 94.09 percent |
| Famous for | Cashew Trade and Ashtamudi Backwaters |
City map
Demographics CENSUS 2011
Last official census — 2021 census deferred, estimates update on release.
3,67,107 residents
per 1,000 males
municipal area (2011)
≈40,382 children (est.)
Hidden & heritage places in Kollam
Kollam beyond the postcards — quiet places and lanes most guides skip.
Thangassery Lighthouse
This 144-foot structure built in 1902 offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The surrounding area contains ruins of the Portuguese St. Thomas Fort and old colonial bungalows.
Directions ↗Kollam Beach
A prominent coastal stretch featuring a park and the Mahatma Gandhi Park. It is one of the few beaches in Kerala with a lifeguard outpost and a wide sandy shoreline.
Directions ↗Thevally Palace
A historic heritage building situated on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. It formerly served as the summer residence for the King of Travancore and reflects a blend of architectural styles.
Directions ↗Chavara
A major industrial site known for rare earth mineral mining. It houses several large-scale public sector units and offers views of the TS Canal and backwater channels.
Directions ↗Eravipuram
A traditional coastal settlement known for its fishing harbor and local shrines. The area provides a glimpse into the traditional livelihoods of the maritime community.
Directions ↗Ashtamudi Craft Village
A dedicated space for local artisans to showcase traditional Kerala crafts, including coir products and wood carvings, located near the scenic backwater banks.
Directions ↗Weekend getaways near Kollam
Approximate road distances from Kollam.
Cost of living in Kollam
Indicative monthly estimates for a single person — verify locally before deciding.
| 1 BHK rent (city) | ₹3,000 – 6,000 / mo |
| 2 BHK rent (city) | ₹6,000 – 11,000 / mo |
| Meal at a local eatery | ₹70 – 150 |
| Groceries (single, month) | ₹3,500 – 5,500 |
| Utilities (basic) | ₹1,200 – 2,500 |
| Monthly total (est.) | ₹10,000 – 17,000 |
Estimates only · tier-3 market · updated with market data over time
What runs Kollam's economy
What actually runs Kollam.
Cashew Processing
Kollam is the global hub for cashew nut processing, with hundreds of factories importing raw nuts and exporting kernels worldwide.
Export ↗Fisheries and Seafood
The city supports a massive fishing fleet and numerous seafood processing plants that export shrimp and fish to international markets.
Manufacturing ↗Mineral Sand Mining
The coastal belt is rich in ilmenite, rutile, and zircon, processed by state-owned Indian Rare Earths and Kerala Minerals and Metals.
Public Sector ↗Coir Manufacturing
Traditional coir retting and weaving units produce mats, rugs, and geotextiles from coconut husk fibers found in the backwaters.
Handicrafts ↗Logistics and Shipping
Utilizing the National Waterway 3 and the Kollam Port, the city serves as a vital logistics node for southern Kerala.
Services ↗Houseboat Tourism
Ashtamudi Lake supports a significant hospitality sector centered on traditional Kettuvallam stays and backwater cruises.
Hospitality ↗Famous food & restaurants in Kollam
Where locals actually eat — local counters, classics and street institutions.
The Quilon Beach Restaurant
Specializes in traditional Karimeen Pollichathu and Malabar seafood platters with a view of the Arabian Sea coast.
Directions ↗Wok and Grill
A popular contemporary venue offering a mix of continental dishes and grilled meats catering to the urban professional crowd.
Directions ↗Ramees Restaurant
A well-known local institution famous for its Malabar Biryani and traditional Kerala Sadhya during festive occasions.
Directions ↗Allspice
A casual dining spot offering a variety of snacks, local juices, and light meals near the transport hubs.
Directions ↗Verified from local guides · Sep 2026 · hours change — call ahead
Markets & shopping
Chinnakada Market
The primary commercial heart of the city selling everything from spices and textiles to electronic goods and household items.
Directions ↗Sakthikulangara Harbor Market
A bustling early-morning wholesale market where fresh catches from the Arabian Sea are auctioned to traders and locals.
Directions ↗Festival & fair calendar
Kollam Pooram
A grand temple festival at Ashramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple featuring traditional percussion ensembles and caparisoned elephants.
President Cup Boat Race
A competitive snake boat race held on the Ashtamudi Lake attracting teams from across the state.
Oachira Kali
A unique mock fight festival held at the Oachira Parabrahma Temple commemorating historic battles of the region.
Kollam Fest
An annual international trade and cultural fair organized by the municipal corporation to promote local tourism and industry.
From the Bharat DN network
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FAQ
What is the best way to see the backwaters?
The eight-hour ferry trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most scenic backwater cruise in Kerala, passing through narrow canals and wide lakes.
Why is Kollam called the Cashew Capital?
The city houses the majority of India cashew processing units and the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation is headquartered here, managing global exports.
Which is the nearest major railway station?
Kollam Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in Kerala, featuring the second longest railway platform in the world and connecting all major Indian cities.
What are the famous local crafts?
Kollam is renowned for its coir products made from coconut fiber and intricate wood carvings, often available at the Ashtamudi Craft Village.