Kollam

Kollam, the gateway to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, is an exquisite blend of scenery, tradition and hospitality. Referred to as the dreamland of Kerala, it is the leader in cashew trading and processing of the country. The city, being one of the oldest ports of the Malabar coast, traces its significance to ancient times. It is famous for its backwaters and unique blend of extensive biodiversity. Kollam is also home to a number of architectural relics of the past including temples and mosques built in the traditional ornate style. Once known as Quilon, Kollam hosts a number of attractions including the Ashtamudi lake, Jatayu Park, Palaruvi waterfalls, scenic islands and beaches and much more, making it one of most sought-after tourist destinations of Kerala. A relaxing cruise along the picturesque backwaters, local cuisine of exquisite seafood and the hospitality of the natives gives you an unforgettable experience.

Kollam is the nerve-centre of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. The cashew industry in Kollam boasts of a legacy of a century of cashew nut export. It was in 1920 that the first batch of cashews was exported from the country, from Kollam to the USA. History has it that it was in the same year that the first factory was set up in Kollam to start the commercial processing of cashew nuts. What began as a small scale industry grew in leaps and bounds and Kollam is now a major trade centre for cashew in the country. Cashew continues to be exported to countries such as the USA, the UK, Netherlands, the UAE, France, Canada, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Japan and so on. Kollam is the ideal place to see the cashew industry at close quarters and take home good quality dry fruit.