Kollam - കൊല്ലം

Kollam, one of the oldest sea ports on the Malabar Coast was a flourishing centre of trade and commerce and had trade links with the Arab, China, Greek, Roman and later on with Portuguese, Dutch and British. Early travellers mentioned it as the largest port in the world and its market as one of the finest in India. The historic town is still an important centre for cashew trading and processing industry. Over thirty per cent of Kollam is covered by Ashtamudi lake, making it the southern gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. Once a city of palaces, Kollam has been known to the outside world, by the time honoured proverb, "Once you have seen Kollam you would no more need your illam (Home)"