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Quilon or Kollam is situated in the southwest corner of India in the state of Kerala. The district is encircled by Alappuzha in the north, Pathanamthitta in the northeast, Thiruvananthapuram in the south, Tirunelveli (Tamilnadu) in the east, and the Arabian Sea in the west. The climate is of tropical humid type with an oppressive summer and plenty of seasonal rainfall.
Quilon is an old seaport town on the Arabian coast and a great trade center of Kerala. It stands on the Ashtamudi Lake. The city has changed its name frequently and known as Desinganadu, Kollam, and Quilon at various points of time. It has sustained commercial reputation from the days of Phoenicians and the Romans. Ibn Batuta identified it as one of the five ports he saw in the time span of 24 years during his travel in India. The rulers of Quilon and China had diplomatic relations in the 14th century and they exchanged embassies with each other. There was a flourishing Chinese settlement at Quilon during that period. Great Venetian traveler Marco Polo visited the city in 1275 in his capacity as a Chinese Mandarin. From the beginning of 16th century, the Portuguese, Dutch, and British came in quick succession to establish trading centers at Quilon. British stationed a garrison at Quilon in pursuance of a treaty between Travancore and British in the 18th century.
Quilon was an international emporium of trade and even now it is a prosperous commercial centre. Quilon edges with the famous Astamudi lake. Many a foreign traveller has visited Quilon in the early midieval period. Quilon was one of the early centres of Christian activity in Kerala. The popularity of Quilon has been established by the time-honoured proverb once you see Quilon, you will not need your home any more. Quilon has several tourist attractions.
The 144 ft. Thangassery Light house, built in 1902, is a centre of attraction in Quilon. The Ananda Valleeswaram Temple of Quilon attracts people on almost all days. There are several Churches and Mosques around Quilon. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. One of the oldest and most important Mosques in Quilon is the Chinnakkada Palli. The Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, the first of its king in the state, is at Kilikolloor, about 7 kms. east of Quilon town.
Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing. Mahatma Gandhi beach lies just 2 kms. from Quilon. It is fascinating place for an evening. Thirumullavaram Beach is 5 kms. from Quilon. The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing. Ashramam picnic village is located in the 48-acre Guest House Complex.
Quilon stands along Ashtamudi Lake and is a major attraction for its elegance and architectural beauty. Tourists can stay here at economical rates. The children's Traffic & Entertainment Park, designed by NATPAC, is also worth visiting in Quilon. It is the largest traffic park in Kerala. The Adventure Park, located in Quilon village along the shores of the Astamudi backwaters, is a novel experiment in the country. Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, powerboats and motorboats, are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the Adventure Park.
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