The splendid town of Kollam on the Ashtamudi Lake is renowned for being the gateway to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. One may opt for the backwater tour and cruise that starts from Kollam. The Houseboat Kerala and backwater tour from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest cruise . . This boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha takes 8 hours and is a delightful ride, passes through lakes, canals water-bound villages. The famous "Cheenavala" or Chinese fishing nets can also be seen along the backwaters with lotuses and water lilies growing in the water, water birds calling from the banks and otters splashing and playing in the water.
This historic coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international trading point .Alarge proportion of this town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake,famed for its boat building yard. It is here that the gigantic Kettuvallams (cargo boats of rural Kerala) were built. Today the Kettuvallams which were long replaced by modern means of transport, have been converted into houseboats.. This backwater is the home of the skilled artisans who crafted the enormous Kettuvallams in yester years.
The district also has some interesting historic remains and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. Majority percentage of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent Backwaters of Kerala.
Some important must see destinations on the banks of the Kollam backwaters includes the Sasthamkotta fresh water lake, Thirumullavaram beach, Subramanya temple, Rameshwara temple and other tour sites.
