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Kollam pronounced as koy-lon) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city is situated about 71 kilometres (44 mi) north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. It is the headquarters of the Kollam district. Kollam is the fourth largest city in Kerala and is known for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. The city lies on the shores of Ashtamudi Lake. It is the southern gateway to the Kerala Backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination. The Malayalam calendar, or Kollavarsham, was created in Kollam at meetings held in the city in 825 CE. The name Kollam is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word Kollam, meaning pepper.The Malayalam calendar, or Kollavarsham, was created in Kollam at meetings held in the city in 825 CE. The name Kollam is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word Kollam, meaning pepper.

Kollam was formerly called Quilon and Tarsish. During the rule of the Travancore monarchy in southern Kerala, Kollam was the focal point of trade. Today, Kollam is a major business and commercial centre in the central Travancore region of Kerala. Kollam is an ancient port town and is also known by its anglicized name Quilion. The region came under the reign of the Chera Dynasty until the formation of the Venad Kingdom in the 9th century. The city is another tourist hub, a trait common with most major towns in Kerala and is known for its spices and cashew industry. Below is a list of the best places you can visit in Kollam.