The popularity of the town of Quilon or Kollam has been actually rising due to the various tourist attractions in Quilon � the charming beauty of the landscape, the strong historical backdrop and the culture. The various tourist attractions in Quilon have been discussed below:

The Ananda Valleeswaram Temple is one more of the several tourist attractions of Quilon that bring several devotees and tourists throughout the year. There are also a considerable number of Churches and Mosques around Quilon. The Pullichira Church was erected in 1700 A.D. One of the major mosques in Quilon is the Chinnakkada Palli.

Mahatma Gandhi Beach at barely 2 km at Kochupilamoodu, and Thirumullavaram Beach at 5 km from Quilon are some of the other key places of local sightseeing. Ashramam picnic village is positioned within the 48-acre Guest House Complex.

Ashtamudi Lake:
The tranquil Ashtamudi Lake itself is a wonderful place to spend time at in the Kollam district. The house boat trips conducted here are great experiences and so are the boat cruises. Particularly the boat cruises to Munroe Islands are simply amazing. Among the popular cruises that one can avail at the place are Kayal Pradakshina Cruise and Sayanthanam Sunset Cruise.

Adventure Park:
The children�s Traffic and Entertainment Park, planned by NATPAC, at 3 kms from the central bus stand and very close to the government guesthouse at Asramam, is also worth visiting in Quilon and is in fact one of the most visited Quilon tourist attractions. It is actually the largest traffic park in Kerala. The Adventure Park, set in Quilon village along the coast of the Astamudi backwaters, is an innovative experiment in the country. During the season it the Kollam District Tourist Promotion Council conducts backwater cruises even to Alappuzha. Various kinds of boats like luxury cruise boats, powerboats and motorboats are available on rental basis from the boat jetty near the Adventure Park.

Lighthouse:
Quilon, as the Dutch called it, is also referred to as Thangasseri. The Thangassery lighthouse erected at Quilon by the British in 1902 can be seen as far as 13 miles in the sea. The lighthouse towers to a height of 144 feet. The scenic view of the sea from this spot is simply breathtaking. In this area lies the Portuguese Fort which was constructed in 1517. However, presently only a wall of the fort exists, having escaped the vagaries of time.

Kottarakkara:
Kottarakkara Taluk is where the famous classical dance by the same name originated from. It was the erstwhile capital of Elayadathu Swarupam that was ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family.�

Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple:�
Located on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam MC Road, the Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple is a brilliant masterpiece of sculptures.

Jatayupara:
Jatayupara is a huge rock at Chadayamangalam. Legend has it that the name Jatayupara is derived from the mythical bird Jatayu mentioned in the epic Ramayana. It is believed to have died on this rock after failed attempts to spoil Ravana�s efforts of kidnapping Sita.

Among the festivals, the Crafts Festival that is held once a year during December-January, featuring the work of craftsmen from all over the country is of major tourist interest.� �

Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information on the tourist attractions in Quilon on your tour to Kerala India.