View source for Kollam

{{Short description|City in Kerala, India}}
{{about|the [[city]] in India|the district|Kollam district|the eponymous port |Kollam Port|other uses|Kollam (disambiguation)}}
{{redirect|Quilon}}
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
{{multiple issues|
{{fan POV|date=January 2018}}
{{original research|date=June 2018}}
{{Copy edit|date=May 2025}}
}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Kollam
| native_name = 
| native_name_lang = 
| other_name = Quilon
| settlement_type = [[Metropolis]]
| image_skyline = Kollam_Collage.png
| imagesize = 255px
| image_caption = From top clockwise: an aerial view of the [[Ashtamudi Lake]] & [[The Raviz]], [[Thangasseri Lighthouse]], Ruins of [[St Thomas Fort]], [[Kollam KSRTC bus station]] & [[Kollam KSWTD Ferry Terminal|KSWTD Boat Jetty]], [[British Residency]], [[Downtown Kollam]] area including [[RP Mall, Kollam|RP Mall]], Tourists in [[Munroe Island]], [[Adventure Park, Kollam|Adventure Park]], [[Kollam Junction railway station]], [[Thangassery Breakwater Tourism Park|Break Water Tourism]] & [[Kollam Port]], [[Kollam Beach]] and [[Chinnakada Clock Tower]]
| etymology = [[Black pepper]]: ''kola'' ("black pepper")
| nicknames = "Prince of Arabian sea"<br/ >"Cashew Capital of the World"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kollams-cashew-crunch/article23701507.ece |title=Kollam's cashew crunch |work=The Hindu|date=28 April 2018 |access-date=10 August 2018}}</ref> <br /> "The Gateway to Backwaters" <br />
"[[Fountain of Youth]]"<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/2012/kollam-quilon/154 | title=Kollam, Quilon, Land of cashew, coir, backwaters, Kerala Tourism }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.grunge.com/236799/the-tragic-history-of-the-search-for-the-fountain-of-youth/ | title=The Tragic History of the Search for the Fountain of Youth | newspaper=Grunge | date=14 August 2020 }}</ref>
| image_map = Location map India Kollam EN.svg
| mapsize = 250x200px
| map_alt = 
| map_caption = Location of the city within [[Kollam Metropolitan Area]]
| pushpin_map = India#India Kerala
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt = 
| pushpin_map_caption = Kollam ([[India]])
| coordinates = {{coord|8|53|35.5|N|76|36|50.8|E|display=inline,title}}[https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Kollam&params=8_53_35.5_N_76_36_50.8_E_type:city(1342509)_region:IN-KL]
| subdivision_type = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[South India]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Kollam District|Kollam]]
| established_title = Established
| established_date = 1099
| founder = [[Rama Varma Kulashekhara]]
| leader_party = [[Indian National Congress|INC]]
| government_type = [[Municipal Corporation (India)|Municipal Corporation]]
| governing_body = [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]
| leader_title = [[Mayor#India|Mayor]]
| leader_name = A.K Hafeez
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes = 
| area_rank = 4
| area_total_km2 = 73.03
| area_land_km2 = 
| area_water_km2 = 
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m = 38.32
| population_total = 397,419
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/india/kerala/|title = Kerala (India): Districts, Cities and Towns - Population Statistics, Charts and Map}}</ref>
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = [[List of Kerala cities by population|5]] ([[List of million-plus agglomerations in India|41th IN]])
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_metro = 1,871,086
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf| title=Demographia World Urban Areas |publisher=Demographia |access-date=23 April 2016}}</ref>
| population_demonym = Kollamite, Kollathukaaran/kaari, Kollamkaran/kaari
| demographics_type1 = [[Language]]s
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = {{hlist|[[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]|[[English language|English]]}}
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 691 XXX
| area_code_type = [[Telephone]] code
| area_code = +91474xxxxxxx
| registration_plate = Kollam- [[List of RTO districts in India#KL—Kerala|KL]] 02, [[Karunagapally]]- KL 23, [[Kottarakkara]]- KL 24, [[Punalur]]- KL 25, [[Kunnathur, Kerala|Kunnathur]]- KL 61, [[Pathanapuram]]- KL 80, [[Chadayamangalam]]- KL 82
| blank2_name_sec2 = Literacy
| blank2_info_sec2 = 91.18%<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove>{{cite web | url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf| title=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011; Cities having population 1 lakh and above | publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|www.kollam.nic.in}}
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]]
| blank_info_sec2 = <span style="color:#090">High</span>
| blank3_name_sec2 = [[UN/LOCODE]]
| blank3_info_sec2 = '''IN QUI<br/ >IN KUK'''
| footnotes = 
| official_name = 
}}

'''Kollam''' ({{IPA|ml|kolːɐm|lang|Kollam-pronunciation.ogg}};{{efn|({{IPAc-en|'|k|w|aɪ|.|l|ɒ|n}} {{Respell|KWAI|lon}}; locally {{IPAc-en|k|ɔɪ|.|l|ɒ|n}} {{Respell|KOY|lon}} {{audio|Pronunciation of the alternate name "Quilon" of the city Kollam.ogg|pronunciation}})}}), is an ancient seaport and the [[List of cities and towns in Kerala|fourth largest city]] in the Indian state of [[Kerala]]. Located on the southern tip of the [[Malabar Coast]] of the [[Arabian Sea]], the city is on the banks of [[Ashtamudi Lake]] and is 71 kilometers (44&nbsp;mi) northwest of the [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kollam - Encyclopaedia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kollam |access-date=7 February 2020 |publisher=Britannica}}</ref> Kollam is one of [[List of ancient Indian cities|India's oldest continuously inhabited cities]],<ref>{{cite web |date=16 June 2016 |title=12 Oldest Living and Continuously Inhabited Cities of India |url=http://www.walkthroughindia.com/cities/12-oldest-living-continuously-inhabited-cities-india/ |access-date=11 June 2023 |archive-date=11 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611144213/http://www.walkthroughindia.com/cities/12-oldest-living-continuously-inhabited-cities-india/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=History &#124; District Kollam, Government of Kerala &#124; India |url=https://kollam.nic.in/en/history/}}</ref> with evidence of habitation stretching back to the megalithic; the city has also been a maritime [[entrepôt]] millennia, the earliest attestation of which dates back to the Phoenicians and Romans.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=A. |first1=Shaji |last2=H. |first2=Adabiya |date=March 11, 2020 |title=The Early Maritime Trade Relations of Kollam: A Historical Introspection |url=http://www.heritageuniversityofkerala.com/JournalPDF/Volume8.2/23.pdf |journal=Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology |volume=8 |issue=2}}</ref> It is the southern gateway to the [[Kerala backwaters|Backwaters of Kerala]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ashtamudi Lake, the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/ashtamudi-backwaters/426 |website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref> and is known for its cashew processing, [[coir]] manufacturing, and tourism industries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In 2 years, 80% cashew producing units closed in Kollam |url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/in-2-years-80-cashew-producing-units-closed-in-kollam-61749 |website=www.downtoearth.org.in|date=28 September 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Coir products of Kerala, Kollam, Kerala, India |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/2012/coir-products/161 |website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref>

Kollam has had a strong commercial reputation since ancient times. The Arabs, [[Phoenicians]], Chinese, Ethiopians, Syrians, Jews, [[Chaldea]]ns and Romans have all engaged in trade at the port of Kollam for millennia.<ref>{{cite book |first=K. A. Nilakanta |last=Sasthri |title=History of South India |edition=2nd| publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1958 |orig-year=1935}}</ref> As a result of Chinese trade, Kollam was mentioned by [[Ibn Battuta]] in the 14th century as one of the five Indian ports he had seen during the course of his twenty-four-year travels.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/152778/news-kerala-china-iit-prof-gulis-children/ |title=Kozhikode to China: IIT Prof Unearths 700-YO Link That'll Will Blow Your Mind! |publisher=The Better India |date=26 July 2018 |access-date=7 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="www.mathrubhumi.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/destination/kollam/1095/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009210850/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/destination/kollam/1095/|url-status=dead|title=Kollam - Mathrubhumi|archivedate=9 October 2014}}</ref> Desinganadu's rajas exchanged embassies with Chinese rulers while there was a flourishing Chinese settlement at Kollam. In the ninth century, on his way to [[Guangzhou|Canton]], China, Persian merchant [[Sulaiman al-Tajir]] found Kollam to be the only port in India visited by huge Chinese junks. [[Marco Polo]], the Venetian traveller, who was in Chinese service under [[Kublai Khan]] in 1275, visited Kollam and other towns on the west coast, in his capacity as a Chinese mandarin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kollam.nic.in/history.html|title=Short History of Kollam}}</ref> [[Kollam district|Kollam]] is also home to one of the [[Ezharappallikal|seven churches]] that were established by [[Thomas the Apostle|St Thomas]] as well as one of the [[Islam in Kerala|10 oldest mosques]] believed to be found by [[Malik Deenar]] in [[Kerala]]. [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon]] is the first diocese in India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diocese of Quilon |url=https://www.quilondiocese.com/quilon.php?Pid=16&Mid=89 |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=www.quilondiocese.com |archive-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907162517/https://www.quilondiocese.com/quilon.php?Pid=16&Mid=89 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[V. Nagam Aiya]] in his ''Travancore State Manual'' records that in 822 AD two [[East Syriac Rite|East Syriac]] bishops [[Mar Sabor and Mar Proth]], settled in Quilon with their followers. Two years later the Malabar Era began (824 AD) and Quilon became the premier city of the Malabar region ahead of Travancore and [[Cochin]].<ref name="Aiyya, V.V Nagom p. 244"/> [[Kollam Port]] was founded by Mar Sabor at [[Tangasseri]] in 825 as an alternative to reopening the inland seaport of Kore-ke-ni Kollam near Backare (Thevalakara), which was also known as Nelcynda and Tyndis to the Romans and Greeks and as Thondi to the Tamils.<ref name="Aiyya, V.V Nagom p. 244">Aiyya, V.V Nagom, State Manual p. 244</ref> [[Thambiran Vanakkam]] printed in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] language in 20 October 1578 at Kollam was the first book to be published in an Indian language.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-06-20 |title=Tamil saw its first book in 1578 |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Tamil-saw-its-first-book-in-1578/article15685475.ece |access-date=2023-09-07 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

Kollam city corporation received [[ISO 9000#Contents of ISO 9001:2015|ISO 9001:2015]] certification for municipal administration and services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lsgkerala.gov.in/index.php/en/news-district-news/kollam-corporation-achieved-iso-certification-1636 |title=Kollam Corporation achieved ISO Certification |date=17 May 2019 |access-date=18 June 2019}}</ref> As per the survey conducted by the [[Economist Intelligence Unit|Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)]] based on urban area growth during January 2020, [[Kollam Metropolitan Area|Kollam]] became the tenth fastest growing city in the world with a 31.1% urban growth between 2015 and 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/three-of-worlds-ten-fastest-growing-urban-areas-are-in-kerala-6205749/ |title=3 of world's 10 fastest-growing urban areas are in Kerala: Economist ranking |date=8 January 2020 |access-date=8 January 2020}}</ref> It is a coastal city and on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. The city hosts the administrative offices of [[Kollam district]] and is a prominent trading city for the state. The proportion of females to males in Kollam city is second highest among the 500 most populous cities in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/city.php |title=census2011.co.in - Indian Cities |access-date=7 December 2015}}</ref> Kollam is one of the least polluted cities in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india.com/lifestyle/the-4-least-polluted-cities-in-india-757032/ |title=The 4 Least Polluted Cities in India - India.com |date=7 December 2015 |access-date=7 December 2015}}</ref>

During the later stages of the rule of the [[Chera dynasty|Chera]] monarchy in Kerala, Kollam emerged as the focal point of trade and politics. Kollam continues to be a major business and commercial centre in Kerala. Four major trading centers around Kollam are [[Kottarakara]], [[Punalur]], [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]], and [[Karunagapally]]. Kollam appeared as '''Palombe''' in [[John Mandeville|Mandeville]]'s ''[[Travels of Sir John Mandeville|Travels]]'', where he claimed it contained a [[Fountain of Youth]].<ref>Mandeville, John. ''[http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/782/pg782.txt The Travels of Sir John Mandeville]''. Accessed 24 September 2011.</ref><ref>Kohanski, Tamarah & Benson, C. David (Eds.) ''The Book of John Mandeville''. Medieval Institute Publications (Kalamazoo), 2007. Op. cit. "[http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/teams/tkap2.htm Indexed Glossary of Proper Names]". Accessed 24 September 2011.</ref>

==Etymology==
{{main|Names for Kollam}}

The popular theory is that the name "Kollam" is derived from the word ''koyillam'', which is a compound of ''[[kovilakam]]'' (meaning "Royal Palace") and ''[[illam]]'' (a traditional house of [[Illathu Nair|Nair nobles]] or [[Brahmin]]s).<ref>{{Cite web |title=History {{!}} District Kollam, Government of Kerala {{!}} India |url=https://kollam.nic.in/en/history/#:~:text=One%20theory%20has%20it%20that,and%20illam%20(brahmin%20house). |access-date=2025-05-02 |language=en-US}}</ref> Another theory posits that the name originates from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''kollam'', which means "pepper," as the region was historically a prominent center for the trade and export of pepper.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History {{!}} District Kollam, Government of Kerala {{!}} India |url=https://kollam.nic.in/en/history/#:~:text=The%20name%20Kollam%20has%20a,and%20exporting%20centre%20for%20pepper. |access-date=2025-05-02 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 825 AD, the [[Malayalam calendar]], or ''Kollavarsham'', was created in Kollam at meetings held in the city.<ref>ending with the Royal sanction of Tarissapalli copper plates to Assyrian Monks by Vaishnaite Chera King Rajashekara Varma, against the backdrop of a Shivite revival led by Adi Shankara among the Nampoothiri communities [http://www.kerala.gov.in/statistical/panchayat_statistics2001/klm_shis.htm Kerala government website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121073245/http://www.kerala.gov.in/statistical/panchayat_statistics2001/klm_shis.htm |date=21 November 2007 }}</ref> The present Malayalam calendar is said to have begun with the re-founding of the town, which was rebuilt after its destruction by fire.

The city was known as ''Koolam'' in Arabic,<ref name="Koolam">{{cite book |author=S. Muhammad Hussain Nainar |url=https://archive.org/details/Tuhfat-al-MujahidinAnHistoricalWorkInTheArabicLanguage |title=Tuhfat-al-Mujahidin: An Historical Work in The Arabic Language |publisher=University of Madras |year=1942}}</ref> ''Coulão'' in Portuguese, and ''Desinganadu'' in ancient Tamil literature.<ref name="auto" />

==History==
{{main|History of Kollam}}

[[File:Periplous of the Erythraean Sea.svg|left|thumbnail|Names, routes and locations of the ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]'' (1st century CE)]]
As the ancient city of Quilon, Kollam was a flourishing port during the [[Pandya dynasty]] (c. 3rd century BC–12th century), and later became the capital of the independent [[Venadu kingdom|Venadu]] or the Kingdom of Quilon on its foundation in c. 825. Kollam was considered one of the four early [[entrepot]]s in global sea trade during the 13th century, along with Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt, the Chinese city of [[Quanzhou]], and [[Malacca]] in the Malaysian archipelago.<ref name=Tignor>{{cite book|last=tignor|first=Robert|title=Worlds together, worlds apart: a history of the world from the beginnings of humankind to the present|year=2010|publisher=W.W. Norton & Co.|location=New York|isbn=978-0-393-93492-2|page=365|url=http://books.wwnorton.com/books/detail.aspx?ID=17166|edition=3rd}}</ref> It seems that trade at Kollam seems to have flourished right into the Medieval period as in 1280, there is instance of envoys of [[Yuan dynasty|Yuan]] China coming to Kollam for establishing relations between the local ruler and China.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Al-Hind, The making of the Indo-Islamic World|publisher=Brill|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/AndreWinkAlHindTheMakingOfTheIndoIslamKhaledWahsh2FFacebook2FkWahshyahoo.com/page/n24/mode/1up?view=theater&q=Embassy|year=2002|chapter='Trade embassy to Kollam'}}</ref>

===Pandya rule===
The ancient political and cultural history of Kollam was almost entirely independent from that of the rest of Kerala. The [[Chera dynasty]] governed the area of Malabar Coast between [[Alappuzha]] in the south to [[Kasaragod]] in the north. This included [[Palakkad Gap]], [[Coimbatore]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]], and [[Kolli Hills]]. The region around [[Coimbatore]] was ruled by the Cheras during [[Sangam period]] between c. first and the fourth centuries CE and it served as the eastern entrance to the Palakkad Gap, the principal trade route between the Malabar Coast and [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Trade">{{cite news|last=Subramanian|first=T. S|title=Roman connection in Tamil Nadu|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007012800201800.htm&date=2007/01/28/&prd=th|access-date=28 October 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 January 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919235748/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007012800201800.htm&date=2007%2F01%2F28%2F&prd=th|archive-date=19 September 2013}}</ref> However the southern region of present-day Kerala state (The coastal belt between Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha) was under [[Ay dynasty]], who was more related to the [[Pandya dynasty]] of [[Madurai]] than Cheras.<ref>KA Nilakanta Sastri</ref>

[[Cosmas Indicopleustes]], a Greek [[Nestorian Christian|Nestorian]] sailor,<ref>{{cite web|author=Roger Pearse |url=http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pearse/morefathers/files/cosmas_00_0_eintro.htm |title=Cosmas Indicopleustes, Christian Topography. Preface to the online edition |publisher=Ccel.org |date=5 July 2003 |access-date=20 April 2013}}</ref> in his book the Christian Topography<ref>{{cite web|author=Roger Pearse |url=http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pearse/morefathers/files/cosmas_11_book11.htm |title=Cosmas Indicopleustes, Christian Topography (1897) pp. 358–373. Book 11 |publisher=Ccel.org |access-date=20 April 2013}}</ref> who visited the Malabar Coast in 550, mentions an enclave of Christian believers in ''Male'' (Malabar Coast). He writes, "In the island of Tabropane (Ceylon), there is a church of Christians, and clerics and faithful. Likewise at Male, where the pepper grows, and in the farming community of Kalliana (Kalliankal at Nillackal) there is also a bishop consecrated in Persia in accordance with the Nicea Sunnahadose of 325 AD."<ref>Travancore Manual</ref>

Kollam is also home to one of the oldest mosques in [[Indian subcontinent]]. According to the [[Legend of Cheraman Perumals]], the first Indian mosque was built in 624 AD at [[Kodungallur]] with the mandate of the last the ruler (the Cheraman Perumal) of [[Chera dynasty]], who left from [[Dharmadom]] to Mecca and converted to Islam during the lifetime of Muhammad (c. 570–632).<ref>{{cite book |author=Jonathan Goldstein |title=The Jews of China |publisher=M. E. Sharpe |year=1999|isbn=9780765601049 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8Z6DlzyT2vwC |page=123}}</ref><ref name="SimpsonKresse2008">{{cite book |author1=Edward Simpson|author2=Kai Kresse|title=Struggling with History: Islam and Cosmopolitanism in the Western Indian Ocean|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w0qHKA7zEaEC&pg=PA333|access-date=24 July 2012 |year=2008|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-70024-5|pages=333}}</ref><ref name="Kupferschmidt1987">{{cite book|author=Uri M. Kupferschmidt|title=The Supreme Muslim Council: Islam Under the British Mandate for Palestine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ChEVAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA458|access-date=25 July 2012|year=1987|publisher=Brill|isbn=978-90-04-07929-8|pages=458–459}}</ref><ref name="Raṇṭattāṇi2007">{{cite book|author=Husain Raṇṭattāṇi|title=Mappila Muslims: A Study on Society and Anti Colonial Struggles |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xlb5BrabQd8C&pg=PA179|access-date=25 July 2012|year=2007|publisher=Other Books|isbn=978-81-903887-8-8|pages=179–}}</ref> According to ''[[Qissat Shakarwati Farmad]]'', the [[Mosque|''Masjids'']] at [[Kodungallur]], Kollam, [[Madayi]], [[Barkur]], [[Mangalore]], [[Kasaragod]], [[Kannur]], [[Dharmadam]], [[Koyilandy|Panthalayini]], and [[Chaliyam]], were built during the era of [[Malik Dinar]], and they are among the oldest ''Masjid''s in [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref>Prange, Sebastian R. ''Monsoon Islam: Trade and Faith on the Medieval Malabar Coast.'' Cambridge University Press, 2018. 98.</ref> It is believed that Malik Dinar died at [[Thalangara]] in [[Kasaragod]] town.<ref name="ch">Pg 58, Cultural heritage of Kerala: an introduction, A. Sreedhara Menon, East-West Publications, 1978</ref>

===Capital of Venadu (9th to 12th centuries)===
{{see also|Kollam Port}}
[[File:Map of Kampili kingdom.png|thumb|300px|South Asia in 1320 CE]]

The port at Kollam, then known as Quilon, was founded in 825 by the Nestorian Christians [[Mar Sabor and Mar Proth]] with sanction from Ayyanadikal Thiruvadikal, the king of the independent Venadu or the State of Quilon, a feudatory under the [[Chera dynasty|Chera]] kingdom.<ref>Kerala Charithram P.59 Sridhara Menon</ref><ref name="Travancore Manual page 244">V. Nagam Aiya (1906), [[Travancore State Manual]], page 244</ref>{{sfnp|Malekandathil|2010}}

It is believed that Mar Sapor Iso also proposed that the Chera king create a new seaport near Kollam in lieu of his request that he rebuild the almost vanished inland seaport at Kollam (kore-ke-ni) near Backare (Thevalakara), also known as Nelcynda and Tyndis to the Romans and Greeks and as Thondi to the Tamils, which had been without trade for several centuries because the Cheras were overrun by the [[Pallava dynasty|Pallavas]] in the sixth century, ending the spice trade from the Malabar coast. This allowed the Nestorians to stay in the Chera kingdom for several decades and introduce the Christian faith among the Nampoothiri Vaishnavites and Nair sub-castes in the St. Thomas tradition, with the Syrian liturgy as a basis for the Doctrine of the Trinity, without replacing the Sanskrit and Vedic prayers.<ref>History of Kollam city and Kollam Port [http://www.quilon.com/history.htm Quilon.com]</ref> The [[Tharisapalli plates]] presented to Maruvan Sapor Iso by Ayyanadikal Thiruvadikal granted the Christians the privilege of overseeing foreign trade in the city as well as control over its weights and measures in a move designed to increase Quilon's trade and wealth.{{sfnp|Malekandathil|2010}}<ref name="Sharma2010">{{cite book|author=Yogesh Sharma|title=Coastal Histories: Society and Ecology in Pre-modern India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FTTGWSme30YC|year=2010|publisher=Primus Books|page=78|isbn=978-93-80607-00-9}}</ref>

Thus began the Malayalam Era, known as Kolla Varsham after the city, indicating the importance of Kollam in the ninth century.{{sfnp|Malekandathil|2010}} The Persian merchant Soleyman of Siraf visited Malabar in the ninth century and found Quilon to be the only port in India used by the huge Chinese ships as their transshipment hub for goods on their way from China to the Persian Gulf. The rulers of Kollam (formerly called 'Desinganadu') had trade relations with China and exchanged embassies. According to the records of the [[Tang dynasty]] (618–913),<ref>Travancore Manual, page 244</ref> Quilon was their chief port of call before the seventh century. The Chinese trade decreased about 600 and was again revived in the 13th century. ''Mirabilia Descripta'' by Bishop Catalani gives a description of life in Kollam, which he saw as the Catholic bishop-designate to Kollam, the oldest Catholic diocese in India. He also gives<ref>Mirabilia Descripta by Jordanus Catalani circa 1320–1336 (trans Hiracut Society, London)</ref> true and imaginary descriptions of life in 'India the Major' in the period before [[Marco Polo]] visited the city. Sulaiman al-Tajir, a Persian merchant who visited Kerala during the reign of [[Sthanu Ravi Varma]] (9th century CE), records that there was extensive trade between Kerala and China at that time, based at the port of Kollam.<ref>{{Cite book|title=India Charitram|last=Menon|first=A. Shreedhara|publisher=DC Books|year=2016|isbn=9788126419395|location=Kottayam|pages=219}}</ref>

=== Kollam as "Colombo" in the Catalan Atlas (1375)===
[[File:Sultan of Delhi (top) and King of Vijayanagar (bottom) in the Catalan Atlas of 1375.jpg|thumb|[[Delhi Sultanate|Sultan of Delhi]] (top, flag: [[File:Sultan of Delhi Flag according to the Catalan Atlas (1375).png|15px]]) and the "King of Colombo" (Kollam) at the bottom (flag: [[File:Flag_of_the_Kigdom_of_Colombo,_Catalan_Atlas_1375.png|15px]], identified as Christian due to the early [[Saint Thomas Christians|Saint Thomas Christianity]] there, and the Catholic mission under [[Jordan Catala|Jordanus]] since 1329)<ref name="VL4">{{cite journal |last1=Liščák |first1=Vladimír |title=Mapa mondi (Catalan Atlas of 1375), Majorcan cartographic school, and 14th century Asia |journal=International Cartographic Association |date=2017 |volume=1 |pages=4–5 |doi=10.5194/ica-proc-1-69-2018 |bibcode=2018PrICA...1...69L |url=https://www.proc-int-cartogr-assoc.net/1/69/2018/ica-proc-1-69-2018.pdf |doi-access=free }}</ref> in the contemporary [[Catalan Atlas]] of 1375.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Massing |first1=Jean Michel |last2=Albuquerque |first2=Luís de |last3=Brown |first3=Jonathan |last4=González |first4=J. J. Martín |title=Circa 1492: Art in the Age of Exploration |date=1 January 1991 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-05167-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wMK-Ba0-RG4C&pg=PA30 |language=en}}</ref> Several of the location names are accurate.<ref>{{cite book |title=Cartography between Christian Europe and the Arabic-Islamic World, 1100-1500: Divergent Traditions |date=17 June 2021 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-44603-8 |page=176 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eq0zEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA176 |language=en}}</ref> The caption next to the southern king reads: "Here rules the king of Colombo, a Christian."<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Liščák |first1=Vladimír |title=Mapa mondi (Catalan Atlas of 1375), Majorcan cartographic school, and 14th century Asia |journal=International Cartographic Association |date=2017 |volume=1 |page=5 |doi=10.5194/ica-proc-1-69-2018 |bibcode=2018PrICA...1...69L |url=https://www.proc-int-cartogr-assoc.net/1/69/2018/ica-proc-1-69-2018.pdf |doi-access=free }}</ref>]]

In the 13th century CE, [[Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I]], a [[Pandya dynasty|Pandya]] ruler fought a war in Venadu and captured the city of Kollam.<ref>KA Nilakanta Sastri, p197</ref> The city appears on the [[Catalan Atlas]] of 1375 CE as Columbo and Colobo. The map marks this city as a Christian city, ruled by a Christian ruler.<ref name="VL4"/>

The text above the picture of the king says:

{{blockquote|''Açí seny[o]reja lo rey Colobo, christià. Pruvíncia de Columbo''<br>(Here reigns the Lord King Colobo, Christian, Province of Columbo).<ref name="VL4"/>}}

The city was founded in 825 by Maruvān Sapir Iso, a Persian [[East Syriac Christian]] merchant, and was also Christianized early by the [[Saint Thomas Christians]]. In 1329 CE [[Pope John XXII]] established Kollam / Columbo as the first and only Roman Catholic bishopric on the Indian subcontinent, and appointed [[Jordan Catala|Jordan of Catalonia]], a [[Dominican Order|Dominican]] friar, as the diocese's first bishop of the Latin sect.<ref name="VL4" />

===Portuguese, Dutch and British Trade and Influences (16th to 18th centuries)===
[[File:Thambiran Vanakkam 1578.JPG|thumbnail|''[[Thambiran Vanakkam]]'']]
[[File:Retrato de Afonso de Albuquerque (após 1545) - Autor desconhecido-cortado.png|thumb|Viceroy [[Afonso de Albuquerque]]]]
The Portuguese arrived at [[Kappad]] [[Kozhikode]] in 1498 during the [[Age of Discovery]], thus opening a direct sea route from Europe to India.<ref>DC Books, Kottayam (2007), A. Sreedhara Menon, A Survey of Kerala History</ref> They were the first Europeans to establish a trading center in Tangasseri, Kollam in 1502, which became the centre of their trade in pepper.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/thangasseri-kollam/296|title=Thangasseri, Kollam, Dutch Quilon, Kerala|website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref> In the wars with the Moors/Arabs that followed, the ancient church (temple) of St Thomas Tradition at Thevalakara was destroyed. In 1517, the Portuguese built the St. Thomas Fort in Thangasseri, which was destroyed in the subsequent wars with the Dutch. In 1661, the [[Dutch East India Company]] took possession of the city. The remnants of the old Portuguese Fort, later renovated by the Dutch, can be found at Thangasseri. In the 18th century, Travancore conquered Kollam, followed by the British in 1795.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kollamcity.in/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602132809/http://kollamcity.in/about-kollam-city|url-status=usurped|title=Kollam City|archivedate=2 June 2015|website=Bebas88}}</ref> Thangasseri remains today as an Anglo-Indian settlement, though few Anglo-Indians remain. The Infant Jesus Church in Thangasseri, an old Portuguese-built church,<ref>[http://www.ucanindia.in/news/new-proof-for-preportuguese-mission-in-kollam/23928/daily New proof for Pre-Portuguese mission in Kollam]</ref> remains as a memento of the Portuguese rule of the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tourmet.com/thangassery-fort/ |title=Tourmet - Thangassery, Kollam |date=21 May 2013 |access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://indica.co.in/history-of-kollam#.UtZLhNKVO-0 |title=History of Kollam |access-date=15 January 2014 |archive-date=2 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602133158/http://indica.co.in/history-of-kollam#.UtZLhNKVO-0 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>'Jornada' of Portuguese Bishop Dom Alexis Menezes 1599–1600AD</ref>

<gallery>
File:Quilon 1505 verbessert.jpg|Kollam in the 1500s
File:Quilon 1670 verbessert.jpg|Capture of Kollam in 1661
File:A view of Coylang Wellcome L0038178.jpg|Kollam in the 1700s
</gallery>

===Battle of Quilon===
{{main|Battle of Quilon}}

[[File:1756 Bellin Map of Kollam Fort, Kerala, India - Geographicus - Coylan-bellin-1756.jpg|thumb|Kollam fort in 1756 after it had passed from Portuguese rule to the Dutch]]

The [[Battle of Quilon]] was fought in 1809 between a troop of the Indian kingdom of Travancore led by the then Dalawa (prime minister) of Travancore, [[Velu Thampi Dalawa]] and the [[East India Company|British East India Company]] led by Colonel Chalmers at [[Cantonment Maidan]] in Quilon. The battle lasted for only six hours<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YYlC_qF_eB0C&q=History+of+Travancore+by+P.+Shangoony+Menon&pg=PA6 |title=E-book:History of Travancore by P. Shangoony Menon |isbn=9788184650013 |access-date=2014-11-05|last1=David |first1=Maria A. |year=2009 |publisher=ISPCK }}</ref> and was the result of the East India Company's invasion of Quilon and their garrison situated near the Cantonment Maidan. The company forces won the battle while all the insurrectionist who participated in the war were court-martialed and subsequently hanged at the maidan.<ref name="History of Travancore">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/a-place-in-history/article3218611.ece|title=A place in history|newspaper=The Hindu |date=29 June 2006|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

===Travancore Rule===
In the early 18th century CE, the [[Travancore royal family]] adopted some members from the royal family of [[Kolathunadu]] based at [[Kannur]], and [[Parappanad]] based in present-day [[Malappuram district]].<ref>Travancore State Manual</ref>

Travancore became the most dominant state in Kerala by defeating the powerful [[Zamorin]] of [[History of Kozhikode|Kozhikode]] in the battle of [[Purakkad]] in 1755.<ref name="AHoT 162">{{cite book|last1=Shungoony Menon|first1=P.|title=A History of Travancore from the Earliest Times|date=1878|publisher=Higgin Botham & Co.|location=Madras|pages=[https://archive.org/details/ahistorytravanc00menogoog/page/n212 162]–164|url=https://archive.org/details/ahistorytravanc00menogoog|access-date=5 May 2016|language=en|format=pdf}}</ref> The Government Secretariat was also situated in Kollam till the 1830s. It was moved to Thiruvananthapuram during the reign of [[Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma|Swathi Thirunal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/short-history-kerala-secretariat-building-celebrates-150-years-111767 |title=A short history of the Kerala Secretariat as building celebrates 150 years |publisher=The NEWS Minute |date=5 November 2019 |access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref>

===Excavation at Kollam Port seabed===
[[File:Plan of Kollam 1850.jpg|thumb|Plan of Kollam, 1850s]]

Excavations have gone on at [[Kollam Port]] premises since February 2014. The team has uncovered arrays of antique artifacts, including Chinese porcelain and coins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/emergence-of-antiques-triggers-treasure-hunt-in-kollam/article5711850.ece |title=Emergence of antiques triggers treasure hunt in Kollam |work=The Hindu|date=21 February 2014 |access-date=11 January 2017}}</ref> A Chinese team with the Palace Museum, a team from India with Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) discovered Chinese coins and artifacts that show trade links between Kollam and ancient China.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/from-china-on-a-coin-trail/article7192254.ece|date=2015-05-11|title=From China on a coin trail|access-date=2020-11-04|last=Pereira|first=Ignatius|work=The Hindu}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{Main|Geography of Kollam}}

[[File:Kollam Canal, Jan 2016.jpg|thumb|[[Kollam Canal]] near Paravur|left]]
Kollam city is bordered by the [[Panchayati raj in India|panchayat]]s of [[Neendakara]] and [[Thrikkaruva]] to the north, [[Mayyanad]] to the south, and [[Thrikkovilvattom]] and [[Kottamkara]] to the east, and by the Laccadive Sea to the west. Ashtamudi Lake is in the heart of the city. The city is about {{cvt|71|km}} away from Thiruvananthapuram, {{cvt|140|km}} away from Kochi and {{cvt|350|km}} away from [[Kozhikode]]. The [[National Waterway 3]] and [[Ithikkara River|Ithikkara river]] are two important waterways passing through the city. The {{cvt|7.7|km|adj=on}} long [[Kollam Canal]] is connecting Paravur Lake ans Ashtamudi Lake. The Kallada river, another river that flows through the suburbs of the city, empties into Ashtamudi Lake, while the Ithikkara river runs to [[Paravur Kayal]]. Kattakayal, a freshwater lake in the city, connects another water-body named Vattakkayal with Lake Ashtamudi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/20/stories/2004092005720300.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140901102439/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/20/stories/2004092005720300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 September 2014 |title=A stream fading into historyg |date=20 September 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maruthadi.elisting.in/ |title=Maruthadi - Maruthadi.Elisting.in |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.docs.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=467&Itemid=2707&limitstart=100 |title=Water Resources - Government of Kerala |date=7 March 2015 |access-date=23 January 2020 |archive-date=3 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103235948/http://www.docs.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=467&Itemid=2707&limitstart=100 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In March 2016, ''IndiaTimes'' selected Kollam as one of the nine least polluted cities on earth to which anybody can relocate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/culture/travel/9-of-the-least-polluted-cities-on-earth-you-could-consider-moving-to-251818.html |title=9 of the Least Polluted Cities on Earth You Could Consider Moving To |date=13 March 2016 |publisher=Indiatimes |access-date=21 March 2016}}</ref> Kollam is one among the top 10 most welcoming places in India for the year 2020, according to [[Booking.com]]'s traveller review awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/for-2nd-year-in-row-kerala-tops-list-of-most-welcoming-places-report/1832102/ |title=For 2nd year in row, Kerala tops list of most welcoming places: Report |publisher=Financial Express |date=22 January 2020 |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref>

Kollam is an ancient trading town – trading with Romans, Chinese, Arabs, and other Orientals – mentioned in historical citations dating back to Biblical times and the reign of Solomon, connecting with Red Sea ports of the Arabian Sea (supported by a find of ancient Roman coins).<ref>{{cite web|title=The legendary beauty of Kollam|date=28 June 2023 |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/story-print/1159603}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=History of Kollam|url=http://paru.in/history-of-kollam|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602135640/http://paru.in/history-of-kollam|archive-date=2 June 2015}}</ref> There was also internal trade through the [[Aryankavu|Aryankavu Pass]] in [[Sengottai|Schenkottah Gap]] connecting the ancient town to Tamil Nadu. The overland trade in pepper by bullock cart and the trade over the waterways connecting [[Allepey]] and Cochin established trade linkages that enabled it to grow into one of the earliest Indian industrial townships. The rail links later established to Tamil Nadu supported still stronger trade links. The factories processing marine exports and the processing and packaging of cashewnuts extended its trade across the globe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kollam Tourism - Official Website|url=http://www.kollamtourism.com/history.html/|access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location= Kollam
|metric first= yes
|single line= yes
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|temperature colour = pastel
|Jan high C= 31
|Feb high C= 31
|Mar high C= 32
|Apr high C= 32
|May high C= 31
|Jun high C= 29
|Jul high C= 29
|Aug high C= 29
|Sep high C= 29
|Oct high C= 30
|Nov high C= 29
|Dec high C= 30
|Jan low C= 23
|Feb low C= 23
|Mar low C= 25
|Apr low C= 26
|May low C= 25
|Jun low C= 24
|Jul low C= 24
|Aug low C= 24
|Sep low C= 24
|Oct low C= 24
|Nov low C= 24
|Dec low C= 23
|Jan rain mm= 18
|Feb rain mm= 26
|Mar rain mm= 53
|Apr rain mm= 147
|May rain mm= 268
|Jun rain mm= 518
|Jul rain mm= 381
|Aug rain mm= 248
|Sep rain mm= 209
|Oct rain mm= 300
|Nov rain mm= 208
|Dec rain mm= 51
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain days= 1
|Feb rain days= 2
|Mar rain days= 4
|Apr rain days= 8
|May rain days= 11
|Jun rain days= 21
|Jul rain days= 19
|Aug rain days= 16
|Sep rain days= 12
|Oct rain days= 12
|Nov rain days= 8
|Dec rain days= 3
|unit rain days= 0.1 mm
|source= [http://www.weather2travel.com/climate-guides/india/kerala/kollam.php Weather2Travel]
|date= May 2012
}}

==Demographics==

=== Population ===
{{As of|2011|alt=As of the 2011}} India census,<ref name=census>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/data/ker_uatowns.PDF|title=Kerala: Population, Population in the age group 0-6 and literates by sex – Urban Agglomeration /Town : 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004314/http://www.censusindia.net/results/data/ker_uatowns.PDF |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> Kollam city had a population of 349,033 with a density of 5,400 persons per square kilometre. The sex ratio (the number of females per 1,000 males) was 1,112, the highest in the state. The district of [[Kollam district|Kollam]] ranked seventh in population in the state while the city of Kollam ranked fourth. {{As of|2010}} Kollam had an average literacy rate of 93.77%,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kollam.nic.in/edu.html |title=Kollam District |publisher=kollam.nic.in |access-date=24 June 2010}}</ref> higher than the national average of 74.04%. Male literacy stood at 95.83%, and female at 91.95%. In Kollam, 11% of the population was under six years of age. In May 2015, [[Government of Kerala]] have decided to expand [[Kollam Municipal Corporation|City Corporation of Kollam]] by merging Thrikkadavoor panchayath. So the area will become {{cvt|73.03|km2}} with a total city population of 384,892.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/thrikadavur-becomes-part-of-kollam-city/article7300668.ece |title=Thrikadavur becomes part of Kollam city |work=The Hindu|date=9 June 2015 |access-date=11 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/ |title=Thrikadavur Panchayath |publisher=Thrikadavur Panchayath |access-date=11 June 2015 |archive-date=12 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612055856/http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Malayalam is the most widely spoken language and official language of the city, while [[Tamil language|Tamil]] is understood by some sections in the city. There are also small communities of [[Anglo-Indian]]s, [[Konkani people|Konkani]] Brahmins, [[Telugu people|Telugu]] Chetty and [[Bengalis|Bengali]]	migrant labourers settled in the city. For ease of administration, [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]] is divided into six zones with local zonal offices for each one.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ksudp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=268&Itemid=70 |title=Building Permit Management System -Kollam Corporation |access-date=16 December 2014 |archive-date=20 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220101846/http://ksudp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=268&Itemid=70 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

* Central Zone (''headquartered at [[Kollam Cantonment|Cantonment]]''), [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]
* [[Sakthikulangara]] Zone, [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]
* [[Vadakkevila]] Zone, [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]
* [[Kilikollur]] Zone, [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]
* [[Eravipuram]] Zone, [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]
* Thrikkadavoor Zone, [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]

In 2014, former Kollam Mayor Mrs. Prasanna Earnest was selected as the Best Lady Mayor of [[South India]] by the Rotary Club of Trivandrum Royal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/award-for-kollam-mayor/article5865568.ece |title=Award for Kollam Mayor |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2014-04-03 |access-date=2014-06-06}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
{{See also|Religion in Kollam District}}
{{bar box
|title=Religion in Kollam City (2011)<ref name="census2001">{{cite web
 | title = Kollam City Census 2011 data
 | publisher = Census2011
 | url = http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/461-kollam.html
 | access-date =27 January 2016}}
</ref>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percentage
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|56}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|22}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]]|blue|21}}
{{bar percent|Others|black|1}}
|caption=Distribution of religions<br />
†<small>Includes Not Stated, [[Sikhism]] (<0.01%), [[Buddhism]] (<0.01%).</small>
}}
[[File:Front Wide Anthonys Church Kollam Kerala Mar22 A7C 01676.jpg|thumb|St. Antony's Church, Vaddy, built 1910]]
The city of Kollam is a microcosm of Kerala state with its residents belonging to varied religious, ethnic and linguistic groups.<ref name="A Survey of Kerala History">Menon, A Sreedhara; "A Survey of Kerala History"; DC Books, 1 January 2007 – History – pp 54–56 [https://books.google.com/books?id=FVsw35oEBv4C&q=A+Survey+Of+Kerala+History]</ref> There are so many ancient temples, centuries-old churches and mosques in the city and its suburbs. Kollam is a [[Hindu]] majority city in Kerala. 56.35% of Kollam's total population belongs to [[Hindu]] community. Moreover, the [[Kollam Era]] (also known as ''Malayalam Era'' or ''Kollavarsham'' or ''Malayalam Calendar'' or ''Malabar Era''), [[Solar calendar|solar]] and [[Sidereal time|sidereal]] [[Hindu calendar]] used in Kerala, has been originated on 825 CE (Pothu Varsham) at (Kollam) city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kollam Era|url=http://www.new1.dli.ernet.in/data1/upload/insa/INSA_1/20005b5f_93.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527163650/http://www.new1.dli.ernet.in/data1/upload/insa/INSA_1/20005b5f_93.pdf|archive-date=27 May 2015|access-date=30 December 2014|publisher=Indian Journal History of Science}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=Broughton Richmond|title=Time measurement and calendar construction|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gUlmAAAAMAAJ|page=218|year=1956}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|author=R. Leela Devi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pXpuAAAAMAAJ|title=History of Kerala|publisher=Vidyarthi Mithram Press & Book Depot|year=1986|page=408}}</ref>

[[Muslim]]s account for 22.05% of Kollam's total population. As per the Census 2011 data, 80,935 is the total Muslim population in Kollam.<ref>{{cite web|title=Population of Kollam City - Census 2011 data|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/461-kollam.html|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Census2011}}</ref> The Karbala Maidan and the adjacent Makani mosque serves as the Eid gah for the city. The 300-year-old Juma-'Ath Palli at Karuva houses the mortal remains of a Sufi saint, Syed Abdur Rahman Jifri.<ref>{{cite web|title=Important religious centres in Kollam|url=http://kollam.nic.in/reli.html|access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Juma-Ath-Mosque|url=http://keralapilgrimcenters.com/muslim-juma-ath-palli-kollam-mosques/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608035033/http://keralapilgrimcenters.com/muslim-juma-ath-palli-kollam-mosques/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=8 June 2013|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref>

Christians account for 21.17% of the total population of Kollam city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kollam City Census 2011 data|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/461-kollam.html|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Census2011}}</ref> The [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon]] (Kollam) is the first Catholic diocese in India. The diocese was first erected by [[Pope John XXII]] on 9 August 1329. It was re-erected on 1 September 1886. The diocese covers an area of {{cvt|1,950|sqkm}} and contains a population of 4,879,553, Catholics numbering 235,922 (4.8%). The famous [[Infant Jesus Cathedral]], 400 years old, located in Thangassery, is the co-cathedral of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon|url=http://www.quilondiocese.com/index.php|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Kollam Diocese}}</ref> [[Kollam-Kottarakkara Diocese of the Church of South India|CSI Kollam-Kottarakara Diocese]] is one of the twenty-four dioceses of the Church of South India.<ref>{{cite web|title=CSI Redraws Borders of Dioceses|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/CSI-Redraws-Borders-of-Dioceses/2015/04/10/article2756962.ece|access-date=19 January 2016|publisher=The New Indian Express|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193822/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/CSI-Redraws-Borders-of-Dioceses/2015/04/10/article2756962.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Headquarters of the Kerala region of [[The Pentecostal Mission]] for Kottarakkara, is in Kollam.

==Civic administration==
{{Main|Kollam Municipal Corporation}}

{{See also|Kollam City Police}}[[File:Location map India Kollam EN.svg|left|thumb|Map of Kollam Metropolitan Area]]

The present mayor of Kollam Corporation is Adv.[[V. Rajendrababu]] of [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)|CPI(M)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-11-18/news/68382329_1_cpi-ldf-udf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126072923/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-11-18/news/68382329_1_cpi-ldf-udf |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 November 2015 |title=CPI(M) rides to power in five of six corporations in Kerala |work=The Economic Times|date=18 November 2015 |access-date=25 November 2015}}</ref>

===Urban structure===
{{Main|Kollam Metropolitan Area}}

With a total urban population of 1,187,158<ref name="Panchayath Level Statistics - Kollam(2011)">{{cite web | url = http://www.ecostat.kerala.gov.in/docs/pdf/reports/ps/pskollam2011.pdf | title = Kollam District Level Statistics 2011 | access-date = 2014-01-01 | year = 2012 | publisher = ecostat.kerala.gov.in | archive-date = 2 January 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192758/http://www.ecostat.kerala.gov.in/docs/pdf/reports/ps/pskollam2011.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref> and 349,033 as city corporation's population, Kollam is the fourth most populous city in the state and 49th on the [[List of million-plus urban agglomerations in India|list of the most populous urban agglomerations in India]]. {{As of|2011}} the city's urban growth rate of 154.59% was the second highest in the state.<ref name="Census India-2011 - Kollam">{{cite web | url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2-vol2/data_files/kerala/Analysis_Census_Data.pdf | title = Analysis of Census Date |website=censusindia.gov.in}}</ref> The Metropolitan area of Kollam includes Uliyakovil, [[Adichanalloor]], [[Adinad]], [[Ayanivelikulangara]], Chavara,[[Chavara Thekkumbhagom|Chavara South]], [[Elampalloor]], [[Eravipuram]] (Part), [[Kallelibhagom]], [[Karunagappally]], Kollam, Kottamkara, [[Kulasekharapuram]], Mayyanad, [[Meenad]], [[Nedumpana]], [[Neendakara]], [[Oachira]], [[Panayam]], [[Panmana]], Paravur, [[Perinad]], [[Poothakkulam]], [[Thazhuthala]], [[Thodiyoor]], Thrikkadavoor, Thrikkaruva, [[Thrikkovilvattom]], and [[Vadakkumthala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/461-kollam.html| title=Kollam city population Census |publisher=census2011.co.in |access-date=16 December 2013}}</ref>[[File:British Residency in Asramam, Kollam.jpg|right|thumb|[[British Residency, Kollam|British Residency]] in [[Asramam]], Kollam.]]

The Kerala Government has decided to develop the City of Kollam as a "Port City of Kerala". Regeneration of the [[Maruthadi]]-[[Eravipuram]] area including construction of facilities for fishing, tourism and entertainment projects will be implemented as part of the project.<ref name="Kollam - Port City Project - News published in Mathrubhumi Daily">{{cite web | url = http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u606/quilonsky/Mathrubhumi_zps52ba640e.png | title = Kollam - Port City Project | year = 2013}}</ref>

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Kollam}}

[[File:RP Mall, Kollam.jpg|thumb|[[RP Mall, Kollam]]]]
[[File:Dreams Mall(Lulu Market), Kottiyam.jpg|thumb|Dreams Mall ([[LuLu Group International|Lulu Hyper Market]]), Kottiyam in [[Kollam District]]]]
[[File:Chinese Fishing Net Raising Birds Sunrise Ashtamudi Kollam Mar22 A7C 01784.jpg|right|thumb|A large [[Chinese fishing nets|Chinese fishing net]] at Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam city]]

The city life of Kollam has changed in the last decade. In terms of economic performance and [[per capita income]], Kollam city is in fifth position from India and [[List of Kerala cities by GDP|third in Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/newdelhi/delhi-ranked-23rd-in-mega-survey-of-53-indian-cities/article1-1358453.aspx |title=Delhi ranked 23rd in mega survey of 53 Indian cities |work=Hindustan Times |date=14 June 2015 |access-date=26 June 2015 |archive-date=26 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626182426/http://www.hindustantimes.com/newdelhi/delhi-ranked-23rd-in-mega-survey-of-53-indian-cities/article1-1358453.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kollam is famous as a city with excellent export background.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dgft.gov.in/exim/2000/AppANFS2015.pdf |title=Appendices and Aayat Niryat Forms |publisher=Government of India |access-date=1 July 2015 |archive-date=1 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701150541/http://dgft.gov.in/exim/2000/AppANFS2015.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Dairy farming is fairly well developed. Also there is a chilling plant in the city. Kollam is an important maritime and port city. Fishing has a place in the economy of the district. Neendakara and [[Sakthikulangara]] villages in the suburbs of the city have fisheries. An estimated 134,973 persons are engaged in fishing and allied activities. Cheriazheekkal, Alappad, Pandarathuruthu, Puthenthura, [[Neendakara]], Thangasseri, [[Eravipuram]] and Paravur are eight of the 26 important fishing villages. There are 24 inland fishing villages. The Government has initiated steps for establishing a fishing harbour at Neendakara. Average fish landing is estimated at 85,275 tonnes per year. One-third of the state's fish catch is from Kollam. Nearly 3000 mechanised boats are operating from the fishing harbour. FFDA and VFFDA promote fresh water fish culture and prawn farming respectively. A fishing village with 100 houses is being built at Eravipuram. A prawn farm is being built at [[Ayiramthengu]], and several new hatcheries are planned to cater to the needs of the aquaculturists. Kerala's only turkey farm and a regional poultry farm are at [[Kureepuazha (Perinad)|Kureepuzha]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.old.kerala.gov.in/dept_anihusbandry/modifi.htm |title=Department of Animal Husbandry - Kerala |access-date=13 January 2014 |archive-date=29 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029102340/http://www.old.kerala.gov.in/dept_anihusbandry/modifi.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

There are two Central Government industrial operations in the city, the Indian Rare Earths, Chavara and [[Parvathy Mills Limited|Parvathi Mills Ltd.]], Kollam. Kerala Ceramics Ltd. in [[Kundara]], Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company in [[Kundara]], Kerala Premo Pipe factory in Chavara, Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited in Chavara and United Electrical Industries in Kollam are Kerala Government-owned companies. Other major industries in the private/cooperative sector are Aluminium Industries Ltd. in [[Kundara]], Thomas Stephen & Co. in Kollam, Floorco in Paravur and Cooperative Spinning Mill in Chathannoor.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kollamcorporation.gov.in/trade-commerce |title=Kollam - Trade & Commerce |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-date=22 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122192403/http://www.kollamcorporation.gov.in/trade-commerce |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Kollam technopark, Kundara.jpg|thumb|Technopark Kollam]]
Besides large deposits of China clay in Kundara, Mulavana and Chathannoor, there are also lime-shell deposits in Ashtamudi Lake and Bauxite deposits in Adichanallur.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kollam.gov.in/reso.html|title=resources - Kollam|access-date=10 January 2014|archive-date=18 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118081338/http://kollam.gov.in/reso.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Known as the "Cashew Capital of the World", Kollam is noted for its traditional cashew business and is home to more than 600 cashew-processing units. Every year, about 800,000 tonnes of raw cashews are imported into the city for processing<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madhyamam.com/news/313464/141013 |language=ml |script-title=ml:കൊല്ലം തുറമുഖത്തെ കസ്റ്റംസ് ക്ളിയറന്‍സുകള്‍ ഓണ്‍ലൈന്‍ സംവിധാനത്തിലേക്ക് |access-date=2014-11-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022170950/http://www.madhyamam.com/news/313464/141013 |archive-date=22 October 2014 }} Online Customs Clearance Facility for Kollam Port to be ready in a month</ref> and an average of 130,000 tonnes of processed cashews are exported to various countries worldwide.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/rise-in-earnings-from-cashew-kernel-exports/article3893095.ece] Rise in earnings from cashew kernel exports - The Hindu</ref> The [[Cashew Export Promotion Council of India]] (CEPCI) expects a rise in exports to 275,000 tonnes by 2020, an increase of 120 per cent over the current figure.<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/cashew-body-sets-target-to-double-exports-by-2020-108122901044_1.html] CEPCI - Kollam</ref> The [[Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Limited]] (KSCDC) is situated at [[Mundakkal]] in Kollam city. The company owns 30 cashew factories all across Kerala. Of these, 24 are located in Kollam district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cashewcorporation.com/Organization.php |title=:: KSCDC :: |publisher=Cashewcorporation.com |access-date=26 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215062231/http://cashewcorporation.com/Organization.php |archive-date=15 February 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kollamcity.in/kerala-state-cashew-development-corporation |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140806070550/http://kollamcity.in/kerala-state-cashew-development-corporation |url-status=usurped |archive-date=6 August 2014 |title=:: The Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Limited :: |publisher=Cashewcorporation.com |access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref>

Kollam is one of many seafood export hubs in India with numerous companies involved in the sector. Most of these are based in the [[Maruthadi]], [[Sakthikulangara]], [[Kavanad]], [[Neendakara]], [[Asramam]], [[Kilikollur]], [[Thirumullavarum|Thirumullavaram]] and [[Uliyakovil]] areas of the city.<ref>[http://www.keralaexporters.com/categories/food/] Kerala Exporters</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mpeda.com/exporters/IQF/ExportersOtherMarineProducts.htm |title=Other Items |access-date=2014-11-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043858/http://www.mpeda.com/exporters/IQF/ExportersOtherMarineProducts.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016}} Kollam - Marine Food Exporters</ref> Capithans, Kings Marine Exporters, India Food Exports and Oceanic Fisheries are examples of seafood exporters.<ref>[http://e-mpeda.nic.in/registration/Exporter_Item.aspx?pcode=05&product=Live%20other%20than%20ornamental%20fish] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209205334/http://e-mpeda.nic.in/registration/Exporter_Item.aspx?pcode=05&product=Live%20other%20than%20ornamental%20fish|date=9 December 2014}} Registered Kerala Exporters</ref>

Kollam's [[Ashtamudi Lake]] clam fishery was the first [[Marine Stewardship Council]] (MSC) certified fishery in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icar.org.in/en/node/8346|title=Ashtamudi short-neck clam fisheries becomes India's first MSC certified fisheries|date=2014-11-05|publisher=[[Indian Council of Agricultural Research]]|access-date=2015-05-16}}</ref>

==Culture==
Kollam Fest is Kollam's own annual festival, attracting mostly Keralites but also hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists to Kollam. The main venue of Kollam Fest is the historic and gigantic Ashramam Maidan. Kollam Fest is the signature event of Kollam. Kollam Fest seeks to showcase Kollam's rich culture and heritage, tourism potential and investments in new ventures.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kollam Fest 10 November 2011|url=http://thiraseela.com/static/festivals/Kollam-Fest-2011.php|access-date=3 March 2016|publisher=Thiraseela.com}}</ref>

[[Kollam Pooram]], part of the [[Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple]] Festival, is usually held on 15 April, but occasionally on 16 April. The pooram is held at the Ashramam maidan.

The [[President's Trophy Boat Race]] (PTBR) is an annual regatta held in Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam. The event was inaugurated by President Prathibha Patil in September 2011. The event has been rescheduled from 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=presidents trophy boat race|url=http://presidentstrophy.gov.in/|access-date=20 April 2013|publisher=Presidentstrophy.gov.in}}{{Dead link|date=June 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=24 October 2016|title=President's Trophy boat race on November 1|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/presidents-trophy-boat-race-on-nov-1/article9260279.ece|access-date=20 April 2013|work=The Hindu}}</ref>

==Transport==
{{Main|Transport in Kollam}}

===Road===
The state-owned [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation|Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)]] and private bus operators operate inter-state and intrastate bus services connecting Kollam. There are mainly 3 bus stations in the city - [[Kollam KSRTC bus station]], [[Andamukkam City bus stand|Andamukkam city bus station]], and [[Tangasseri Bus Terminal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/thiruvananthapuram-ksrtc-executive-directors-in-charge-of-zones/articleshow/56403671.cms| title=Thiruvananthapuram: KSRTC executive directors in-charge of zones |work=The Times of India|date=8 January 2017 |access-date=9 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=NH%20in%20Kerala&pageId=301|title=National Highways in Kerala|publisher=Kerala PWD|access-date=9 August 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816023351/http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=NH%20in%20Kerala&pageId=301|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{Multiple image
| align             = center
| direction         = horizontal
| image1            = Dalavapuram bridgea.jpg
| caption1          = [[Chavara Thekkumbhagom]] bridge near Kollam City - This bridge had given a new way of connectivity for the people of Thekkumbhagom with Kollam City along with the existing boat services.
| image2            = Kollam Bypass, Feb 2020.jpg
| caption2          = [[Kollam Bypass]] - The {{cvt|13.141|km|adj=on}} long Kollam Bypass project was actually planned in 1975 but work was delayed due to political and financial issues.
| image3            = KSRTC Bus Station, Kollam.jpg
| caption3          = [[Kollam KSRTC Bus Station]] is situated at the banks of famous Ashtamudi Lake. One of the main bus stations in the state, it is still waiting to get a makeover.
| image4            = Traffic Thevally Bridge Kollam Kerala Mar22 A7C 01797.jpg
| caption4          = Traffic on the Thevally Bridge connecting Thevally to Kottayathukadavu, over [[National Waterway 3]], Ashtamudi Lake
| total_width       = 
| alt1              = 
}}

===Rail===
{{see also|Kollam Junction railway station}}
[[File:Main terminal of Kollam Junction railway station, Jan 2017.jpg|right|thumb|Main terminal of [[Kollam Junction railway station]]]]
[[File:Kollam Railway.jpg|thumb|Kollam Railway Under Construction]]
{{rws|Kollam Junction}} is the second largest railway station in Kerala in terms of area with a total of 6 platforms and 17 rail tracks. Other railway stations in Kollam city are [[Eravipuram railway station|Eravipuram]], and [[Kilikollur railway station|Kilikollur]]. Kollam Junction has the world's third longest railway platform, measuring 1180.5 meters (3873&nbsp;ft).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/asia/west-bengal-tea-plantations-and-other-rajera-relics-9835426.html |title=West Bengal: tea plantations and other Raj-era relics|access-date=3 April 2019}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable"
|+Railway stations in Kollam
!No.
!Station name
!Platforms
!Area
|-
|1
|[[Eravipuram railway station|Eravipuram]]
|2
|South Kollam
|-
|2
|[[Kollam Junction railway station|Kollam Junction]]
|6
|Central Kollam
|-
|3
|[[Kilikollur railway station|Kilikollur]]
|2
||East Kollam
|}

Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit ([[MEMU]]) has a car maintenance shed at Kollam Junction. The MEMU train services connects Kollam with Ernakulam (via Alappuzha and Kottayam), Punalur (via Kottarakkara), and Kanniyakumari (via Thiruvananthapuram).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/article163030.ece|title=Timings of MEMUs included|publisher=The New Indian Express|date=2 July 2010|access-date=9 August 2016|archive-date=13 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813013003/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/article163030.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Water===
[[File:Houseboat Thevally Bridge Ashtamudi Kollam Mar22 R16 05860.jpg|thumb|Houseboat passing under Thevally Bridge]]
The [[Kerala State Water Transport Department|State Water Transport Department]] operates boat services to [[West Kallada]], Munroe Island, Guhanandapuram, Chavara Thekkumbhagom, Dalavapuram and Alappuzha from [[Kollam KSWTD Ferry Terminal]] which is situated on the banks of the [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. The lake is the second-largest wetland ecosystem in Kerala, is a central hub for water transport in Kollam. Its waters connect the city with a number of local communities and form part of National Waterway 3. Kollam Thodu is a 7.7-kilometer canal runs through the city and serves as a vital artery of the water transport network. It connects Ashtamudi Lake with other water bodies and links the main Kollam Port to the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) inland terminal. Following renovation efforts, the canal is intended for both passenger and cargo transport, as well as tourism.

[[Asramam Link Road]] in the city passes adjacent to the ferry terminal.<ref name="Introduction-KSWTD">{{cite web |url=http://swtd.gov.in/index.php?langCode=en&compName=general&compView=aboutdept |title=Kerala State Water Transport Department - Introduction |publisher=KSWTD |access-date=2015-01-04 |archive-date=26 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226161243/http://swtd.gov.in/index.php?langCode=en&compName=general&compView=aboutdept |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The services from Kollam are broadly categorized into long-distance ferry services, short-distance commuter ferries, and special tourist cruises.
* Kollam-Alappuzha (Alleppey) Cruise: This is a flagship service, an 8-hour scenic cruise covering approximately 55 kilometers through Ashtamudi Lake and the interconnected backwater canals. It serves both as a direct transport link between the two districts and as a major tourist product.<ref>{{cite web |last1=E |first1=Krishna Kumar K. |title=SWTD unable to resume long-haul boat service on Alappuzha-Kollam waterway |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2025/Jul/14/swtd-unable-to-resume-long-haul-boat-service-on-alappuzha-kollam-waterway |website=The New Indian Express |language=en |date=14 July 2025}}</ref>
* Commuter and Short-Route Services: Regular, low-fare ferry services connect Kollam to various points within the district, including routes to Alumkadavu, Guhanandapuram, and Kannanalloor. These function as essential public transport for local residents.<ref>{{cite web |title=Important places enroute |url=https://swtd.kerala.gov.in/pages-en-IN/placesenroute |publisher=State Water Transport Department |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref>
* Tourist and Special Services: "See Ashtamudi" tourist service: A 5-hour pleasure trip on Ashtamudi Lake, with a stop at Sambranikkodi Island. It departs daily at 11:30&nbsp;a.m. and costs ₹400 for the lower deck and ₹500 for the upper deck.<ref>{{cite web |title="SEE ASHTAMUDI" PASSENGER-CUM-TOURIST SERVICE |url=https://swtd.kerala.gov.in/pages-en-IN/placesenroute |publisher=State Water Transport Department |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='See Ashtamudi' boat service set to complete 2 years; New Solar Boat to join fleet |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/lifestyle/travel/see-ashtamudi-travel-in-kollam-solar-boat-soon-backwater-cruise-e5920409 |website=@mathrubhumi |language=en |date=8 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=The Hindu Bureau|title='See Ashtamudi' tourist boat service in Kollam to be launched on Friday |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/see-ashtamudi-tourist-boat-service-in-kollam-to-be-launched-on-friday/article66599527.ece |website=The Hindu |language=en-IN |date=9 March 2023}}</ref> Many private tour operators and resorts offer day cruises on the Ashtamudi Lake for tourists, allowing for exploration of the area in houseboats, motorboats, and canoes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Balan |first1=Saritha S. |title=Deserted homestays, jobless boatmen: Tourism in Kerala's Munroe Island hit hard |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/deserted-homestays-jobless-boatmen-tourism-kerala-s-munroe-island-hit-hard-137420 |website=The News Minute |language=en |date=11 November 2020}}</ref>

Double decker luxury boats run between Kollam and Allepey daily. Luxury boats, operated by the government and private owners, operate from the main boat jetty during the tourist season. The West coast canal system, which starts from Thiruvananthapuram in the south and ends at [[Hosdurg]] in the north, passes through [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]], the city of Kollam and Karunagappally taluk.<ref name="Corporation of Kollam">{{cite web |url=http://www.kollamcorporation.gov.in/transport |title=Transport - Kollam Corporation |publisher=Kollam Municipal Corporation |access-date=2015-01-04 |archive-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020124744/http://www.kollamcorporation.gov.in/transport |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Routes-KSWTD">{{cite web |url=http://swtd.gov.in/index.php?langCode=en&compName=general&compView=placesnroute |title=Important places enroute - KSWTD |publisher=KSWTD |access-date=2015-01-04 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061357/http://swtd.gov.in/index.php?langCode=en&compName=general&compView=placesnroute |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Kollam Port]] is one of the major ports in Kerala. Cargo handling facilities began operation in 2013.<ref>''[http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/18/stories/2009061855000700.htm Kollam port starts cargo handling]{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}''. Accessed 29 July 2014.</ref> Foreign ships arrive in the port regularly with the MV Alina, a {{convert|145|m|adj=on}} vessel registered in Antigua anchored at the port on 4{{nbsp}}April 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Foreign-Ship-Reaches-Kollam-Port/2014/04/05/article2150731.ece#.U0I8V9LHm-0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408225152/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Foreign-Ship-Reaches-Kollam-Port/2014/04/05/article2150731.ece#.U0I8V9LHm-0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 April 2014 |title=Foreign Ship Reaches Kollam Port|publisher=The New Indian Express |date=5 April 2014 |access-date=7 April 2014}}</ref> Once the Port starts functioning in full-fledged, it will make the transportation activities of Kollam-based cashew companies more easy.<ref>''[http://www.shippingtribune.com/kollam-cashew-importers-suffering-due-port-congestion-tuticorin-terminal/ Kollam cashew importers suffering due to port congestion at tuticorin terminal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814143721/http://www.shippingtribune.com/kollam-cashew-importers-suffering-due-port-congestion-tuticorin-terminal/ |date=14 August 2014 }}''. Accessed 29 July 2014.</ref> Shreyas Shipping Company is now running a regular container service between [[Kollam Port]] and [[Cochin Port|Kochi Port]].<ref>''[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/shreyas-shipping-starts-kochikollam-container-service/article5339784.ece Shreyas Shipping starts Kochi-Kollam container service]''. Accessed 29 July 2014.{{Dead link|date=January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Exim India::The first & the only national daily on Export, Import, Shipping. |url=https://www.eximin.net/NewsDetails.aspx?name=73939 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220117200427/https://www.eximin.net/NewsDetails.aspx?name=73939 |archive-date=2022-01-17 |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=www.eximin.net |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Old Airport, Kollam.jpg|thumb|right|Old [[Kollam Airport]] area, [[Asramam]]]]

The Kollam Canal (also known as the Quilon Canal or Kollam Thodu), a key part of the larger West Coast Canal system, was constructed in 1880. It became the primary trade channel for the former princely state of Travancore, with cargo vessels ferrying goods through the city.<ref>{{cite web |title=Renovated Kollam canal now a cesspool |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/renovated-kollam-canal-now-a-cesspool/article7013897.ece |website=The Hindu |language=en-IN |date=19 March 2015}}</ref>

====Future projects====
To further leverage its water transport infrastructure, Kollam has several ongoing and proposed projects:
;Kollam Water Metro: There are plans to introduce a Water Metro system in Kollam, which would provide an intra-city water transport network similar to the one in Kochi.<ref>{{cite web |author1=The Hindu Bureau|title=Traffic study on anvil to assess feasibility of launching Water Metro in Kollam and 17 other cities |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/traffic-study-on-anvil-to-assess-feasibility-of-launching-water-metro-in-kollam-and-17-other-cities/article69471421.ece |website=The Hindu |language=en-IN |date=20 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hallikeri |first1=G.D. |title=IWAI Board commissions feasibility study for Urban Water Transport System in 17 cities |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105345 |publisher=Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref>
;Waterway development: Projects are underway to develop and maintain National Waterway 3 to support 24-hour navigation, including deepening channels and improving terminals.

===Air===
{{See also|Kollam Airport}}
The city corporation of Kollam is served by the [[Thiruvananthapuram International Airport]], which is about 56 kilometers from the city via NH66. Trivandrum International Airport is the first international airport in a non-metro city in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/thiru_general.jsp|title=TRV Airport|publisher=AAI|access-date=23 August 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902180351/http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/thiru_general.jsp|archive-date=2 September 2016}}</ref>

==Education==
{{Main|Education in Kollam district}}

[[File:Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala.jpg|200px|thumb|[[T.K.M. College of Engineering|TKM Engineering College]] in [[Karicode]]|alt=Ornate, pink-and-white building with traditional Mughal architecture|left]]
There are many colleges, schools and learning centres in Kollam. [[T.K.M. College of Engineering|Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering]], the first private school of its kind in the state, is at [[Kilikollur]], about {{cvt|7|km}} east of Kollam city, and is a source of pride for all Kollamites. The Government of Kerala has granted academic autonomy to [[Fatima Mata National College]], another prestigious institution in the city.<ref name="Autonomy: 13 colleges in the list">{{cite web | url = http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Autonomy-13-colleges-in-the-final-list/2013/12/24/article1962583.ece | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140108131951/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Autonomy-13-colleges-in-the-final-list/2013/12/24/article1962583.ece | url-status = dead | archive-date = 8 January 2014 | title = Autonomy: 13 colleges in the list | access-date = 2014-01-08 | year = 2012 | publisher = The New Indian Express}}</ref>

[[File:SN Law College, Kollam.jpg|thumb|right|[[Sree Narayana Guru College of Legal Studies]] in Karbala]]

[[Kerala State Institute of Design]] (KSID), a design institute under Department of labour and Skills, [[Government of Kerala]], is located at Chandanathope in Kollam. It was established in 2008 and was one of the first state-owned design institutes in India. KSID currently conducts Post Graduate Diploma Programs in Design developed in association with [[National Institute of Design]], Ahmedabad.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Admission-Process-Starts-at-KSID-for-New-Diploma-Courses/2015/05/14/article2812971.ece|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150516123319/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Admission-Process-Starts-at-KSID-for-New-Diploma-Courses/2015/05/14/article2812971.ece|url-status = dead|archive-date = 16 May 2015|title = Admission Process Starts at KSID for New Diploma Courses}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/institute-of-design-inaugurated/article1277100.ece|title = Institute of design inaugurated}}</ref>

[[Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction|Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC-Kollam)]] is an institute of international standards situated at [[Chavara]] in Kollam city to support the skill development programmes for construction related occupations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skilldevelopment.gov.in/states.html |title=States-Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |publisher=Government of India |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> [[Institute of Fashion Technology Kerala|The Institute of Fashion Technology, Kollam]], Kerala is a fashion technology institute situated at Vellimon, established in technical collaboration with the [[National Institute of Fashion Technology]] and the Ministry of Textiles. In addition, there are two IMK (Institute of Management, Kerala) Extension Centres active in the city.<ref name="IMK Extension Centres">{{cite web | url = http://www.imk.ac.in/extension.htm | title = IMK Extension Centres - Kerala | access-date = 2014-01-08 | year = 2012 | publisher = imk.ac.in | archive-date = 23 July 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130723113518/http://imk.ac.in/extension.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> [[Kerala Maritime Institute]] is situated at [[Neendakara]] in Kollam city to give maritime training for the students in Kerala.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/maritime-institute-to-come-up-at-neendakara/article289620.ece |title=Maritime institute to come up at Neendakara |work=The Hindu|date=23 May 2009 |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> More than 5,000 students have been trained at Neendakara maritime institute under the Boat Crew training programme.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2013/may/08/steps-begun-to-set-up-maritime-university-475431.html | title=Steps begun to set up Maritime university | date=8 May 2013 |newspaper=The New Indian Express |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref>

Apart from colleges, there are a number of bank coaching centres in Kollam.<ref name="Bank test coaching Centres - Kollam">{{cite web | url = http://careeradda.co.in/index.php?topic=3021.0 | title = Which is the best banking coaching centre in India - Kollam | access-date = 2014-08-09}}</ref> Kollam is known as India's hub for bank test coaching centres, with around 40 such institutes in the district.<ref name="Kollam - The bank test coaching hub of India">{{cite news | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/Engineering-graduates-opt-for-banking-sector/articleshow/16597692.cms | title = Engineering graduates opt for banking sector | access-date = 2014-08-09 |work = Times of India| date = 29 September 2012 }}</ref>

==Sports==

Football is the most popular sport, followed by Boxing and Hockey. Kollam is home to a number of local Football, hockey and cricket teams participating in district, state-level and zone matches. An [[International Hockey Stadium, Kollam|International Hockey Stadium]] with astro-turf facility is there at [[Asramam]] in the city, built at a cost of Rs. 13 crore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/article86081.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905021813/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/article86081.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 September 2014 |title=Astro-turf hockey stadium |publisher=The New Indian Express |access-date=22 February 2018}}</ref> The land for the construction of the stadium was taken over from the Postal Department at Asramam, Kollam. The city has another stadium named the [[Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium (Kollam)|Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Kollam]]. It is a multipurpose stadium and has repeatedly hosted such sports events as the Ranji Trophy, Santhosh Trophy and National Games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Kerala/Grounds/1095_f.html |title=KCA-Cricket Archive |publisher=Cricket Archive |access-date=22 February 2018 |archive-date=7 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507020928/http://cricketarchive.com/Kerala/Grounds/1095_f.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two open grounds in the city, the [[Asramam Maidan]] and [[Peeranki Maidan]], are also used for sports events, practice and warm-up matches.

== Tourist places ==
{{Expand section|date=October 2025}}

===Hindu temples===
[[File:Kottarakkara Temple(HighResoluion).jpg|thumb|right|Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram]]
*[[Anandavalleeshwaram Sri Mahadevar Temple]] is a 400 years old ancient Hindu temple in the city. The 400-year-old [[Sanctum sanctorum]] of this temple is finished in teak.<ref>{{cite news|title=400-year-old sreekovil to be replaced|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/400yearold-sreekovil-to-be-replaced/article7468835.ece|access-date=13 October 2015|work=The Hindu|date=26 July 2015 }}</ref> 
*[[Ammachiveedu Murti Temple]] is another major temple in the city that have been founded around 600 years ago by the Ammachi Veedu family, aristocrats from Kollam.<ref name="kollamcity1">{{Cite web |title=Wayback Machine |url=http://www.kollamcity.com/index.php?menu=other&menu1=Religious |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230408092343/http://www.kollamcity.com/index.php?menu=other&menu1=Religious |archive-date=2023-04-08 |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=www.kollamcity.com}}</ref><ref name="thekeralatemples1">{{Cite web |title=KERALA TEMPLES - AMMACHI VEEDU MUHURTHI |url=https://www.thekeralatemples.com/templeinfo/others/ammachiveedu_muhurthi.htm |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=www.thekeralatemples.com}}</ref>
*The [[Kollam pooram]], a major festival of Kollam, is the culmination of a ten-day festival, normally in mid April, of [[Asramam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple]].<ref name="Hindu">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/05/stories/2008040551540300.htm|title=The Hindu : Kerala / Kollam News : Kollam Pooram on April 15|date=9 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409111532/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/05/stories/2008040551540300.htm |archive-date=9 April 2008 }}</ref> 
*[[Kottankulangara Devi Temple]] is one of the world-famous Hindu temples in Kerala were cross-dressing of men for ''Chamayavilakku'' ritual is a part of traditional festivities. The men also carry large lamps. The first of the two-day dressing event drew to a close early on Monday.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala temple: Where the lady with the lamp is a man|url=http://www.ndtv.com/south/kerala-temple-where-the-lady-with-the-lamp-is-a-man-517252|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=NDTV}}</ref> 
*Other famous Hindu worship centres in the Kollam Metropolitan Area are, [[Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram]] in Kottarakkara,<ref>{{cite web|title=Of small appam and Kottarakkara|url=http://mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/travel_special/of_small_appam_and_kottarakkara/139317/|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Mathrubhumi|archive-date=28 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828170452/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/travel_special/of_small_appam_and_kottarakkara/139317/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatemples.net/klm_subra.html|title=Welcome to the Temples of God's Own Country|website=www.keralatemples.net}}</ref> [[Puttingal Temple|Puttingal Devi Temple]] in [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Puttingal Devi Temple, aravur|url=http://www.puttingaltemple.org/|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Puttingal Devi Temple}}</ref> Sooranad north Anayadi Pazhayidam Sree Narasimha Moorthy Temple, [[Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Temple]] in [[Poruvazhy]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Malanada temple fete draws big crowds|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/malanada-temple-fete-draws-big-crowds/article3205866.ece|access-date=25 March 2013|work=The Hindu|date=24 March 2012 }}</ref> [[Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple]] in [[Sasthamkotta]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple|url=http://www.sasthamcotta.com/Dharmasastha%20Temple.html|access-date=25 March 2013|publisher=Sasthamcotta Sree Dharma Sastha Temple|archive-date=6 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206180354/http://sasthamcotta.com/Dharmasastha%20Temple.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sakthikulangara Sree Dharma Sastha temple,<ref>/Sakthikulangara-sreesharmasastha-karadevasom.com/</ref> Thrikkadavoor Sree Mahadeva Temple in Kadavoor and Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple in Ponmana<ref>{{cite web|title=Here, bells on tree answer your prayers|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141127/nation-current-affairs/article/here-bells-tree-answer-your-prayers|access-date=25 March 2013|work=Deccan Chronicle}},</ref> Padanayarkulangara mahadeva temple Karunagappally,<ref>{{cite web|title=No permission for RSS to conduct 'shakha' in temple: Kerala HC told|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/No-permission-for-RSS-to-conduct-shakha-in-temple-Kerala-HC-told/articleshow/47558696.cms|access-date=25 March 2013|work=The Times of India}}</ref>

=== Churches ===
[[File:Kollam neue Kathedrale.JPG|thumb|right|Infant Jesus Cathedral in Tangasseri, Kollam]]
The [[Infant Jesus Cathedral]] in Tangasseri is established by Portuguese during 1614. It is now the pro-cathedral of [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon]] – the ancient and first Catholic diocese of India. The church remains as a memento of the Portuguese rule of old [[Quilon]] city.<ref name="Church_Kollam">{{cite news|title=About Kollam City|location=Kollam, India|url=http://kollamcity.in/about-kollam-city|url-status=usurped|access-date=19 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602132809/http://kollamcity.in/about-kollam-city|archive-date=2 June 2015|quote=About the city of Quilon}}</ref> [[St. Sebastian's Roman Catholic Church, Neendakara|St. Sebastian's Church]] at [[Neendakara]] is another important church in the city. The [[Dutch Church, Munroe Island|Dutch Church in Munroe Island]] is built by [[Dutch People|the Dutch]] in 1878.<ref>{{cite news|title=The emerald isle|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/travel/the-emerald-isle/article4316024.ece|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref> Our Lady of Velankanni Shrine in [[Cutchery]] is another important Christian worship place in Kollam city. Saint Casimir Church in [[Thrikkadavoor|Kadavoor]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Church festival from Saturday|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/22/stories/2005042205760300.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2005-04-22|access-date=19 January 2016}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Holy Family Church in [[Kavanad]], St.Stephen's Church in Thoppu<ref>{{cite web|title=St.Stephen's Church|url=http://ststephenschurchkollam.weebly.com/|access-date=19 January 2016|publisher=Kollam St.Stephen's Church}}</ref> and St.Thomas Church in [[Kadappakada]] are some of the other major Christian churches in Kollam.<ref>{{cite news|title=St.Thomas Church|work=The Hindu|url=http://catholicchurches.in/directory/changanacherry-churches/st-thomas-church-kollam.htm|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Piety marks Good Friday observance|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/piety-marks-good-friday-observance/article5927794.ece|access-date=19 January 2016|work=The Hindu|date=18 April 2014 }}</ref>

=== Mosques ===
[[File:കരുനാഗപ്പള്ളി‍മുസ്ലീം‍പള്ളി.jpg|right|thumb|Karunagappally Mosque]]
Kottukadu Juma Masjid in Chavara, Elampalloor Juma-A-Masjid, Valiyapalli in Jonakappuram, [[Chinnakada]] Juma Masjid, Juma-'Ath Palli in Kollurvila, Juma-'Ath Palli in [[Thattamala]] and Koivila Juma Masjid in Chavara are the other major Mosques in Kollam.<ref>{{cite web|title=Juma-Ath-Palli|url=http://www.webindia123.com/city/kerala/kollam/destinations/mosque/jumaathpalli.htm|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Elampalloor Juma-A-Masjid|url=http://elampalloormuslimjama-ath.org/aboutus.html|access-date=29 July 2014|archive-date=9 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809144815/http://elampalloormuslimjama-ath.org/aboutus.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Notable people==
*[[List of people from Kollam]]
<!---♦♦♦ Please do not add names here - add them to [[List of people from Kollam]] if they already have their OWN article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->

==See also==
* [[Downtown Kollam]]
* [[Kollam Junction railway station]]
* [[Kollam Metropolitan Area]]
* [[Kollam District]]
* [[Cashew business in Kollam]]
* [[Largest Indian cities by GDP]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|liststyle=decimal}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book | last=Ring | first=Trudy | title=International Dictionary of Historic Places: Asia and Oceania, Volume 5 | year=1994 | publisher=Taylor & Francis | location=United Kingdom | isbn=978-1-884964-05-3}}
* {{cite book | last=Chan | first=Hok-lam | title=The Cambridge History of China, Volume 7: The Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644, Part 1 | year=1998 | publisher=Cambridge University Press | location=Cambridge | isbn=978-0-521-24332-2 | chapter=The Chien-wen, Yung-lo, Hung-hsi, and Hsüan-te reigns, 1399–1435}}
* {{cite book | last=Lin | title=Zheng He's Voyages Down the Western Seas | year=2007 | publisher=China Intercontinental Press | location=Fujian Province | isbn=978-7-5085-0707-1}}
* [[Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai]], Keralathinde Eruladanja Edukal, p.&nbsp;64,112,117
* Travancore Archaeological Series (T.A.S.) Vol. 6 p.&nbsp;15
* Diaries and writings of Mathai Kathanar, the 24th generation priest of Thulaserry Manapurathu, based on the ancestral documents and Thaliyolagrandha handed down through generations
* Z.M. Paret, Malankara Nazranikal, vol. 1
* [[L. K. Ananthakrishna Iyer]], State Manual, p50,52
* Bernard Thoma Kathanar, Marthoma Christyanikal, lines 23,24
* {{cite book|first=Pius |last=Malekandathil|author-link= Pius Malekandathil|title=Maritime India: Trade, Religion and Polity in the Indian Ocean|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rN69iFj1PJoC|year=2010|publisher=Primus Books|page=43|isbn=978-93-80607-01-6}}
* Narayan, M.G.S, Chera-Pandya conflict in the 8th–9th centuries which led to the birth of Venadu: Pandyan History seminar, Madurai University, 1971
* The Viswavijnanakosam (Malayalam) Vol. 3, p.&nbsp;523,534
* Narayan M.G.S., Cultural Symbiosis p33
* The handwritten diaries of Pulikottil Mar Dionyius (former supreme head of the [[Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church]] and Chitramezhuthu KM Varghese)

==External links==
* [https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Kollam&params=8_53_35.5_N_76_36_50.8_E_type:city(1342509)_region:IN-KL GeoHack - Kollam]
* {{Official website|http://kollam.nic.in/Default.htm}}
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[[Category:History of Kollam]]
[[Category:Former Portuguese colonies]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Kollam district]]
[[Category:Tourism in Kerala]]
[[Category:Former capitals in India]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in India]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in India]]