Kollam: Difference between revisions

| name = Kollam

| native_name_lang = ml

| 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")

| nickname = "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> <br />

| 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]]

| subdivision_type4 = Former Name

| subdivision_name4 = Quilon, Desinganadu, Venad, Columbum, Kaulam (<small>see [[Names for Kollam]]</small>)

| subdivision_type5 = Native Language

| subdivision_name5 = [[Malayalam]]

| established_title = Established

| established_date = 1099

| founder = [[Rama Varma Kulashekhara]]

| parts_style = para

| parts = <u>7 Zones</u>

| p1 = <br />Central Zone-1

| p2 = Central Zone-2

| p3 = [[Eravipuram]]

| p4 = [[Vadakkevila]]

| p5 = [[Sakthikulangara]]

| p6 = [[Kilikolloor]]

| p7 = Thrikadavoor

| leader_party = [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)|<small>''CPI(M)''</small>]]

| government_type = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]]

| governing_body = [[Kollam Municipal Corporation]]

| leader_title = [[Mayor#India|Mayor]]

| leader_name = Prasanna Earnest

| leader_title1 = [[Member of Parliament (India)|MP]]

| leader_name1 = [[N.K. Premachandran|N.K Premachandran]]

| leader_title2 = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]]

| leader_name2 = [[Mukesh (actor)|Mukesh]]

| leader_title3 = [[District Collector]]

| leader_name3 = Devidas N IAS

| leader_title4 = [[Kollam City Police|City Police Commissioner]]

| leader_name4 = Vivek Kumar IPS

| unit_pref = Metric

| area_footnotes =

| area_rank = 4

| area_total_km2 = 165

| area_land_km2 =

| area_water_km2 =

| elevation_footnotes =

| elevation_m = 38.32

| population_total = 1,342,509

| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web| url=https://amrutkerala.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CWBP_KOLLAM.pdf| title=CITY WATER BALANCE PLAN (CWBP) FOR AMRUT 2.0| publisher=Government of Kerala| access-date=16 January 2023| archive-date=18 January 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118044817/https://amrutkerala.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CWBP_KOLLAM.pdf| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://censusindia.gov.in/PopulationFinder/Population_Finder.aspx| title=Population Finder - Census of India 2011 | publisher=Government of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/| title=Thrikkadavoor panchayath| publisher=Government of Kerala| access-date=25 September 2015| archive-date=12 June 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612055856/http://lsgkerala.in/thrikkadavoorpanchayat/general-information/| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=census/>

| population_as_of = 2021

| 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_demonym = Kollamite, Kollathukaaran/kaari, Kollamkaran/kaari

| demographics_type1 = [[Language]]s

| demographics1_title1 = Official

| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]<br />[[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

| blank3_info_sec2footnotes = '''IN QUI<br/ >IN KUK'''

| footnotes official_name =

'''Kollam''' ({{IPA-ml|kolːɐm|lang|Kollam-pronunciation.ogg}}), also known by its [[List of renamed Indian cities and states|former name]] '''Quilon'''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/east-is-west-and-up-is-really-down/22425156 | publisher=mid-day.com | title=East Is West And Up Is Really Down | date=14 January 2020 | access-date=14 January 2020}}</ref> {{audio|Pronunciation of the alternate name "Quilon" of the city Kollam.ogg|pronunciation}}( [[Names for Kollam|historical name]] '''Desinganadu'''<ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=https://kollam.nic.in/en/history/ | title=History &#124; District Kollam, Government of Kerala &#124; India }}</ref>), is an ancient seaport and [[city]] on the [[Malabar Coast]] of India bordering the [[Laccadive Sea]], which is a part of the [[Arabian Sea]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kollam | publisher=Britannica | title=Kollam - Encyclopaedia Britannica | access-date=7 February 2020}}</ref> It is {{cvt|71|km}} north of the state capital [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/heritage-walk-explores-kollam-tangasseri-regions/article24892273.ece |title=Kollam on the itinerary |work=The Hindu|date=14 September 2018 |access-date=14 September 2018}}</ref> The city is on the banks of [[Ashtamudi Lake]] and the [[Kallada River|Kallada river]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kerala-tourism.net/kerala-cities.html|title=Kerala Cities,Cities of Kerala,Kerala India Cities,City Guide of Kerala,Kerala City Guide|website=www.kerala-tourism.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kerala-tour-package.net/Kerala_Cities.htm |title=Kerala Cities |access-date=19 August 2014 |archive-date=24 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124153004/http://www.kerala-tour-package.net/Kerala_Cities.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/13/a/K/|title=Alphabetical listing of Places in Kerala that start with K|website=www.fallingrain.com}}</ref> Kollam is the [[List of cities and towns in Kerala|fourth largest city]] in Kerala and is known for [[Cashew business in Kollam|cashew processing]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/in-2-years-80-cashew-producing-units-closed-in-kollam-61749|title=In 2 years, 80% cashew producing units closed in Kollam|website=www.downtoearth.org.in}}</ref> and coir manufacturing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/2012/coir-products/161|title=Coir products of Kerala, Kollam, Kerala, India|website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref> It is the southern gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/ashtamudi-backwaters/426|title=Ashtamudi Lake, the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala|website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref> and is a prominent tourist destination.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/video-gallery/visit-kollam/1040|title=Top 5 places to visit in Kollam &#124; Explore Kollam &#124; Kerala Tour Plan (HDR in 4k)|website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref> Kollam is one of the [[List of ancient Indian cities|most historic cities with continuous settlements]] in India.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.walkthroughindia.com/cities/12-oldest-living-continuously-inhabited-cities-india/ | title=12 Oldest Living and Continuously Inhabited Cities of India | date=16 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog/must-visit-ancient-cities-india/ | title=Explore India's History & Heritage at These Famous 15 Ancient Cities | date=22 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.adotrip.com/blog/ancient-cities-of-india 16 Ancient Citeis of India that Should Be on Your Bucket List]</ref> <ref name="auto"/> Geographically, [[Quilon formation]] seen around coastal cliffs of Ashtamudi Lake, represent sediments laid down in the Kerala basin that existed during [[Miocene|Mio]]-[[Pliocene]] times.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010EGUGA..12.6751P/abstract |bibcode=2010EGUGA..12.6751P |title=The Quilon Limestone (Kerala Basin/India) - an archive for Miocene Indo-Pacific seagrass beds |last1=Piller |first1=Werner E. |last2=Reuter |first2=Markus |last3=Harzhauser |first3=Mathias |last4=Kroh |first4=Andreas |last5=Rögl |first5=Fred |last6=Coric |first6=Stjepan |journal=Egu General Assembly Conference Abstracts |year=2010 |page=6751 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.nhm-wien.ac.at/jart/prj3/nhm-resp/data/uploads/mitarbeiter_dokumente/harzhauser/Reuter_Quilon.pdf The Quilon Limestone, Kerala Basin, India: an archive for Miocene Indo-Pacific seagrass beds]</ref>

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 [[Venad]] 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>

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>

Along with ([[Muziris]] and [[Tyndis]]), Quilon was an ancient seaport on the [[Malabar Coast]] of India from the early centuries before the Christian era. Kollam served as a major port city for [[Pandya dynasty]] on the western coast while [[Kulasekharapatnam]] served Pandyas on the eastern coast. The city had a high commercial reputation from the days of the [[Phoenicians]] and [[Ancient Rome|Ancient Romans]]. [[Pliny the Elder]] (23–79 AD) mentions [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] ships anchored at Muziris and [[Nelcynda]]. There was also a land route over the [[Western Ghats]]. Spices, pearls, diamonds, and silk were exported to [[Egypt]] and Rome from these ports. Pearls and diamonds came to the Chera Kingdom from [[Ceylon]] and the southeastern coast of India, then known as the [[Pandyan Kingdom]].

[[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> The [[Nestorian Church|Nestorian]] Patriarch Jesujabus, who died in 660 AD, mentions Kollam in his letter to Simon, Metropolitan of Persia.

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>

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 [[Venad]] 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> The two Christians were also instrumental in founding Christian churches with Syrian liturgy along the Malabar coast, distinct from the ancient Vedic Advaitam propounded by Adi Shankara in the early ninth century among the Nampoothiri Vaishnavites and [[Nair]] Sub Castes, as [[Malayalam]] was not accepted as a liturgical language until the early 18th century.

Thus began the Malayalam Era, known as [[Malayalam calendar|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>

In 13th century CE, [[Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I]], a [[Pandya dynasty|Pandya]] ruler fought a war in [[Venad]] 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"/>

According to a book authored by Ilarius Augustus, published April, 2021 ('''Christopher Columbus: Buried deep in Latin the Indian origin of the great explorer from Genoa''<nowiki/>'), the words Columbum, Columbus and Columbo appear for the very first time in a notarial deed (lease contract) of a certain Mousso in Genoa in 1329 CE. These words appear in the form of a [[wiktionary:toponym|toponym]]. The author then shows, through the Latin text of several other notarial deeds and the documents on church history, how [[Christopher Columbus]] - also carrying the same [[wiktionary:toponym|toponym]].- was part of Mousso's family, and hence of the [[Origin theories of Christopher Columbus#Genoese birth - Indian lineage hypothesis|Indian lineage]] (although born in Genoa).

[[File:Thambiran Vanakkam 1578.JPG|thumbnail|''[[Thambiran Vanakkam]]'' was printed at Kollam, the capital of [[Venad]] in 1578, during the Portuguese Era. It holds the record of the first book printed in any Indian language. It was written in the language ''[[Lingua Malabar Tamul]]'', which was spoken in Southern Kerala (Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram area) during the medieval period.]]

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> Later, [[Venad|Venad Kingdom]] was completely merged with the [[Kingdom of Travancore]] during the rein of [[Marthanda Varma]] and Kollam remained as the capital of Travancore Kingdom. Later on, the capital of Travancore was relocated to Thiruvananthapuram.

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> It is known for [[cashew]] processing and [[coir]] manufacturing. Ashtamudi Lake is considered the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination at Kollam. The Kollam urban area includes suburban towns such as Paravur in the south, [[Kundara]] in the east and [[Karunagapally]] in the north of the city. Other important towns in the city suburbs are [[Eravipuram]], [[Kottiyam]], Kannanallur, and [[Chavara]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

{{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>

* [[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>

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.

Kollam City is a [[Kollam Municipal Corporation|Municipal Corporation]] with elected Councillors from its 55 divisions. The Mayor, elected from among the councillors, generally represents the political party holding a majority. The Corporation Secretary heads the office of the corporation. [[File:Location map India Kollam EN.svg|left|thumb|Map of [[Kollam Metropolitan Area]]]]The present Mayor of Kollam Corporation is [[V. Rajendrababu|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 |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>

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 DATA - Census of India Website | publisher = censusindia.gov.in}}</ref> The Metropolitan area of Kollam includes Uliyakovil, [[Adichanalloor]], [[Adinad]], [[Ayanivelikulangara]], [[Chavara]], [[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>

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>

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=Govt. 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> 5 star, 4 star and 3 star hotels, multi-storied shopping malls, branded jewellery, textile showrooms and car showrooms have started operations in the city and suburbs. Kollam was the third city in Kerala (after [[Kozhikode]] and [[Kochi]]) to adopt the shopping mall culture. Kollam district ranks first in livestock wealth in the state. [[Downtown Kollam]] is the main [[Central business district|CBD]] of Kollam city.

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> The beach sands of the district have concentrations of such heavy minerals as Ilmenite, Rutile, Monosite and Zircon, which offer scope for exploitation for industrial purposes.

The city corporation of Kollam is served by the [[Trivandrum 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>

A new suburban rail system has been proposed by the Kerala Government and Indian Railways on the route Thiruvananthapuram - Kollam - [[Haripad]]/[[Chengannur]] for which MRVC is tasked to conduct a study and submit a report. Ten trains, each with seven coaches, will transport passengers back and forth along the [[Trivandrum]]-Kollam-[[Chengannur]]-[[Kottarakara]]-[[Adoor]] section.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/new-drm-optimistic-about-suburban-project/article5547937.ece |title=New DRM optimistic about suburban project - KERALA |work=The Hindu|date=6 January 2014 |access-date=2018-01-13}}</ref>

The city of Kollam is connected to almost all the cities and major towns in the state, including [[Trivandrum]], [[Alappuzha]], [[Kochi]], [[Palakkad]], [[Kottayam]], [[Kottarakkara]], and Punalur, and with other Indian cities through the NH 66, NH 183, NH 744 - and other state PWD Roads. Road [[transport]] is provided by state-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private transport bus operators. Kollam is one among the five KSRTC zones in Kerala.<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> Road transport is also provided by private taxis and autorickshaws, also called autos. There is a city private bus stand at Andamukkam. There is a [[Kollam KSRTC Bus Station|KSRTC bus station]] beside Ashtamudi Lake. Buses to various towns in Kerala and interstate services run from this station.<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>

The [[Kerala State Water Transport Department|State Water Transport Department]] operates boat services to [[West Kallada]], Munroe Island, Guhanandapuram, [[chavaraChavara Thekkumbhagom]], Dalavapuram and [[Alappuzha]] from [[Kollam KSWTD Ferry Terminal]] situated on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake. [[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>

[[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>

[[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 Muhurthi|Ammachiveedu Muhurthi 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">[http://www.kollamcity.com/index.php?menu=other&menu1=Religious Ammachiveedu Muhurthi Temple] at kollamcity.com</ref><ref name="thekeralatemples1">[http://www.thekeralatemples.com/templeinfo/others/ammachiveedu_muhurthi.htm Ammachiveedu Muhurthi Temple] at 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> Moreover, [[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> [https://g.co/kgs/oaWNDA Guhanandapuram Subramanya Temple] in [[Chavara Thekkumbhagom]],<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 Swami 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 [[Thrikkadavoor|Kadavoor]] and Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple in Ponmana<ref>{{cite web|title=Here, bells on tree answer your prayers|url=httphttps://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> Ashtamudi Sree Veerabhadra Swamy Temple are the other famous Hindu worship centres in the [[Kollam Metropolitan Area]].

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>