Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) office is located within the village. The Asramam Maidan (Ashramam ground), adjacent to the tourist village, is the largest open space within a Kerala municipal corporation. It is used for events, sports, as a helipad, for Kollam Pooram and by driving schools. It covers over in an oval. The first community tourism program in the state is being established on the Munroethuruth islands. Backwater tourism is an activity enjoyed in Kollam; Ashtamudi Lake, Paravur, Munroe Island, and Alumkadavu are the main backwater destinations. Accommodation is in resorts and on houseboats. Thenmala, located east of Kollam, is the first ecotourism project in India and run by the Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society. Kollam was the seat of the Desinganad kings. Kottarakara is well known as the place where a new version of the classical dance form of Kathakali was conceived. It was also the capital of the Elayidath Swaroopam. Kundara is known for the 1812 proclamation against the British by Velu Thampi Dalawa. Alappad village, located on the seashore, was impacted by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Varkala Beach (also known as Papanasham) is south of Kollam. The Duriyodana Temple is in Kunnathur Taluk. The Sakthikulangara Dharma Sastha Temple-Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple is known for its Utsavam in the month of Makaram (between mid-January and mid-February). Polachira, in Chirakkara Gramapanchayat, is a sightseeing destination. The Anathavalam is near here where one can see domestic elephants, touch and ride them. Mannathippara is at Polachira, south of Chathannoor. Sasthamcotta Lake, about from Kollam, is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala and a domestic tourist destination. Jetayu Para, a large boulder, is located in Chadayamangalam; it is named for a mythical character in the Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu fell here, after his failed attempt to stop Ravana. See also Kollam Kollam Junction Railway Station Kollam MEMU Shed Kollam Port Kureeppally Asramam Maidan Malumel Fatima Mata National College Punalur Punalur Railway Station Punalur Suspension Bridge Karunagappalli railway station Paravur Paravur Railway Station Educational Institutions in Kollam District Kollam Beach Paravur Kayal Thazhathu Kulakkada Valacode Nadakkal President's Trophy Boat Race Kollam pooram List of Sree Narayana Institutions List of Hindu temples in Kerala Roman Catholic Diocese of Quilon University of Kerala Protected areas of Kerala References Further reading External links Official website Official tourism website Districts of Kerala