Kollam

The town is on the Ashtamudi Lake. The striking headlands, the beaches at Thirumullavaram and Kochupilamoodu and the Thangassery lighthouse are the attractions here. Boat rides and backwater cruises are available. In Ochira, 34 km north of Kollam, there is the Parabrahma temple committed to universal consciousness. The temple has no idol or deity. Half an hour's drive from Kollam to the north takes one to Vallikkavu or Amritapuri, the birth place and ashram headquarters of the world famous Indian godwoman, Mata Amritananda Mayi. Mayyanad, 10 km south of Kollam, has several temples. The shrine at the Subramanya temple at Umayanallur is said to have been hallowed by the greatest of Indian saint-philosophers, Adi Sankaracharya.