Kollam or Quilon, an old seaport town on the Malabar Coast, had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans. A famous port of international spice trade in ancient India, the present day Kollam is famous for its varied modern industries including cashew nut processing and research, fisheries, etc.

Its association with the renowned Ashtamudi Lake makes it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most exhilarating experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The place is also home to relics of the past and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.