Kollam - Travel & Tourism Guide Kollam - Inde

397,420 inhabitants. Among the cities of Kerala, Kollam (still called Quilon by the locals) is famous for its ancient history. Kollam was once a renowned international trading center: the port was frequented by Phoenicians, Persians, Romans, Arabs and Chinese. Famous travelers such as Marco Polo and Ibam Batuta affirmed that Kollam was a major trading center. Capital of a powerful kingdom called Venad, Kollam became pre-eminent in the 9th century. According to some historians, the Malayalam era, known as the Kollam era, was established by Marthanda Varma, ruler of Kollam, in 825. Kollam was also of notable importance in Indian history at the time of the British Empire, when it was the focus of the rebellion organized by Veluthampi Dalava. Today, Kollam is one of the main industrial and commercial centers of Kerala, and also a hub of the cashew nut industry. For most tourists, it's primarily the gateway to Kerala's backwaters . Nevertheless, the town and its surroundings are well worth a few days' visit.