Kollam Fact file Kollam is an old port town on the bank of the Ashtamudi lake opening into the Arabian Sea. It has a long trading history with Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. Kollam is the center of the cashew industry in the country and India’s first only police museum is located here. The place is also world famous as the seat of Mata Amritananda Mayi. Thenmala, India’s first planned eco- tourism project is only 66 Kms. away from kollam. The famous pilgrim center, Ochira parabhrama temple is also situated at kollam. The hub of kerala’s throbbing houseboat industry is located in Alumkadavu, which is 10 Kms from kollam. It is also considered as an ideal launch pad to begin the backwater cruise of famous Kerala backwaters. Alumkadavu Amrithpuri ashram Thenamala