An old seaport on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, Quilon, 72 km away from Thiruvananthapuram is also known as the gateway to Kerala.The district is fairly important for the State's trade and commerce and is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. It is also an important hub for the State's marine products industry, with the port of Neendakara being the centre for trawlers and ice plants. Throbbing with industrial activity, Quilon is a place where nature can be seen at its best. People from places as far as Persia, Arab, Rome and China traded here.

Chavara : Chavara is situated 14 kms, north of Kollam on the Kollam-Alappuzha road. Thousands of tonnes of mineral sand are exported from Chavara to various countries. The Koilthottam port is situated within the limits of Chavara panchayat. Four major industrial establishments - Indian Rare Earths, The Kerala Premopipe factory, Kerala Minerals and Metals and the Titanium complex - are at Chavara. The Thalappoli Mahotsavom- offerings of lighted lamps in decorated small pans - in the Kottamkulangara temple here is very famous. It falls in March - April. The interesting features of the festival is that men dress themselves as women and carry lamps. This is a time-honoured custom.

Paravur : Paravur is an important fishing and coir production centre. It is situated 13 kms. South of Kollam and is connected with Kollam town by road and rail.

Punalur : Punalur is one of the important industrial centres of Kerala. It is about 45 kms. from Kollam. The Punalur Paper Mill is one of the main factories. The suspension bridge which is 400 ft. long across the Kallada river is the only one of its kind in south India. A concrete bridge has been constructed nearby and now the suspension bridge is only of archaeological interest.