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.

Lakes and Waterfalls

Sasthamkotta :  It is 29 km from Kollam town and is the largest fresh water lake of Kerala which is surrounded by hills on three sides. It is a beauty spot, a health resort and a centre of pilgrimage. The ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. Accomodation is available at the PWD Rest House in the town. There are frequent buses from Quilon. The journey takes one hour.
Palaruvi waterfalls : Palaruvi which means stream of milk, is one of the well-known waterfalls in south India, falling from a height of 300 feet. It is situated 75 km from Kollam town on Kollam-Shancottah road. The scenic beauty, with the hills, valleys and cascades, covered with dense tropical forests, is breath taking. Season to visit the place is June-January. The palaruvi wood is a beautiful picnic spot.

Courtralam falls : Though the famous waterfall at Courtralam is situated in Tamilnadu state, it shares the boundary of Kollam also. Season to visit the place is from June to January. A guest house and a number of medium range hotels are available.

Thirullavaram Beach : This Beach is 6 km N of Quilion Town. This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre. It is ideal for swimming or bathing in the sun.It is connected to Quilon town by bus.

Ashtamudi Lake: This lake has coconut palms on its banks which give a picturesque view. The Chinese fishing nets and the large-sailed dugouts carrying the local coir, copra and cashew are also be seen in the lake.