Quilon

Quilon, also known as Kollam, is a city and municipal corporation in the state of Kerala, India. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Kollam district and lies on the Malabar Coast at the mouth of the Ashtamudi Lake along the Laccadive Sea. The name Quilon is the historic anglicized form of Kollam, a reflection of its colonial-era prominence.

Historically, Quilon was an important port in the Indian Ocean trading network. It engaged in the spice and commodity trade with Arab, Chinese, and later European merchants. The city saw fortifications built by European powers, including the Tangasseri Fort constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and it subsequently came under Dutch and British influence as part of regional colonial exchange.

Geographically, Kollam is known for its backwaters, particularly the Ashtamudi Lake, which links to the coastal ecosystem and supports a thriving tourism sector focused on houseboat experiences and lagoon excursions. The city also maintains a fishing port and has a traditional economy tied to cashew processing and coir products, industries that have long anchored the region’s commerce.

Today, Kollam is a major rail and road hub, with Kollam Junction railway station and highway connections linking it to Thiruvananthapuram and other major centers. It remains a center for administration, commerce, fishing, and tourism, drawing visitors to its historic sites, waterway network, and coastal landscapes.