Kollam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city lies on the banks of Astamudi Lake on the Arabian sea coast and is situated about north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. It is the headquarters of the Kollam district. Kollam is the fourth largest city in Kerala and is known for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. As the city lies on the shores of Ashtamudi Lake. It is the southern gateway to the Kerala Backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination.Kollam was formerly called Nelcynda and Thondis or tyndis. During the rule of the chera monarchy in southern Kerala, Kollam was the focal point of trade. Today, Kollam is a major business and commercial centre in the central Travancore region of Kerala.

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