Kollam is the prime city of Kerala located on the banks of the vast Ashtamudi Lake that covers 30% of this historic town. Located on the fascinating countryside of Kerala, some 71 Kms to the north of Thiruvanathapuram, the scintillating Kollam Backwaters is attributed the ‘gateway to the backwaters of the state.’ Known for its scenic beauty, Kollam offers a range of backwater tours. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala.

Kollam has earned accolades as the epicenter of the country's cashew trade and processing industry. Kollam is enriched with several temples, shrines, forts and churches built in traditional ornate architectural mode. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast, Kollam was formerly a major port of international spice trade.

Situated approximately 23 Kms from Kollam town, Alumkadavu is halfway on the route to Alappuzha from Kollam. This calm, secluded village in Karunagapally town is reputed for its boat building yard. In this very ard, the gargantuan Kettuvalam (cargo boats of rural Kerala) were crafted. Today, these Kettuvallams have been replaced by modern means of transport. They have also been converted into houseboats to serve tourists.