The central midlands of Kollam district has some of the potential towns of future and Kottarakkara rules the roost among the bunch. Based on the development potential, the identified towns in focus are:
- Kottarakkara - a compound word made up of the words Kottaram, meaning "palace", and kara meaning "land", literally means "land of palaces". The area which had several palaces was thus named "Kottarakkara". It has a rich history linked to the early medieval period as well as a reputation for being an important commercial, industrial, and trading center. It lies 27 kilometres to the east of Kollam city center and 18 kilometres to the west of Punalur town on the National Highway 208.
Kottarakkara, also known in the ancient days of the kings as the "Elayadathu Swarupam", was a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family. Its fame is also due to Kathakali, the famous dance drama which originated initially as Ramanattam created in the 17th century by Prince Kottarakkara Thampuran and later patronized by the Raja of Kottarakkara in early 19th century absorbing other dance forms of Krishnattam with further innovations.
- Puthoor - a small town congested with narrow roads and unorganised traffic system and street vendors in the evening trading hours. Puthoor town market attracts people from long distance to trade various agricultural products. This small town 24 Kms away from Kollam city is now on the verge of industrialisation. Puthoor has a good number of cashew factories which processes cashew nut and export to foreign countries.
- Ezhukone - is a small and developing town 19 Kms away from Kollam city on the NH 208. This town primarily an agrarian town is entering into other avenues. Offlate many institutions and projects opened avenues for Ezhukone's development prospects. The upcoming ESI Para Medical Institute, proximity to prestigious institutions such as TKM Institute of Management (TIM), TKM Institute of Technology (TIT), the NILA Palace Hotel and some residential schools have elevated the status of the small town to a prospectful one.
- Ayoor - is a commercial town with rubber, paddy, cashew and pepper being the main trading items. Institutions such as Mar Thoma College of Science and Technology, Travancore Engineering College has made Ayoor an education hub in the south central area of Kollam district.
Request all friends to post all minor, medium, and major project updates pertaining to Kottarakkara, Puthur, Ezhukone, and Ayoor in this thread. All major and mega projects updates of this region can be posted in our Kollam main threads as well. But, please restrict minor project updates only to this thread.