Kollam, the largest processed cashew exporter in India, centred on Ashtamudi lake

Background

Kollam, earlier Quilon, lies 70 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
The heart of the district is the Ashtamudi lake, a multi-branched water body dotted with islands.
Kollam has been the centre of the cashew industry in Kerala since the Portuguese in the 16th century.
It is still the largest processed cashew exporter in India.
Neendakara and Thangasseri are its two fishing harbours and ports.