Kottarakara is a town located in the district of Kollam, formerly known as Quilon, in the Kerala state of India. 25 km to the east of Kollam on the National Highway. It served as a place of residence for the king. Thus, it is named 'Kottarakara', or 'the place of the palace'. The 'Elayidath Swaroopam' was the last ruling family of the area. The last queen of the dynasty voluntarily surrendered to king Marthanda Varma of Travancore in the 18th century.
The region is primarily agrarian. It has grown in population as well as economically. There are lots of educational institutions including the St. Gregorious College and the IHRD Engineering College. The place is well connected, with a good network of roads and frequent bus services to all places. The Kollam - Chennai railway passes through Kottarakara and there is a railway station here.
Kottarakkara Ganapathi Kshethram
The Mahaganapathi temple at Kottarakara is famous for its 'Unniappom', is one of the most venered Ganesh temples in Kerala.
