Chavara (Malayalam: Cavaa) is approximately 14km north of Kollam City on the Kollam-Alappuzha highway in India. Tonnes of mineral sand, mainly titanium, are exported from Chavara to various countries. The name Chavara derived from the Chinese word Chaavara which means cemetry. It is believed that in ancient times a cemetry of the Chinese people had existed here. The Kovilthottam port is situated within the limits of Chavara Panchayat. Kovilthottam is a strip of land (approx. 100 m in width) sandwiched in between chavara T.S canal and Arabian sea. It is also a tourist spot and pilgrim centre. St. Andrews church, beach and lighthouse are major attractions. Chavara panchyat has some industrial establishments, including Indian Rare Earths (IRE), The Kerala Premo Pipe factory( Closed since 1995 and all chances to reopen this factory ended due to political ego between Left and Right front ruling parties), Kerala Mineral and Metal Limited (KMML), and Titanium Complex at Chavara. The...
