St Gregorious Mount Ashram, a branch of Chengamanad Bethlehem Ashram, is in Kottarakara, about 27 km east of Kollam. It was founded in 1964 by His Holiness Mathews II Catholicos (Metropolitan Mathews Mar Coorilose). The goals include social service, educational activities and strengthen the poor.
Kottarakara Railway Station, situated less than a kilometer from KSRTC Bus Station, is the nearest railhead.
