Kayamkulam is a town on the Arabian Sea in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, Indian state. Located on the western coast of India, it was an ancient maritime trading centre. One of the largest thermal power plants in Kerala, the Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant run by the NTPC, is situated in Kayamkulam. Krishnapuram Palace is located nearby. Many old cashew factories can also be seen in the locality. Kayamkulam is closely associated with the legend of Kayamkulam Kochunni. He was a famed highwayman, active in the area known as Central Thiruvithamkoor, in the early part of the 19th century. He is said to have stolen from the rich and given to the poor (like Robin Hood). Legends about his exploits are part of the local folklore. The Krishnapuram Palace, built in the 18th century, now functions as a museum. Constructed in typical Kerala-style architecture, it has the largest mural painting in Kerala. Also, this palace museum at Krishnapuram houses the famous Kayamkulam double-edged sword. Cartoonist Sankar Memorial National Cartoon Museum and Art Gallery, is the first of its kind in the state and would be elevated to the ‘top cartoon study centre’ in the country. Kayamkulam Lake is a part of the Kerala backwaters tourist map. The Kayamkulam Boat Race is held on the fourth Saturday of August every year. The famous Chinese fishing nets can be found on the banks of the lagoon. Azhikkal Beach (Aayiram Tengu) and Valiya Azhikkal beach (Kochiyude Jetty) have gained popularity as tourist locations.