The Five Most Stunning Lakes of Kerala

Kerala, which is also popularly known as the “God’s Own Country”,(back)
because of its immense natural beauty, is also dotted with some of the most mesmerizing lakes in the entire country. Here is a list of five most fascinating lakes in the southern state of Kerala.

Vembanad Lake

The Vembanad Lake is located at a distance of about 15 km from Kottayam, in Kerala. Several rivers and canals flow through the Kotayam region and assemble into the Vembanad Lake. The lake is one of the chief backwater destinations in the state, where you will see large number of kettuvallams crisscrossing each other. The lake is also regarded as the longest lake in the entire India, which has been divided into two halves by a salt barrier. As you get to this place, you can clearly see the difference between the brackish and fresh water. The barrier was constructed to prevent the intrusion of sea water into the lake. Cruising along the waters of the lake on a houseboat is memorable experience, as you can explore some parts of the three districts that surround the lake. Tourists from all over the world come to this lake to enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of this place.

You can visit the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is located on the eastern coast of the lake. If you are looking to stay at this place for a couple of days, then the splendid resorts dotted along the banks of the lake are a good option for accommodation.  A much better option is to stay in the houseboats of this place, through which you can explore the surrounding areas of this lake.

Punnamada Kayal Lake

Punnamada Kayal is the local name of the Punnamada Lake and is a branch of the Vembanad Lake. As the Vembanad Lake stretches across different districts in Kerala, it is known by various names in different parts of the state. The Punnamada Lake is located at Kuttanadu, in Alleppey.

Besides the scenic beauty of the lake, it is also known for holding the annual Nehru Trophy boat Race, which is a popular event of the state. Thousands of tourists come to this place to witness the boat race, which is held during the Onam festival. During the festival, villagers from the surrounding villages participate in the competition with long snake-shaped boats with an arching head.

Ashtamudi Lake

The lake has been named such, because it has eight arms or canals. Ashtamudi Lake is stretched over a distance of about 16 km and is regarded as the second largest in Kerala. The lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the state, as it is abounded by red cliffs and coconut palms. The water of this lake is very rich in mineral, which is inhabited by over a 100 species of fishes. A variety of avifauna can also be spotted at this place. The backwater cruise along the Kollam-Alappuzha route offers many scenic views and one can also spot numerous Cheena Vala (Chinese fishing nets), hanging over the waters of the lake.

Sasthamkotta Lake

Sasthamkotta lake, which is also known as the ‘Queen of Lakes’, is located at a distance of about 29 km from Kollam town. The reason behind the lake being called as the ‘Queen of Lakes’, because the long stretched fresh water of this lake is abounded by lush green hills and valleys. The Sasthamkotta Lake is the largest lake in the state and its name has been derived from the primeval Sastha temple, which located on the banks of the lake. Dedicated to Lord Ganesh and Lord Ayyappa, the temple is surrounded by hills and dense forests. It is regarded as a significant pilgrimage center for the Hindus living in the region. Boat services are provided for the visitors to this temple.

Pookode Lake

The Pookode Lake is one of the chief tourist attractions of Kerala, stretched over an area of about 13 acre. It is a fresh water lake situated amidst the lush green forests and hills, at a height of about 2,100 m above sea level. It is a scenic lake that goes up to 40 m deep and is beautifully dotted with water lilies, which are prohibited from picking. The waters of the lake is also inhabited by different species of fishes and the surrounding areas of the lake which is densely wooded, is inhabited by diverse species of wild animals and birds. Tourists can also enjoy boating at this lake.

Vellayani Lake

The lake is located at a distance of about 7 km from Kovalam and it is another popular fresh water lake of the state. The picturesque surroundings of this lake can be explored by cruising along the calm waters of this place. The calm waters of the lake acts like a mirror during the moonlit night and it is a view to be treasured throughout the lifetime. A wide variety of flora and fauna can be found in this lake.