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Asthamudi Lake - Most Beautifully Pristine Lake Of Kerala That You Must Check Out

5 Most Beautifully Pristine Lakes Of Kerala That You Must Check Out (2024)

God’s Own Country Kerala has been blessed with an abundance of nature with numerous waterways. There are plenty of lakes spread around the state of Kerala. Many of these lakes even allow you to stay on a houseboat to enjoy the breathtaking views all around as you dine on traditional Keralan cuisine. Here are some of the most beautiful lakes of Kerala:

5 Most Beautifully Pristine Lakes of Kerala That You Must Check Out

Checkout the 5 Most Beautiful Lakes of Kerala:

1. Asthamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake is located in the Kollam District. It is the second biggest lake in the state of Kerala and stretches over a length of 16 kilometers, covering nearly 30 percent of the entire town of Kollam. The name Ashtamudi means eight branches, signifying that the lake has eight branches. All these eight branches of the lake come together into a single channel to meet up with the Arabian Sea. The Ashtamudi Lake is supplied by the main River Kallada. The entire lake is surrounded by tall coconut trees and palm trees.Asthamudi Lake - Most Beautifully Pristine Lake Of Kerala That You Must Check OutImage Source

What Is Unique About The Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala?

The Ashtamudi Lake has a unique feature in that it is laid out with Chinese fishing nets that give it a beautifully different look. The banks of the lake are filled with lush greenery and bushes, which makes it a beautiful sight to behold. This lake makes for the perfect getaway spot to escape from the city with your family and friends. This is a popular picnic spot for both locals and tourists.

While here, you can also hire a boat to take a ride along the backwaters of the lake. The motorboats available range from 14 seaters for larger families to the small two-seaters, perfect for a couple planning a romantic getaway.

The eight different branches of Lake Ashtamudi also have different names. These are:

  1. Thevally Lake
  2. Kandachira Lake
  3. Thekkumbagham Lake
  4. Kureepuzha Lake
  5. Perumon Lake
  6. Kallada Lake
  7. Kanjirottu Lake
  8. Kumbalathu Lake

What Is There To See At The Ashtamudi Lake?

The Ashtamudi lake in Kerala is the ideal site for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The lake is home to over 57 species of birds, out of which several are migratory species. Most of the birds you see here are wet-land dependent birds. Herons, plovers, terns, and cormorants are some of the most common birds to spot in this area. As the area serves as a biosphere as a result of which the lake also serves as a home to over 45 species of insects, amongst which there are 26 species are of butterflies. The lake is also home to various clams and fishes.

Another thing to do here is to check out the many traditional houseboats that dot the lake. This is an eco-friendly tourist spot, and there are many houseboats available for renting, suiting everyone’s budget and need. To enjoy the lake and its beauty to the fullest, it is a good idea to hire a houseboat for at least one night. Most houseboats come with a chef and captain, and you can specify the type of food you would like to have. The chefs here specialize in cooking many Keralan delicacies, especially in seafood.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Ashtamudi Lake?

The weather at the Ashtamudi lake in Kerala remains pleasant round the year, and you can visit at any time. Sunset is the ideal time of the day to come here.

2. Punnamada Lake

The Punnamada Lake is a popular tourist destination in Alleppey, Kerala. This lake is an extension of the Vembanad Lake and is renowned for hosting the famous boat race called the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The race is held every year during the Onam festival in Kerala and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Most Beautifully Pristine Lake of Kerala-Punnamada LakeImage Source

3. Vembanad Lake

Located in the district of Alleppey, the Vembanad Lake is an expansive lake/lagoon. It is the longest lake in India and also the biggest lake in Kerala. The lake is easily accessible from Kochi, Kuttanad, and Kottayam. The lake is known by several names throughout the different regions of Kerala. For example, it is known as the Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, Kochi Lake in Kochi, and the Vembanad Lake in Kottayam. Locals also refer to it as the Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol.
Image Source

What Can You Do At Vembanad Lake?

The most popular activity to do at this lake is bird watching. The Vembanad Lake is the perfect spot for bird watchers. The abundant flora and fauna found in this area have created the ideal environment for wildlife to flourish. Furthermore, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is also located on the coast of this lake, attracting many tourists round the year. There is a huge population of Waterfowl here, along with other birds like the owl, cuckoo, heron, parrots, flycatcher, lark, teal, Brahminy Kite, the Siberian Crane, and many others.

You can also take a ride across the brackish lagoons by renting a boat. Ride across the tranquil waters of the lake and explore the nearby surroundings and leave your worries behind. You can choose from a variety of day boat tours or night boat tours according to your convenience.

These tours are very popular amongst tourists as they take you on an exploration of the nearby markets, and you get freshly prepared local food on the boat as you continue to sail through the waters of the lake. The Night Boat Tours are especially popular as they include a sunset boat ride, which continues into the night when the lights are dimmed, and you can get an once-in-a-lifetime experience of traveling the lake under the starry sky.

You can also stay in one of the many houseboats that dot the shores of the lake. You can either stay in the Punting houseboats or in the Kettuvellam houseboats. A houseboat stay can cost anywhere between Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 21,000 per night/per person, depending on the type of amenities you want. The houseboat tours also include market trips, fishing experience in the lake, sightseeing of the neighboring villages, and delicious local cuisine.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Vembanad Lake?

The winter season is the best time to visit this Vembanad lake in Kerala. The months of September to March is the perfect time as the weather remains pleasant throughout the day and the water level of the lake is also safe for various activities like fishing and boating.

4. Akkulam Lake

The Akkulam Lake is located in Trivandrum and is actually an extension of another lake known as the Veli Lake. This lake goes on to merge with the sea and makes for a very beautiful and popular picnic spot for tourists and locals.

5. Mananchira Lake

The Mananchira Lake is located in the heart of the Kozhikode City in Kerala. Sprawled over 3.49 acres, this lake is fed by a nearby natural spring. In the 14th century, the lake was used as a bathing pool for the then ruler Zamorin Mana Vikrama.

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