Backwaters

Vembanad Lake     

Vembanad Lake is  the longest in the country and the largest in Kerala is known by different names as it flows through the different parts of the state. Spreading across 12,504 hectares this humongous and serene lake with its green algae rich water is about 14 km wide. It is situated at a distance of 16 km from Kottayam town and borders three important districts of Kerala Alapuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam. No one can afford to miss the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which is an abode for many migratory and inland birds. There are several rivers includeing Pampa, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha and Periyar which flows into the lake and provide it volume and depth. The most unique feature on the lake is Thannermukkom Saltwater Barriers which literally divides the lake in two halves one with brackish water and the other with freshwater. The lake also surrounds the beautiful islands including Pathiramal, Perumbalam and Pallipuram where night stay and food will be available.

The other major attraction of Vembanad Lake is the much celebrated Nehru Trophy snake boat race which is conducted on major portion of this lake. The race is conducted at Kuttanad region where the lake is known as Punnamada Lake. The lake is the pride of the state and is the largest wetland eco system in India. The people who live on the shores of Vembanad Lake are dependent on lake for their livelihood. The main occupation of the people is agriculture, fishing, coir retting, lime shell collection and tourism. The lake helps in the irrigation of large parts of farming areas of the state.

Best Time to visit: The best time to visit the lake will be in the month of August when one could get immersed in the energetic yearly snake boat races.

How to reach Vembanad Lake:

By Air: Nearest Airport to Vembanad Lake is Kozhikode  International airport which is 66 km from it.

By Rail: The nearest rail head is Kozhikode railway station that is 63 km from Vembanad Lake.

 

Ashtamudi Lake     

Ashtamudi Lake, which flows through Kollam district of Kerala, is one of the largest and deepest wetland ecosystems. The lake is shaped like a palm tree or, as it is referred mostly by the locals, as an octopus. Ashtamudi literally means ‘Eight Coned’ in Malayalam. The name of the lake points towards the branched topography of the lake. It has a branched topography because of the streams and water rivulets flowing in it. Hence, it is also called the Gateway to Kerala backwaters. The lake is included in the list of wetlands of international importance after the report from the Ramsar Convention for its sustainable utilization and conservation. The shores of the lake pined with coconut groves forms a picture perfect view of the lake. Quilon is a major place located on the shore of the lake. The boat club which is situated on this shore of the lake provides ferry rides and house boats. Therefore, you can enjoy the serenity of lake to the fullest. The best part of the boat trip on this lake is that one can enjoy as well as learn a lot about the parts of the lake, which can not be accessed by any other means of transport.

Chinese fishing nets too are major attractions of this lake, as these nets are quite old and are not to be seen at most parts of the world. Fishing with the help of these nets is quite a remarkable experience. Apart from the house boats, the traditional gondolas are the means of transport on the lake. For the natives who live by the shores of the lake this lake is the only route for transportation. One can observe the natives going out for petty works like grocery shopping and going to school on these small traditional boats. Accessing the city is quite easy, as the place is well connected to major places nearby with the help of a network of well linked roads. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is located 71 km from the lake. If one is interested in exploring the real India the best option is taking a train journey to your destination. The nearest railhead is Thiruvananthapuram. If one ever gets a chance to visit this place one can not miss visiting Ashtamudi Lake.

 

Sasthamkotta Lake     

Situated at a distance of 19 km from Kollam, Sasthamkotta Lake is one of its kinds in Kerala. Spreading across the area of 375 hectares the freshwater lake has one unique characteristic that it neither gets frozen during the winter season nor does it dries up in summers. Through out the year the fresh water of this lake provides a clean drinking water to more than 10 million people. The fresh water lake is a habitat for large varieties of flora and fauna. The major attraction of Sasthamkotta Lake is a temple of Sastha that can be seen in close proximity during a sail on the lake. One can reach the temple though a boat.

The lake is an ideal spot for picnic. The lake is encircled by hills on three sides and was notified as a wetland on International importance. A ride on a country boat in this lake early morning or evening is a refreshing experience. One can also explore the great diversity of plants including the insect eating plant Drosera on its banks.


Best Time to Visit: Best time to visit Sasthamkotta Lake is from August to April.

How to reach Sasthamkotta:

By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is one of the major airport which is 105 km from Sasthamkotta Lake.
By Rail: Nearest railway station to Sasthamkotta Lake is Kollam Railway station and ochira railway station which is well connected to Kollam.

Akkulam Lake   

Extremely beautiful calm and serene Akkulam Lake  is one of the most famous picnic spots of Kerala situated quite a distance from Thiruvanantpuram. The splendor of the lake is even more increased with the scenic beauty of the surrounding Western Ghats. Situated at a distance of 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Akkulam Boat club is a popular retreat for the visitors situated on the banks of Akkulam Lake. Visitors here can enjoy various adventurous activities like swimming, boating, kayaking and hovercraft are the added attractions for the visitors. Akkulam lake is an extension to the Veli Lake. Its clear calm water and unique beaty attract visitors from far off places. There is a children park, a snack bar and a swimming pool for children which makes it extremely popular among the locals and travelers from far off places.

Best Time to visit: Akkulam Lake can be visited at any time as it is a major picnic spot for children.

How to reach Akkulam Lake:

By Air:-Trivandrum International Airport is around 12 km from Akkulam Tourist Village.

By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (8 km) is the nearest major railhead which is situated at a distance of 8 km from it.

 

Vellayani Lake       

Vellayani Lake  or better known as Vellayani Kayal in local language is the largest fresh water lake in Trivandrum. It is located at a distance of 7 km from Kovalam and is extensively used for drinking and irrigation purposes. Till 1953, it was used only to grow lotus flowers for the Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple. The lake is a major attraction among the visitors and those who visit Kovalam can’t afford to miss an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view of Vellayani Lake. The crystal clear calm water especially during the moonlit nights allures the visitors to enjoy the splendor of the lake. As the rays of the moon are reflected from the surface of the placid water of lake draw magnificent visuals in the mind of its visitors which is an unforgettable experience for them. The major attraction of Vellayani Lake is boat race that takes place during the time of Onam. Two pilgrimage centers near the banks of the lake namely the Vellayani Vishnu Temple and Vellayani Devi temple are also must visit sites of Vellayani Lake. Country boat service is available from Kovalam beach to reach the lake.

Best time to visit: Best time to visit Vellayani Lake is during the time of Onam in July- August depending upon the festival time.

How to reach Vellayani Lake:

By Air: Nearest airport to the Vellayani Lake is Thiruvananthapuram International airport.

By Rail:To reach Vellayani Lake travel 10 km southward starting from Thiruvananthapuram central bus terminal or central railway station.

Mananchira Lake  

Mananchira, a man made fresh water lake situated in the kozhikode district of Kerala. Spreading across the area of 3.49 acres it is the main source of drinking water in this place. The lake is rectangular in shape and is fed by the natural spring. Mananchira was built as a bathing pool by the Zamorin Mana Vikrama the feudal ruler of Kozhikode in around the 14th century and was known by the name of Manadevan’s Chira which was later named as Mananchira. In the 19th centuary , Calicut’s municipal decreed that the lake was reserved exclusively for drinking purposes and is prohibited to be used for bathing washing and other such activities. A park adjacent to the Mananchira Square is a famous picnic spot which was opened in 1994 is a major center of attraction for the tourists who come here from the far away places to enjoy their leisure time.

calicut has an International airport and a railway station. This is the third largest city in the state of kerala and can be reached from all of the major cities in India.

How to reach Mananchira:

By Air:Calicut has its own International airport from where one can reach Mananchira Lake  by auto taxi or state run buses.
By Rail:Calicut has its own railway station that is well connected to all the major parts of the country.

Punnamada Lake 

Punnamada Lake also known as Punnamada Kayal is a part of the Vembanad Lake, which is the biggest lake in Kerala. Vembanad Lake is one of the largest lakes of Kerala that spans at different parts of Kerala and hence called by different names. When the lake reaches Kuttanad it is called Punnamada Lake or Punnamada Kayal. In Kochi the lake is named Kochi Lake. The famous annual Nehru trophy snake boat race of Kerala is which is the major tourist attraction is conducted on parts of Punnamada Lake. The grand event of boat race happens to be in the months of July to September in association with state’s harvest festival Onam. The lake is one of the biggest lakes in Alapuzha  districts of Kerala.

The beauty of the lake is mesmerizing as it got tined green color due to the presence of rare varieties of algae. On a quite boating trip on this lake the lush green vegetation on either side of the lake, green paddy fields and slowly moving water is such a delightful sight that can not be described in words. The punnamada wetland has a wide spanning area of over 2,033 sq km hence making it one of the largest wetlands in India. The major attraction for the modern scholars and tourists alike is the Barrier Island which separates the fresh water lake from saline marine water. The canal link the lake to the other fresh water resources and thus there is a steady inflow of fresh water into this water body

Best Time to visit:The best time to visit Punnamada Lake is from December to May.

How to reach Punnamada Lake:

By Air:Nearest Airport to Punnamada Lake is Kozhikode International airport which is 66 km from it.

By Rail:The nearest rail head is Kozhikode railway station that is 63 km from Punnamada Lake. The Kerala Vacations helps you to explore the mesmerizing beautiful lakes of Kerala and offer you various holiday packages for it. For more details just fill the form below or write to us.

 

Pookot Lake

Pookot Lake is situated at a distance of 3 km from Vythiri town and 13 km from Kalpetta is one of the enchanting lakes of Kerala. Nestled between the lush green forests surrounding with arching flowerbeds, where tree provides the shade the lake is bordered with huge mountains. The pristinely beautiful Pookot Lake is one of the major attractions among the visitors. Boating in the calm waters of Pookot Lake  is an exciting option for visitors. As boat flows along the calm sea of water lilies a traveler can come across various mesmerizing sights that compel them to visit here again and again. The major attraction of the lake is children’s park which has many amusement facilities for children.

The other places of attraction at Pookot Lake includes Soochipara Waterfalls and Pazhassi Tombs which make the lake as one of the most sought after tourist place in Malabar. Additional attractions of Pookot Lake include a fresh water aquarium with a large number of colorful fishes swimming in it. Visitors can also enjoy activities at Children’s park, a shopping centre for handicrafts and spices. The natives of the place sell natural and hand made items over here which are made up of fibers like jute or bamboo.

Best Time to visit:Best time to visit Pookot Lake is between the months of August and May.

How to reach Pookot Lake:

By Air:The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport which is 23 km from Kozhikode Town.

By Rail:The nearest railway station is at Kozhikode which is about 60 km from Vythiri.