Most Beautiful Lakes in Kerala

 January 14 2010 | Category : Lakes | | (2) Comments Tweet

Quiet flow the lakes of Kerala, almost touching the soul with ethereal placidity. Fringed with coconut palm groves and other tropical vegetation, the lakes of Kerala are those natural water bodies which should not be given a miss for their inspiring beauty.  The 34 lakes of Kerala could mostly be divided into those which border a sand bank, those which are surrounded by sand bank and those which run perpendicular to the bank. While the trip to all the three could be interesting those ideal for sailing will be the first two.

Photo by amangupta

Vembanadu Lake

The longest lake in the country and the largest one in Kerala spreading across 12,504 hectors, Vembanadu Lake is a must visit tourist spot in the state. The lake which is humongous and serene with its green algae rich waters is as wide as 14 km at its widest point.

Situated 15 km from Kottayam town, a sail on the lake will reveal almost all of nature’s wonders to you. Since the lake borders three districts, Alapuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam, there is always so much to see while on a trip including the most famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is an abode for many migratory and inland birds which are near extinction. There are several rivers including Pamba, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha and Periyar which flow into the lake there by giving it its volume and depth.

The most unique feature on the lake is Thannermukkom Saltwater Barrier which literally divides the lake into two halves – one with brackish water and the other with freshwater. A trip on either side of the barrier would reveal a different face of the lake to you. The lake also surrounds beautiful islands including, Pathiramal, Perumbalam and Pallipuram where night stay and food will be available. Houseboat tours on the lake are famous and can be booked even online. The lake which 75 km from Kochi and 19 km from Alapuzha the lake is easily accessible on road. 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.

Ashtamudi Lake

The serene lake spreads its octopus branches into the inlands which are lush green and serene. Known to have over eight branches, this lake which is palm shaped or octopus shaped is a much sought after tourist location in Kollam district. Known to be the second biggest lake in the state with a catchment area of 1700 sq km, Ashtamudi Lake gets its major share of water from Kallada River.

The lake is rich in minerals and hence contributes to a healthy ecosystem around it which includes over 96 varieties of fish and rich mangrove with two species of endangered plants. Migratory birds, freshwater fish and other aquatic life and a lush vegetation to add to the beauty all are major attractions around this lake. Dotted with majestic islands like Monroe Islands and Chavara Island, the lake has also become a place for tourists to anchor their houseboats. A common site from the lake are the Chinese fishing nets which are huge structures propped up on bamboo sticks that are found only in this part of Kerala.

The Trivandrum international airport is 71 km away from the lake. The lake can be accessed on road, NH 47. From Kollam an eight hour boat ride could also take one to the lake.

Sasthamkotta Lake

For the pilgrim’s progress a sail on Sasthamkotta Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state is important since on its banks stands the blessed ancient temple of Sastha. The temple which faces the lake can be seen in close proximity during any sail on the lake. There are boating services to the temple through the lake.

While on a trip on the lake tourists could get the sight of the rare flora and fauna. While migratory birds are a common sight some shallow parts of the lake are open for underwater exploration. While on Sasthamkotta tour do get in touch with your biology as there are rare varieties of plants including the insect eating plant, Drosera on its banks. There are packaged vegetation tours which offer a sight of the plant in its insect catching mode. The lake is situated at a distance of 29 km from Kollam district and can be easily reached on road. Trivandrum International Airport is 105 km away.

Punnamada Lake

The world famous annual ritual, Nehru Trophy Vallam Kali, snake boat race where hundreds of boats race against each other to bag the coveted Nehru Trophy is a must watch event of the year. So if backwaters are on your mind when you set out on a Kerala trip then make sure that you do not miss the event which happens in the months of July to September in association with the state’s harvest festival, Onam.

The lake which is one of the biggest lakes in Alapuzha district in south Kerala is also known for its emerald waters which is tinted green due to the presence of rare varieties of algae. While sailing on the boat during a quite boating trip, the lush vegetation on either side of the lake which often breaking into narrow rivulets mesmerise the tourist. Lush green paddy fields swaying to the caress of breeze, which one finds in this area known as the rice bowl of Kerala is surely a delightful sight! The place is well connected through road, rail and air with Kochi being the nearest big city.

Pookode lake

The lake which is located in a picturesque district is bound to be breathtaking. This is entirely true about Pukkodu Lake in Wayanad district of north Kerala where the scenic surrounding with arching flowerbeds, flocking water birds, lush vegetation and rolling hills would enchant the sailor and keep him occupied with beautiful thoughts till he reaches the shore.

As the boat floats along through a sea of water lilies, an observant traveller is sure to get their sight on monkeys and deer which herd along on the shore. The lake also has a children’s park near it which has many amusement facilities for the young traveller. The proximity to other places of tourist importance including Soochipara Waterfalls and Pazhassi Tombs makes the lake the most sought after tourist place in Malabar.

The lake can be reached after a two hour journey on road from Kozhikode district. It can also be reached from Karnataka District through Mysore pass.

Photos by : Aman Gupta, Nostalgic T+ Allan, Genetic_fotos, Advtrkurup, Lalframes, Hary.album, Varungm,  Madhu K K, Chatts