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.