Kerala is known by the other name as God’s own country. Kerala is gifted with the treasures of Nature. The tour of Kerala enlivens the spurt and one is prove to spend more time in this land. There are top destinations of touring such as Munnar, Alleppey etc. There as a sizable number of beautiful lakes of Kerala which enchant the lookers.
1. Periyar Lake – One of the top lakes of Kerala
The periyar is one of the longest and deepest lakes in Kerala, providing drinking water to several major towns. So you can imagine how important this lake is to the economy of the state.
The wildlife in Periyar Lake depends on the Periyar lake for water. It’s a vital part of the sanctuary, contributing to the preservation of plants and animals. During your trip, you can catch glimpses of some of the wildlife. You can spot a wide variety of birds and animals during boat rides in the lake. The boat ride takes about an hour and a half and is highly recommended for bird-watchers. To see the most wildlife, visit during the morning or late afternoon.
Boat rides on Periyar Lake are the primary mode of exploration. You can easily book a boat ride by going to a ticket counter near the lake. However, you must be patient, as queues can last up to 1.5 hours. Taking the boat ride allows you to spot many different kinds of wildlife, including birds and other animals. Besides, it’s a great way to get acquainted with the wildlife in the area.
2. Ashtamudi Lake
A picturesque lake Ashtamudi is located in Kerala, India. It is popular for its lush greenery and Chinese fishing nets. In addition to its natural beauty, Ashtamudi is also famous for its clam fishing. This lake was declared a wetland of international importance by the Asian Development Assistance Facility (ADF) in 2007..The lake was formerly known as Quilon. It is an important historical port city in Kerala. The town is situated at the mouth of Neendakara port, a trade route in Kerala. The Ashtamudi Lake has become a vital source of livelihood for thousands of local fishermen. It is the second largest fish landing site after Vembanad estuary. During the dry season, the lake is an important source of drinking water for the surrounding towns.
The best time to visit the Ashtamudi backwaters is from November to the end of March. The climatic conditions are cool and pleasant during this time. If you’d like to visit the Ashtamudi Lake, you can take a flight from Trivandrum, which is located approximately 60 km from Kollam. Alternatively, you can take the road from Kollam to the lake. If you choose to drive, there is a good rail connection and road to Kollam.
3. Pookode Lake in India
The beautiful lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is a wonderful place for a picnic or a day of hiking. The lake is also ideal for fishing.The lake is a perennial fresh water body nestled among the forest of Wayanad district in Kerala, southern India. The lake contains Pethia pookodensis, a species of cyprinid fish that is found only in Pookode Lake. It also features a variety of blue lotus, fresh water fish, and a plethora of other aquatic life. In addition to the many fish species found in the lake, it is home to numerous wild animals such as pigeons and swans. It is best to visit the lake at dawn.
The jogging track that circles the lake’s bank is lined with tall trees and thick bushes. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the lake, relax on benches, and take pictures of the surroundings. Some visitors have seen wildlife and birds, and have even experienced a short elephant ride! You may find these sights interesting and even come across some of the region’s local handicrafts and herbal medicines. If you have time, try to go during the off-season, as the lake can get crowded.
4. Vembanad Lake
Located in Kerala, India, the Vembanad Lake is the largest and longest lake in the state. It covers an area of 2033 square kilometers and reaches a maximum length of 96.5 km. It is the second largest Ramsar site in India, behind the Sunderbans. Those who wish to explore this beautiful lake should visit it during its spring season when the water levels are higher. While the lake is known for its rich biodiversity, its largest concern is overfishing.
There are many ways to explore the Vembanad Lake. Visitors should take a boat cruise during the sunset. Sunsets on the lake are incredibly beautiful, especially in the orange and red hues. Besides sightseeing, boating and fishing are popular activities. Many locals fish using their bare hands on the lake’s waters. You can also do yoga on the lake and get a total body workout. For those who enjoy yoga and exercise, there are many beaches along the lake.
5. Paravur Lake – Another one of the top lakes of Kerala
The city of Kollam is located 13 km from the beautiful and serene Lakes of Kerala. The lake is surrounded by the greenery of mangroves, which enhance its beauty. Besides the lake, the surrounding mountains also provide an excellent view of the lake. The lake is connected to the Arabian Sea through the Trivandrum-Shornaur Canal System. The best time to visit this place is from September to December.
You can reach Paravur Lake by bus or train. Paravur is a small town in the Malabar Coast. The lake is 60 km away from Thiruvananthapuram. From Kollam, you can take a train that stops at Edava and Ashtamudi railway stations. The bus service from Kollam is about 14 pairs a day. If you are traveling by road, you can also catch a bus from Chathannoor, which is 12 km away from the town. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Paravur Municipal Bus Stand.
6. Vellayani Lake
Located 7 km away from Kovalam, Vellayani Lake is one of most beautiful lakes of Kerala. During the Onam festival, boat races take place at the lake. There are many stories surrounding the origin of Vellayani Lake, but one story stands out above the rest. Legend has it that a thirsty beggar was helped by a saint who poured water into his pot and chanted a hymn. The beggar was so happy that he threw the empty pot onto the ground, and over the next few months, the small lake grew into a large body of water.
The Vellayani Lake is under threat from illegal mining, water pollution, and encroachment. Environmentalists, local governments, and the Fisheries Department have all made a concerted effort to protect the lake. Conservation efforts are urgently needed. A new strategy is needed to protect the lake and the ecosystems it supports
A state government proposal to dewater the lake to allow paddy cultivation was rejected by residents. Local residents protested the decision, and the State Human Rights Commission intervened. In 2005, the state government was ordered to postpone the proposal following the findings of a study done by Vellayani faculty. The study concluded that dewatering the lake for cultivation would not only endanger the reservoir, but also a drinking water project. The committee should be overseen by the District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram and review its functioning at least two times per year.
7. Sasthamkotta Lake
If you’re looking for a serene environment and beautiful freshwater lake, then you’ve probably come across Sasthamkotta Lake, located in the southern state of Kerala. Surrounded by rolling paddy fields and green hills, this beautiful lake is often referred to as the “Queen of Lakes.” In addition to a wide variety of water birds, this area is also home to many migratory and local species.
The lake has been declared a Ramsar wetland of international significance, While you’re at Sasthamkotta Lake, you can also take a tour of the picturesque village around it. The village boasts a health resort and a few restaurants and is the perfect spot to enjoy the lake’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for a place to worship, you should head to Sastha Temple, a shrine dedicated to the Hindu gods Ganesha and Ayyappa. You’ll find thousands of monkeys in the forest surrounding the temple, which are considered holy by devotees.
Aside from its ecological importance, Sasthamkotta Lake is also a source of drinking water for Kollam City. Its picturesque shores are a popular location for many movies and TV series. A variety of freshwater fish can be found on the banks of the lake. The lake’s clear waters are also the source of drinking water in Kollam. There is also a Sastha temple on the shoreline.
8. Punnamada Lake in Kerala
This beautiful lake lies in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. It is famous for boat races, including the Nehru Trophy. The lake is surrounded for its canopy of areca and giant coconut trees. The area is also popular for its scenic beauty, and you’ll want to spend at least a day here, as the views are spectacular.
The lake is a union of six major rivers that spread out over an 80-kilometer-long coastline. The lake is connected to numerous towns by canals, including the town of Punnamada. The lake has a thriving coir industry, which adds to its appeal. This area of Kerala is a must-see destination for tourists. While you’re visiting, don’t forget to experience the unique culture of Kerala and the local people.
9. Veeranpuzha Lake
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In Kerala, Veeranpuzha Lake is a stunning body of water. It is the northern extension of the Vembanad Lake, which stretches from Ernakulam to Munambam. The lake’s high salinity makes it an ideal spot for angling and prawn farming. Visitors can visit the area from April to November. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation in Kerala, Veeranpuzha should be on your list.
The lake is surrounded by natural beauty, but there’s also a threat of industrialization. During the rainy season, many local tourists visit the lake to fish for fish. There are also some water-front tourism festivals, which are designed to attract foreign tourists.
When planning your trip to Kerala, make sure to plan ahead. The nearest airports are Cochin and Kochi harbor terminus. The lake is about 20km from the two. If you’re coming by train, you can also take a rickshaw from the train station to the lake. If you’re traveling by rail, the lake’s railway terminus is also nearby. You can also opt for a car or a rickshaw.
If you have time to spare, visit Thirumullavaram, which is located on the southern part of the lake. It’s famous for its cool breeze and swimming. Nearby Ambalapuzha, you can also visit Karumadikuttan, where a beautiful black granite idol of the Lord Buddha is carved from a single piece of granite. The idol is believed to date back to the ninth or tenth century.
10. Mananchira Lake – One of the top lakes of Kerala
The town of Kozhikode in Kerala has a man-made lake named Mananchira Lake. The lake spans three and a half acres and is fed by a natural spring. In the 14th century, the ruler of Kozhikode, Zamorin Mana Vikrama, used the lake as a bathing pool. This lake is now heavily polluted due to the dumping of wastes and trash.
In addition to the lake, the area around the Lake also has many famous artists. You can visit the place and admire the landscape or go on a night tour. The view at night is absolutely spectacular and you will be able to take photographs that will leave you speechless. Alternatively, you can go on a boat ride during the day, or go on a night tour. Either way, you will enjoy the natural beauty of this area.
If you are in the mood for some exercise, hike up the Maderas volcano. You’ll also find some stone idols and petroglyphs on the slopes. The oldest one dates back to around 1000 BC. Petroglyphs are drawings made on the surface of rocks. The lakes of Kerala is also home to a diverse wildlife. You can watch tapirs, monkeys, eagles etc.
