Ashtamudi Lake

About Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake is located in Kollam district, Kerala, South India.The Ashtamudi is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Kerala State. It is a palm-shaped extensive water body with eight prominent arms, adjoining the Kollam town. The arms converge into a single outlet at Neendakara near Kollam, to flow into the Arabian sea.The river feeds on the Kallada River, which is formed when the Kulathupuzha, the Chedurni and the Kalthuruthy merge together.t is a palm-shaped extensive water body with eight prominent arms, adjoining the Kollam town. The arms converge into a single outlet at Neendakara near Kollam, to enter the Lakshadweep sea. This estuary is the deepest among all the estuaries of Kerala with a maximum depth of 6.4 m at the confluence zone.The backdrop of Chinese fishing nets lends an oriental ambience. The quiet town of Kollam is situated on the edge of this lake.The exceedingly beautiful Ashtamudi Lake is fringed with coconut groves and palm trees. Some picturesque promontories extend from the north side. One can hire boats for cruising through the placid lake, from the Kollam Boat Club. Tourists engage in boating in cruises arranged by the Kollam Boat Club. Services are available to explore the water-route between Quilon and Allapuzha using house boats and cruises. Most popular in this area are the cashew trading and marine food processing industries, which form an important part of economy in Kollam.

The Ashtamudi Lake, so named because of its eight ‘arms’ or channels is the gateway to the backwaters. Located in Kollam district, Ashtamudi is famed for its panoramic for its magnificent views.Ashtamudi LakeThe lake is 16 kilometers in length and is renowned for its scenic beauty. The numerous coconut groves that dot the lakeside enhance the beauty of the lake. The Ashtamudi Lake is regarded as the gateway to Kerala`s famous backwaters, which constitute a group of lakes interconnected by a network of canals. Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Sonneratia caseolaris are the flora species that are found near the lake.Forty-three species of marshy and mangrove associates are also present along with two endangered species Syzygium travencoricum and Calamus rotang.t is interesting to note that Ashtamudi Lake has found a place in the list of wetlands of international importance.

Interesting things to Visit

Quilon:

The Dutch Quilon as it was called used to be a British Enclave. The place is also popular as Thangasseri. The lighthouse built at Quilon by the British in the year 1902 is visible as far as 13 miles in the sea.

Alumkadavu:

The Alumkadavu is in little place in the town of Karunagapally just 23 km from Kollam. Hub of the Kettuvallam building industry, Karunagapally has hundreds of artisans who can be seen busy at work putting together a traditional houseboat like it has been done for hundreds of years.At Alumkadavu,you might get a chance to see a floating conference hall, perhaps the only one of its kind in the world. Designed for 35 persons, it has a dais and a sophisticated public address system.

Sasthamkotta:

This is located in Kollam district. The beautiful town on the right bank of Kallada River is 26km north east of Kollam. It is known for the temple of Lord Sastha and Sasthamkotta Lake , which is the only major fresh water lake in the state. The lake is set amidst scenic surroundings covered by high hills on the three sides.

Ochira:

This is 6km from Kayamkulam on the NH47, Ochira is famous for its Parabrahma temple and the annual temple festival. It is believed that Ochira was the Army Training Centre of the Kayamkulam Rajas. It is also an important handicrafts centre.

Kulathupuzha:

Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here.

Nearest Visiting places

Ashramam Picnic Village:

Ashramam picnic village is located in the 48acre Guest House complex. The children’s traffic and entertainment park, designed by NATPAC is also located in this village. It is the largest traffic park in Kerala. The adventure park located in the village along the shores of the Ashtamudi back waters , is a novel experiment in the country. Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the adventure Park. A budget hotel for tourists, Yathrinivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village. The Govt. Guest House here is 200 years old .

Thangassery:

Thangassery is a place of historical importance a situated 5kms away from the Kollam town. The churches here are pretty old, having been established in the 18th century. The chief attraction of the place is light house, built in 1902. The 144ft high light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery.

Jatayu Para:

Jatayu Para, a huge rock is another attraction in Kollam district. This huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C. Road. The name comes from the epic , Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic fell here after falling in its attempt to stop Ravana from taking Sita away. The rock is ideal for trekking by the lovers of adventure.
Krishnapuram Palace Museum

Krishnapuram Palace:

The Krishnapuram Palace is fully restored in March 1999, is a fine example of Keralan Architecture. The palace is well worth a visit . The palace is open 10am to 5pm every day except Monday.

Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple:

A beautiful temple that has been carved out of rocks, this magnificent temple is a must see for all those who like unique architecture.

Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary:

Located at a distance of 70 kilometers from Kollam, this beautiful wildlife sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Shendurny River. It a splendid green valley and is home to diverse flora and fauna.

Kollam Police Museum:

India’s first and only one police museum. Explores India’s police history other attractions are watch tower, meditation hall, garden, traffic guidance.

Adventure Park:

This place is 3 kms from the central bus stand and next to the government guesthouse at Asramam, is an Adventure park, which delights children. The Kollam District Tourist Promotion Council organises backwater cruises from there and during the season conducts cruises to Alappuzha.

Anchal:

Situated 13 kms south of Punalur, Anchal is known for its cattle market held twice a month. The Mudi festival of the Bhagavathy temple here, conducted once every 12 years, attract huge gatherings.

Thirumullavaram Beach:

6 kms north of Kollam town, is the beautiful and quiet little Thirumullavaram Beach, which is a lovely picnic spot and is also ideal for swimming or bathing in the sun .It has frequent bus connections from the town.

Thangasseri Beach:

Situated 5 kms from Kollam Town, this seaside has ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in 18th century.

Vilappuram :

Its a small place, home of the famous Vilappuram Devi Temple (Anandavilasam Bhagavathi Temple). In the same compound there is the famous Anandavilasam library, affiliated to Kerala State Library Council having more than 1000 members and around 10000 books. In the library there is the facilities of computer, internet, telephone etc.

Polachira:

Its a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Now it is a developing zone in tourist concept. Now there is a bridge over polachira which connects road named ‘Polachira Bund Across Road’. It is the shortest route from Chathannoor to Varkala. We can go to see elephants in ‘Anathavalam’ at Chirakkarathazham from here and it is only one km from Polachira.

Chavara:

Chavara is situated 14 kms north of Kollam on the Kollam-Alappuzha road. Thousands of tonnes of mineral sand are exported from Chavara to various countries. The Kovilthottam port is situated within the limits of Chavara Panchayat.

Ariankavu Pilgrimage:

This popular pilgrim center is located at some distance from Kollam, yet is worth the visit. The temple holds its annual festival in December and is a grand spectacle to watch out for.

Thenmala:

A small township amidst rubber plantations and thick forest,located 30km from Punalur, Thenmala is an interesting picnic spot to enjoy the natural scenery.

Ariyankavu:

70km from Kollam, Ariyankavu is the gateway of Tamil nadu. There are five tunnels dug through the mountains for the Southern Railway in this area. The Ariyankavu tunnel constructed in 1904 is the largest. The Sastha temple here is the most important among the Sastha temples.

Kottarakkara:

74km from Trivandrum , Kottarakkara is an important junction town where roads from Kottayam, Punalur, Trivandrum and Kollam meet. Kerala Institute of Rural Development is at Kottarakara.

Thankasseri:

It is about 5km from Kollam and is known for the Colonial building-like churches and bungalows. The 44m tall light house is the special attraction of the town.

Kolattupuzha:

64km from Kollam, Kolathupuzha in situated in the forest range and is famous among devotees for its shrine.

Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary:

Located at a distance of 70 kilometers from Kollam, this beautiful wildlife sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Shendurny River. It a splendid green valley and is home to diverse flora and fauna.

Ashramam Picnic Village:

Ashramam picnic village is located in the 48acre Guest House complex. The children’s traffic and entertainment park, designed by NATPAC is also located in this village. It is the largest traffic park in Kerala. The adventure park located in the village along the shores of the Ashtamudi back waters , is a novel experiment in the country. Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the adventure Park. A budget hotel for tourists, Yathrinivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village. The Govt. Guest House here is 200 years old .

Thirumullavaram Beach:

6 kms north of Kollam town, is the beautiful and quiet little Thirumullavaram Beach, which is a lovely picnic spot and is also ideal for swimming or bathing in the sun .It has frequent bus connections from the town.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Aquaserene
South Paravoor P.O, Kollam
Tel: 0474 512410.

Nila Palace Hotel
Cheerancavu, Ezhukone, Kollam, Kerala 691505
Tel:0474 2529301 – 0474 2529302.

Sudarsan Hotel
Parameswar Nagar
Hospital Road, Quilon
Kerala 691 001
0474 2744322.

HOTEL BEACH ORCHID
Beach Rd, Kollam, Kerala
Tel:0474 2769999.

Hindustan Beach Retreat
Papanasam Beach
Janardhanapuram, Varkala
Trivandrum, Kerala 695141
Tel:0470 2604254.

Nila Palace Hotel Kollam
This is an unverified listing
Cheerankavu Ezhukone
Kollam Kerala 691 505.

Sea Pearl Chalets Beach Resort
Papanasam Beach
Varkala, Kerala 695311
Tel:0470 2660105 – 09447719465.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Kollam East Police Station
Kollam, Kerala
Tel: 0474 2742072.

Police Station
Karunagappally
Kerala.

Valathungal police station
Kollam, Kerala.

Police Station
Kottarakara, Kerala.

Police Station
Pallikkal Velinalloor Road
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

AMRUTHANJALI AYURVEDIC HOSPITAL
Thirumullavaram P.O
KERALA, KOLLAM
Kerala 691012
0474 2792849 – 09847077485.

Sree Uthradom Thirunal Hospital
Stavyah Lifecare Services Pvt. Ltd
Near Varkala Court, Varkala
Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala 695141
Tel: 0470 2607766 – 0470 6453636 – 09846146464.

Kollam District Hospital
Kollam, Kerala

Bishop Benziger Hospital
Kollam, Kerala
A.M Hospital
NH 47, Karunagapalli, Kerala 690518
Tel: 0476 3290262 – 0476 2620277 – 0944741643

Ideal Clinic and Hospital
Karunagappally, Kerala
Tel:0476 2620323.

Dr. Pisharadi’s Hospital
Alumkadavu Road
Karunagappally, Kerala.

Dr. Unnikrishna Pillai’s Arya Vaidyashala
NH47, Karunagappally
Kerala.

Link:

http://keralatourismblogs.blogspot.com/2009/06/ashtamudi-lake.html
http://blogandsoul.com/photoholic/2009/06/ashtamudi-lake/
http://midhun-munroe.blogspot.com/2009/10/ashtamudi-lake-ashtamudi-kayal-in.html
http://thekoivila.blogspot.com/2009/05/tourist-house-boats-on-ashtamudi-lake.html
http://godsowncountrykerala1.blogspot.com/2009/04/ashtamudi-lake\_24.html
http://schmoozeby.blogspot.com/2007/01/sunday-31-dec-2006-ashtamudi-lake.html
http://keralabackwaters.blogspot.com/2008/04/ashtamudi-lake-kollam.html

Location info

• **Address:**Kollam District, Kerala, India.

• District: Trivandrum, Shenkottah,Chirakkara Kallada and Kovallam.

• Nearest City: August to April.

• Best time to visit: August to April.

Climate & weather

The climate of this region is greatly influenced by the southwestern monsoonaand is is of tropical humid type with an oppressive summer and plenty seasonal rainfall, cool and enjoyable..

Things to do at Ashtamudi Lake

See the coconut groves and palm trees on the banks of the river, Kollam Boat Club and Boat cruises.

Nearest petrol pump

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
NH 47, Puthiyakavu
Karunagappally, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Kayankulam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Vakkom Rd., Vakkom
Kerala.

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
Varkala Edava Kappil Road
Kerala.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.