Ashtamudi Lake - Gateway to Kollam Backwaters

Ashtamudi lake is the gateway to Kollam backwaters and is the second largest lake in Kerala after Vembanad. It runs over a length of 16 KM and covers almost 30% of the Kollam district. The name Ashtamudi has been derived from the fact that the lake has eight branches since ‘Ashta’ means eight and ‘Mudi’ means branch. All eight branches converge into a single channel and flow into the Arabian sea. Kallada river is the major river which releases out into the Ashtamudi lake. It is fringed by coconut groves and swaying palms on its banks and offers spectacular views. A lot of tourists come here to experience boat rides, which gives a glimpse of village life, natural habitat, and abundant flora.

The District Tourism Promotion Council of Kollam provides boat rides as well as houseboat cruises on the Ashtamudi stretch of backwaters. The trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is one of Kerala’s most popular and longest backwater cruises. The eight hour journey creates a cherished experience of the famed waterways. One can get lost in capturing them in different compositions. The famous Chinese fishing nets which are parked right in the middle of the lake and at some places anchored at the shore are the sights to hold our memory for a long time. From a distance, they look like simple nets. It is when you take a close you realize how complex they are. The cruise will come across different islets inside the lake. Fishing is the primary activity for the travellers and also the main occupation of the people living around the lake.