About Ashtamudi Lake
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM
Suggested Duration:1 day approximately
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam junction railway station, 15 km away
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 81 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: KSRTC Bus Station Kollam,14 km away
Located in Kollam, Ashtamudi Lake is one of the most picturesque lakes in Kerala and is renowned for its unique eight-armed shape and one of the top places to visit in Kollam. It connects various rivers and serves as a gateway to the tranquil backwaters. It is fed by the Kallada River and eventually drains into the Arabian Sea. Visitors can explore the scenic beauty of the region through traditional Kerala houseboats, known as kettuvallams or the houseboat cruises. These houseboat cruises are equipped with modern amenities, offering a luxurious and peaceful way to experience the landscape, spot local fishermen, and enjoy the peaceful backwater environment.
The lake has a rich biodiversity and is home to various bird species like kingfishers and herons, further enhancing its appeal. The annual President's Trophy Boat Race which is held on November 1 is a major highlight for tourists. Historically, the lake was an important trading hub with Kollam serving as a key port. The region is also known for its traditional coir industry, where visitors can observe the making of coir products. Visitors can also enjoy local cuisine, rich in seafood which includes popular dishes like karimeen pollichathu, prawn curry, and fish molee.
Ashtamudi Lake Highlights
• Discover the beauty of the Ashtamudi Lake that has a unique eight armed shape known for its scenic beauty.
• Experience a comfortable stay on the traditional houseboat offering scenic views with modern amenities
• Spot the various plant and animal species such as herons and mangrove plants near the lake.
How To Reach Ashtamudi Lake
By road- The Ashtamudi Lake is located around 19 km from the Kollam city center and can be reached in approximately 45 minutes via Panvel - Kochi - Kanyakumari Highway.
Best Time To Visit Ashtamudi Lake
Peak Season (November to February):
- Weather insights- Pleasant weather with temperatures between 22°C and 32°C.
- Things to do- Explore the lake, attend the boat race, enjoy boating, houseboat stays, try local food, enjoy scenic views.
Moderate Season (March to May):
- Weather insights- Hot and Humid, temperatures between 25°C and 35°C
- Things to do- Visit the lake, unwind with boating, houseboat stays, taste local food, admire scenic views.
Low Season (June to October):
- Weather insights- Moderate rainfall, potentially humid, temperatures between 23°C and 30°C
- Things to do- Explore the lake, enjoy boating, eat local food, enjoy scenic views, houseboat stays.
Ashtamudi Lake Other Essential Information
Know before you go to Ashtamudi Lake:
- Carry a camera so as to capture the scenic views of the lake.
- Carry hats, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Avoid littering the surrounding area and dispose of waste in the designated bins.
- Wear comfortable clothes and footwear so as to have an ease in the exploration.
Relax at the lake
Ashtamudi Lake is one of the largest and most picturesque lakes in the state and is known as the gateway to the backwaters. It is fed by the river Kallada and flows into the Arabian Sea. It is surrounded by greenery, making it a calm retreat for both the photographers and nature lovers. The lake once used to be an important trading hub of Kollam.
Enjoy a houseboat stay
A houseboat cruise on the Ashtamudi Lake is one of the most amazing experiences and offers a serene escape through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Traditional kettuvallams, equipped with modern comforts, glide gently across the interconnected canals, rivers, and lagoons of the lake. Along the way, guests can enjoy lush green vistas, see local fishermen in action, and observe birds such as herons and kingfishers in their natural habitat. Those who have limited time can take a closer look at the vibrant life on the shores of the lake and its winding waterways on motorboat and canoe tours.
Savour the delicacies
The local cuisine around Lake Ashtamudi offers the traditional taste of Kerala, with fresh seafood taking center stage. Signature dishes such as karimeen pollichathu, prawn curry, and fish mole underline the region’s love for spices and coastal ingredients
Experience the rich biodiversity
Ashtamudi Lake has a rich biodiversity and is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. Its ecosystem is home to various species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. The mangroves and wetlands in the surroundings provide shelter to birds such as kingfishers, herons egrets, and cormorants. The Kallada River, which feeds the lake, serves as an important breeding ground for fish such as the prized karimeen. Aquatic plants and mangroves around the lake also help to maintain the ecological balance of the region.
Tourism Board Alliances
Ashtamudi Lake FAQs
What is Lake Ashtamudi known for?
Lake Ashtamudi is known for its unique eight-armed shape and green surroundings with coconut palms, mangroves and tropical plants. The lake provides a calm setting which is perfect for relaxing and nature photography. The houseboat trips on the lake provide a tranquil means of traveling through the backwaters, seeing traditional fishing techniques.
Which river flows in Ashtamudi Lake?
The Kallada River flows into the Ashtamudi Lake. This river plays an important role in feeding the lake, supporting its rich ecosystem and contributing to the biodiversity of the region. As the river flows into the lake it brings sediments and fresh water into the lake which also helps in enriching the aquatic life.
What is the boat race in Ashtamudi lake?
The President's Trophy Boat Race is an annual event held on November 1 on the Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, Kerala. The race involves chundan vallams, or snake boats, with up to 128 rowers covering a distance of 1,200 meters. It was inaugurated in 2011 and is a major cultural event attended by the President of India, who presents the gold-plated trophy. Since 2019, it has been part of the Champions Boat League, which celebrates Kerala’s maritime heritage.
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