Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vembanad Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. The vast expanse of water is home to more than 30 islands, including the historic city of Alappuzha. Once a bustling trading port, Alappuzha still maintains its rich cultural heritage, and is a popular tourist destination. One of the region’s most popular activities is a leisurely boat ride across the lake.

The length of Vembanad lake is around 96.6 km. It’s width is 14 km. It passes from three different districts of Kerala. The water of the lake is dirty. You can hire a house boat if you want to do so, or you can hire a boat or shikara for moving around the lake. Normally one round takes around 2.30 hours and it costs around three thousand rupees. Don’t hesitate to bargain. One night stay on a AC house boat costs around 7- 10 thousand rupees depending on the boat condition and your ability of bargaining.

Beautiful waterbody but human killing one by one. The longest lake in Kerala, India, most Kerala tourism in Alappuzha Vembanad Lake flows across several districts in Kerala. It is called by several names including Punamada Lake, Kochi Lake, and Vembanad Lake. Among the major highlights of this lake is Kettuvallams (houseboats), numerous resorts along the banks and the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

Vembanad Lake, also known as Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol, is the longest lake in India and the largest lake in the state of Kerala. Located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, the lake stretches from Kochi to Alappuzha and is a major tourist attraction in the region. It is also the site of the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which takes place on the second Saturday of August.

The Vembanad Lake is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including several species of fish, crabs, and birds. The lake is also a major source of livelihood for the local people, who rely on it for fishing and tourism. The lake is also an important source of water for irrigation and domestic use in the region.

The Vembanad Lake has a rich history and cultural significance in the state of Kerala. The lake has been mentioned in several ancient texts and has played a significant role in the economic and cultural development of the region. The lake is also an important site for the Hindu pilgrimage of the Sabarimala Temple, which is located on the banks of the lake.

The Vembanad Lake is an important part of the Kerala backwaters, a network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes that crisscross the state. The backwaters are an important source of transportation, irrigation, and tourism in Kerala, and the Vembanad Lake is a central part of this network. The lake is also a popular destination for houseboat tourism, with a number of houseboats available for rent on the lake.

The Vembanad Lake is also home to several islands, including the Pathiramanal Island, which is home to a wide variety of migratory birds. The lake is also home to several temples, including the Sree Krishna Temple, which is located on the banks of the lake.

Despite its importance and beauty, the Vembanad Lake is facing several environmental challenges. The lake has suffered from pollution due to the dumping of untreated sewage and industrial waste, which has led to the degradation of the lake’s water quality. There have also been issues with encroachments on the lake’s shores, which have led to the loss of wetlands and the destruction of the lake’s natural habitat.

Efforts are being made to address these challenges and protect the Vembanad Lake. The state government has implemented measures to improve the lake’s water quality, including the construction of sewage treatment plants and the implementation of regulations on the discharge of industrial waste. There have also been efforts to restore the lake’s natural habitat and promote sustainable tourism practices on the lake.

Despite the challenges, the Vembanad Lake remains an important and beautiful natural wonder in the state of Kerala. Its rich history and cultural significance, combined with its stunning natural beauty, make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the region.