Vembanad lake

Vembanad lake-the largest Wetland in India

Vembanad Lake or wetland is situated in the state of Kerala and is considered the largest lake in the country. Spread over an area of more than 2000 square kilometers it covers the districts of Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thrissur, and Alappuzha. The wetland consists of backwaters, lagoons, mangroves, marshes, canals, and reclaimed lands. The lake is a part of the Kerala backwaters’ tourism and houses many aquatic habitats, with beautiful houseboats floating on it and a large number of resorts along the shoreline.

The lake is separated from the Arabian Sea by an island known as the Thanneeermukkom barrier to prevent the interruption of salt water within the lowlands. Because of this, the lake has been divided into two parts. One part is the brackish perennial water and the other is the fresh water from the rivers draining into the Vembanad Lake. There is no natural release of pollutants due to this type of man-made structure hindering in the growth of prawns and fish. Several water weeds are developing into it and hindering ecological balance.

Kumarakom village is known to be the most popular tourist attraction situated at the bank of the lake. The islands of Perumbbalam, Pathiramanal, and Pallippuram are surrounded by the lake. The water of the lake is supplied by over ten rivers. The people living nearby find the lake a major source of their livelihood that includes agriculture, tourism, coir retting, inland navigation, lime shell collection, and obviously fishing

How to reach Vembanad lake

There are various means of transport through which you can reach the lake. The first of all is the air transport system, which means flight. Cochin international airport is the nearest aero dram located at a distance of 16 km away from the lake. The second mode is the railway route. Ernakulum railway station is the nearest railway station situated in Kochi. Auto rickshaws, buses, and cabs are available by which you can reach the lake from Kochi.

Festivals enjoyed there

The tranquil and serene beauty of the lake is transferred into a crowdie place during the festivals of the snake boat race and Onam. A huge number of people gathered around the lake to cheer for their favorite rider. It is something more than sports and the grand carnival invites lots of people from local as well as national places to take pleasure of the energetic activity.

Activity

Vembanad Lake is a large freshwater lake in the state of Kerala, India. It is the longest lake in India and the largest lake in the state of Kerala. There are a variety of activities that can be enjoyed at or near the lake, including:

1. Boat Tours: Take a leisurely boat ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery and serene atmosphere of the lake.
2. Bird Watching: The lake is home to a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
3. Fishing: Anglers can try their hand at catching fish in the lake.
4. Houseboat Stays: Stay on a traditional houseboat and experience life on the lake.
5. Kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the lake at your own pace.
6. Backwater Resorts: Stay at one of the many backwater resorts near the lake and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.
7. Village Tours: Take a tour of the local villages and learn about the traditional way of life in the area.

Best Places of Interest

• Vaikom temple- famous Hindu Shiva temple
• Alappuzha beach– sandy beach offering houseboat tours
• Kumarakom bird sanctuary- bird watching spot
• Andrew’s Basilica- the largest shrine of St. Sabestian in the world
• Kumarakom Museum- Best Antiques Craft Museum in Kerala

Major Tourists Attraction

Vembanad Lake is a major tourist attraction in the state of Kerala, India and there are several popular tourist sites and activities near the lake, including:

1. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A popular birdwatching destination, the sanctuary is home to a variety of migratory and resident bird species.
2. Alleppey Backwaters: The backwaters near Alleppey are a popular destination for boat rides and houseboat stays.
3. Pathiramanal Island: A small island in the lake, Pathiramanal is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a variety of bird species found here.
4. Sree Narayana Trophy Boat Race: Held annually, the boat race is a popular event attracting tourists from all over the world.
5. Mary’s Forane Church, Champakulam: One of the oldest churches in Kerala, it is a popular tourist destination for its religious and historical significance.
6. Chendamangalam Village: A traditional village known for its handloom weaving and ancient churches.
7. Marari Beach: A beautiful, quiet beach located near the lake, Marari is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
8. Bolgatty Palace: A former Dutch palace, now converted into a hotel, Bolgatty Palace is a popular tourist destination for its historical and architectural significance.

Drawbacks of Vambanad Lake

The wetland was much bigger in size previously and gradually it is getting dried up due to land reclamation. But still, it holds enough water to make it the largest lake in the state as well as in India. Huge pollution is seen to occur in some parts of the lake which resulted in a threat to the ecosystem. The uncontrolled shell mining, releasing organic material into the wetland made the oxygen content low in the water. Due to this many aquatic animal is facing threats.