Vembanad Lake

A much-admired picnic spot!

Situated in Kumarakom, The Vembanad Lake is a great expanse of water. A large network of rivers and canals empty into this beautiful lake. Serving as an enchanting picnic spot, this fast developing backwater tourist destination offers tourists the opportunity to enjoy fishing, boating and sightseeing.

The other popular names of the lake are Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol. Vembanad Lake takes the pride of being the largest in Kerala and the longest in India. The lake is popularly referred as 'Kochi Lake' in Kochi and 'Punnamada Lake' in Kuttanad.

The Kochi Lake also has the Kochi Port, located around two islands of Vallarpadam and Willingdon. Vembanad Lake is divided into two areas, known as the salt water zone and freshwater zone. Varied species of animals, birds, reptiles and plants near the lake add more charm to this popular attraction. Waterfowl, cuckoos, ducks and wild ducks are the common dwellers here.

The serene lake comes alive during the festival of Onam when you can witness a spectacular event-the snake boat races. It is truly wonderful to see oarsmen, separating their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own loud singing.

At the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea, the port of Kochi lies. Vembanad Lake also boasts of being designated as a wetland of international attention under the Ramsar Convention.

Backed by the perfect ingredients of a laid-back vacation, the lake offers an excellent opportunity to have a closer look to the busy rustic life by a boat ride. Other popular backwater destinations include names like Alappuzha backwaters or Alleppey, Kollam and Kottayam.

Reserving a prized place in the list of Kerala attractions, Vembanad Lake is a popular backwater tourism destination in South India.