Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi Lake is the second-largest wetland ecosystem in the state of Kerala, and it is often called the gateway to the state's iconic backwaters. Its name, derived from the Malayalam words 'Ashta' (eight) and 'Mudi' (conch or arm), perfectly describes its unique geographical structure: eight major arms or channels that converge into a vast, deep expanse of water. This estuarine system is fed by the Kallada River and is home to a unique mix of fresh and brackish water life. The lake is considered a Ramsar wetland, a designation given to sites important for global biodiversity conservation, highlighting its ecological significance. The shores of Ashtamudi are lined with lush coconut palms, quaint villages, and traditional Keralan homes, creating a tranquil, picture-postcard setting that feels world's away from the bustle of the city. A houseboat cruise here offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the serene beauty of the backwater lifestyle. Unlike the more commercialized backwaters further north, Ashtamudi offers a quieter, more authentic experience. The ecosystem supports extensive biodiversity, including over 50 species of birds, numerous species of fish, and the unique Kallada prawn. The local community relies heavily on the lake for fishing, coir production, and transportation, making the backwaters a living, breathing part of their culture. Staying overnight on a traditional houseboat, often referred to as a Kettuvallam, allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the rhythm of this peaceful environment, waking up to the gentle lapping of water and the calls of exotic birds. The dense mangrove forests surrounding some parts of the lake act as natural filters, contributing to the purity of the water and providing crucial habitats for juvenile marine life, making the lake a critical nursery ground for the region's fisheries. This lake also connects Kollam with Alappuzha via the National Waterway, offering the famous 8-hour scenic ferry ride that showcases the sheer scale and beauty of Kerala's inland water network. This journey is often cited by travelers as one of the best boat rides in the world.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
4 to 6 hours (Day cruise) or 1 Night (Houseboat stay)Place Type:
Backwaters, Nature, EcotourismEntry Fees:
Public Ferry and Boat Jetty Charges: The entry to the lake itself is free, as it is a natural public waterway. However, access to services requires payment. The most common fee is for the Kollam to Alappuzha public ferry service, which is a highly affordable ticket, usuall...Public Ferry and Boat Jetty Charges: The entry to the lake itself is free, as it is a natural public waterway. However, access to services requires payment. The most common fee is for the Kollam to Alappuzha public ferry service, which is a highly affordable ticket, usually ranging between 400 and 500 Indian Rupees (INR) per person for the full 8-hour journey. This fee is used to cover the operational costs of the government-run service. Separate fees are charged for private boats or local canoes. For instance, hiring a local canoe for an hour-long tour of the narrow canals can cost between 500 and 1000 INR, depending on negotiation and the duration.
Houseboat and Resort Costs: The most substantial cost is for the houseboat experience. A one-night stay on a premium air-conditioned houseboat can cost anywhere from 8,000 to 25,000 INR or more, depending on the boat's luxury level, the season, and whether it's a couple or a large group. This price is an all-inclusive fee, covering the cruise, all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast), and accommodation. Day cruises, without the overnight stay, are considerably cheaper, generally costing between 2,000 and 5,000 INR per person, and often include lunch. It is always advised to book through a reputable resort or operator to ensure quality and safety. Many waterside resorts also charge a small entry or parking fee if you are using their private jetties to board a boat, typically around 50 to 100 INR per vehicle.Timing:
Regular Timings for Boat Services: For all practical purposes, the lake is open 24 hours a day, as it is a natural body of water. However, the operational timings for tourist services are fixed. The public ferry service from Kollam to Alappuzha typically departs only once ...Regular Timings for Boat Services: For all practical purposes, the lake is open 24 hours a day, as it is a natural body of water. However, the operational timings for tourist services are fixed. The public ferry service from Kollam to Alappuzha typically departs only once daily, around 10:30 AM, and arrives approximately 8 hours later. Houseboats usually embark for their day cruise or overnight journey between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, cruise until sunset, and then anchor for the night. Day cruises generally conclude by 5:00 PM. It is rare for tourist boats to operate after 6:00 PM, except for those anchored overnight. Local fishing activities and canoe movements begin very early, often before 5:00 AM, and continue throughout the day.
Ideal Visit Time for Scenic Views: The ideal time to visit for the best scenic and photographic experience is between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and again between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM. The morning hours offer cool temperatures, the soft light of the rising sun, and the chance to witness the local fishing community starting their day. The late afternoon hours, leading into sunset, are visually stunning, with the lake water turning golden and orange. The light during the middle of the day can be harsh, making it less ideal for photography, but it is still a comfortable time for viewing from the shade of a houseboat. During the peak tourism season, the jetties can get crowded just before the main departure timings, so arriving early is advisable.Special Events:
President's Trophy Boat Race and Onam: The most significant and spectacular annual event associated with Ashtamudi Lake is the President's Trophy Boat Race. Held annually in the backwaters near the Kollam city boat club during the Onam festival season (typically in August o...President's Trophy Boat Race and Onam: The most significant and spectacular annual event associated with Ashtamudi Lake is the President's Trophy Boat Race. Held annually in the backwaters near the Kollam city boat club during the Onam festival season (typically in August or September), this event is a breathtaking display of physical prowess, teamwork, and cultural heritage. The race features magnificent Chundan Vallams (snake boats), which are over 100 feet long and are crewed by over 100 oarsmen. The rhythmic, synchronized rowing, accompanied by loud, traditional songs (Vanchipattu), creates an electrifying atmosphere. This competition attracts thousands of spectators and is a major highlight of Kerala's sporting and cultural calendar. Outside of the boat race, the lake is a central point for local celebrations during the Onam festival, where traditional feasts (Onasadhya) are often enjoyed at waterside resorts, and local communities perform traditional arts like Kaikottikali (a folk dance) on the banks. The energy during this season is incredible, transforming the usually tranquil backwaters into a hub of joyous activity.Best Photo Spots:
The Sunrise Mist over the Water: One of the most magical times to capture Ashtamudi is at sunrise. Photographers should aim to be near the main boat jetty or on a houseboat deck between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM. The light is incredibly soft, and a gentle mist often hangs low ov...The Sunrise Mist over the Water: One of the most magical times to capture Ashtamudi is at sunrise. Photographers should aim to be near the main boat jetty or on a houseboat deck between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM. The light is incredibly soft, and a gentle mist often hangs low over the water, creating a dreamlike, ethereal effect. The silhouettes of the coconut palms and the fishing boats against the orange and pink hues of the sky make for truly dramatic and captivating shots. The calm, reflective surface of the water acts as a perfect mirror, doubling the beauty of the dawn sky and the surrounding scenery.
The Houseboat in Motion: A classic and mandatory photograph is capturing one of the luxurious Kettuvallams gliding across the wide expanse of the lake. The traditional coir-thatched roof, the deep wooden hull, and the background of lush greenery provide a striking composition. The best vantage point is from the shore or from a smaller canoe, allowing the photographer to capture the houseboat's scale and its seamless integration with the environment. Capturing the boat from the front or side as it cuts a gentle wake through the calm water adds a sense of movement and tranquility to the photograph.
Capturing the Local Life and Chinese Nets: For documentary and portrait photography, the best spots are the small villages around Munroe Island and the areas where the backwaters meet the fishing harbor. Capturing the intense concentration on a fisherman's face as he casts a net, the vivid colors of clothes against the muted tones of the village houses, or the texture of the coir being spun are excellent subjects. The Chinese fishing nets, with their massive wooden structure and ropes, provide excellent geometric and architectural photo subjects, especially during the sunset when their scaffolding is silhouetted against the fiery sky. These locations offer a rich tapestry of human activity set against a beautiful natural backdrop.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Day-Time Houseboat Cruises and Overnight Stays: The quintessential experience on Ashtamudi Lake is cruising the backwaters. Visitors can choose between a short, several-hour day cruise or an overnight stay on a traditional Kettuvallam. The overnight experience is highly recommended for complete immersion, as it includes local Keralan meals cooked and served onboard, often featuring freshly caught fish from the lake. The boat leisurely navigates the eight arms, offering panoramic views of the water, the palm-fringed banks, and the small, inhabited islands. During the day, the boat anchors at peaceful spots, allowing guests to relax on the sun deck and watch the world go by. In the evening, the boat anchors for the night in a quiet corner of the lake, providing a serene and unique accommodation experience.
Kayaking and Canoeing i...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Unique Eight-Arm Structure and Natural Beauty: Ashtamudi Lake is renowned primarily for its unique geographical feature—its eight converging arms—which gives the lake its name. This complex, branching structure creates numerous small inlets and canals, dramatically ...The Unique Eight-Arm Structure and Natural Beauty: Ashtamudi Lake is renowned primarily for its unique geographical feature—its eight converging arms—which gives the lake its name. This complex, branching structure creates numerous small inlets and canals, dramatically increasing the shoreline length and offering infinite possibilities for peaceful exploration. The sheer scale and depth of the lake distinguish it from the shallower, more canal-based backwaters found in other parts of Kerala. It is a natural spectacle of shimmering water bordered by thickets of mangrove and swaying coconut palms. This setting provides a breathtaking backdrop for tourists, offering stunning panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making the lake one of the most photographed locations in Kerala's backwaters.
Gateway to the Iconic Kollam-Alappuzha Cruise: The lake serves as the southern terminus for the famous, picturesque 8-hour public ferry and private boat cruise connecting Kollam to Alappuzha. This long-distance backwater journey is internationally celebrated for showcasing the best of Kerala's rural landscape. It involves traversing diverse environments, from the wide-open expanse of Ashtamudi to narrower canals and even passing through parts of the Vembanad Lake system. This cruise is a major reason for Ashtamudi's fame, as it offers a deep dive into the local life, where one can observe children rowing canoes to school, fishermen casting their Chinese fishing nets, and the production of coir from coconut husks, providing an authentic, non-touristy glimpse into the fabric of Keralan society. -
Architecture:
Vernacular Water Architecture: The architecture surrounding Ashtamudi Lake is defined by its necessity to coexist with water. The most famous structure is the Kettuvallam, or traditional Kerala houseboat. These boats are masterpieces of local naval architecture, historical...Vernacular Water Architecture: The architecture surrounding Ashtamudi Lake is defined by its necessity to coexist with water. The most famous structure is the Kettuvallam, or traditional Kerala houseboat. These boats are masterpieces of local naval architecture, historically built for transporting rice and spices. They are constructed entirely using local materials—planks of Anjili wood are sewn together with coir rope, sealed with natural resin (a black concoction made from boiled cashew kernel and fish oil), and completely avoid the use of nails. The roofing is crafted from bamboo poles covered with intricately woven palm or coir mats. These modern houseboats retain the traditional shell but feature fully furnished bedrooms, kitchens, and viewing decks, blending ancient techniques with modern comfort. Their dimensions are typically large, often reaching over 80 feet in length and 15 feet in width, allowing for spacious living areas.
Residential and Community Structures: Along the banks, residential architecture is characterized by elevated plinths (often two to three feet high) to protect against seasonal flooding. Houses are typically built in the traditional Nalukettu style (a four-block structure with a central courtyard) or a simplified version, utilizing locally sourced materials like laterite stone for walls and terracotta tiles for roofing, which helps keep the interiors cool in the humid tropical climate. Windows and verandas are designed to maximize cross-ventilation. There is also simple, yet effective, infrastructure like small wooden jetties and cantilevered fishing platforms that jut out into the lake, showing the local community's practical integration with the aquatic environment. The bridges over the smaller canals and streams leading into the main lake are often simple concrete or stone arches, designed to accommodate the movement of small fishing canoes and larger tourist vessels beneath them, while remaining functional and sturdy in the unique estuarine environment. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), located approximately 70 KMS south of Kollam. From TRV, travelers have several convenient options to reach the lake. One can hire a pre-paid taxi directly from the airport, which takes about 2 hou... -
Near Tourist Places:
Kollam Beach (1 KM) Thangassery Light House (4 KMs) Thevally Palace (3 KMs) Mahatma Gandhi Park (1. 5 KMs) Kollam Adventure Park (2 KMs) Alumkadavu (Houseboat Manufacturing, 25 KMs) Jatayu Earth's Center (50 KMs) Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary (60 KMs) Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram (27 KMs) Sasthamkotta Fresh Water Lake (25 KMs)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety Considerations: The primary health concern in the backwaters is mosquito bites, especially at dawn and dusk. Always use a good quality insect repellent, wear light long-sleeved clothing, and ensure your houseboat or accommodation has proper mosquito netting ...
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