10 Vembanad Lake facts that will leave you impressed

Vembanad Lake is quite at the top in the list of the most famous attractions of Kerala, and rightly so. On an ideal day, you can spot tourists lazing on decks of the many houseboats that are intrinsic to the lake. An absolute luxury, spending some time at the lake, also takes one closer to the tiny villages dotting the landscape around. It, of course, is a photographer’s delight as well. If we have your attention, this is all that you need to know about this picturesque lake.

1. The very picturesque Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in the country, and the largest in Kerala.
   
2. It stretches over an area of 200 sq km, and is a delight to look at.
   
3. It lays right by the Arabian Sea, with a narrow reef separating it from the sea.
   
4. India’s famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race is hosted on the waters of this lake, pulling in enthusiasts from all over the country and the world.

5. This is the lake that is known by three names, as Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, Kochi Lake in Kochi, and Vembanadu Lake in Kottayam.6. The government of India has recognised the wetland under the National Wetlands Conservation Programme. 7. The lake has its source in four rivers, Meenachil, Achankoil, Pampa and Manimala. 8. The Vembanad Wetland System spans a mammoth area of 2033.02 sq km, and is thus the largest wetland system in India. 9. Currently, the lake is declining in size and is facing a major ecological crisis, owing to land reclaiming. It is estimated to havereduced by 37% of its original size.10. One of the most outstanding features of this lake is the 1252 m long saltwater barrier, Thanneermukkom, which was built to stop saltwater intrusion into Kuttanad.