Exploring Kerala’s beautiful Vembanad Lake

Lakes are always a nice touch to a landscape. Have a lake, people will come to visit. That’s what we know so far about lakes as tourist attractions. But India is also a place where there are exceptionally beautiful lakes, because of which a destination is mostly known for. Take, for example, Dal Lake in Kashmir and Chilika Lake in Odisha. Kerala too has one such lake – Vembanad Lake.

Vembanad Lake is locally known as Vembanad Kayal, and it is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala. The lake is spread across an area of 2,033 sq km, across Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. .

If you find yourself in the Vembanad Lake area, it’s safe to say that the backwaters have beckoned. The backwater cruise here is one of the most popular activities visitors look for when planning a Kerala holiday. And rightly so, because these backwater cruises are not only scenic, but are also very enriching in terms of cultural experiences.
Visitors can embark on houseboat cruises or traditional wooden boat rides to explore the lake's intricate network of canals, lagoons, and small islands.

The lake is also where Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated. The bird sanctuary is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts as it is also home to a diverse range of bird species, including local and migratory birds.


If you want to experience authentic Kerala traditions, plan your next visit to the Vembanad Lake area for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Locally, the lake where this traditional boat race takes place is called Punnamada Lake. But it is just a local name for Vembanad Lake. The traditional snake boat race is held annually in August, and is a sight to behold.
Vembanad Lake is also dotted with fishing communities, where you can watch local fishermen practice traditional fishing techniques.

All these experiences make the lake a really cool attraction that you can plan for.

1. When is the best time to visit Kerala?
   Kerala is great throughout the year, but especially in the drier months (winter), it's very pleasant to travel in Kerala.
2. Are there accommodation options in and around Vembanad Lake?
   Yes, Vembanad Lake area has plenty of stay options. There are both luxury and budget options. Also, houseboat stays are pretty popular too.
3. Where is Vembanad Lake?
   Vembanad Lake is spread across an area of 2,033 sq km, across Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts.