New Delhi: India has plenty of lakes which add to the biodiversity of the country and acts as important habitats to several aquatic animals and plants. Over the years, lakes have emerged as popular tourist spots like the Dal Lake in Kashmir and Chilika Lake in Odisha, which are known for their exceptional beauty and ecosystem. In Kerala, there is the longest lake in the country, the Vembanad Lake. The lake is humungous and picturesque, which has made it a popular tourist spot in the state.
Vembanad Lake: The longest lake in India
Locally known as the Vembanad Kayal, the lake covers an area of 2,033 sq km across Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. It is the longest lake in Kerala and is also the largest lake in Kerala. Also, it is the largest freshwater lake in the state. A prominent backwater destination in the state, the Vembanad Lake is extremely crucial to the locals living in the area. Four rivers have formed the lake, the Achankovil, Meenachil, Manimala and Pampa. Also, the lake has an outlet in the west to the Arabian Sea.
A backwater heaven in Kerala
The Vembanad Lake is famous for its backwater cruise, which is a very popular activity visitors look for when planning a Kerala holiday. These scenic backwater cruises are also very enriching in terms of cultural experiences. Those going to visit the lake should embark on traditional wooden boat rides or houseboat cruises to explore the intricate networks of lagoons and canals.
The best way to explore the beauty of the lake is to ride on the traditional boats which are also locally known as ‘kettuvalloms’. Once upon a time, kettuvalloms were used to transport goods like rice and spices from Kumarakom and Kuttanad to neighbouring areas. Today, they act as luxury houseboats offering visitors a taste of the region’s culture and heritage.
The fishing communities create waves in the waters of the Vembanad Lake which as a source of income for hundreds of people. The lake also has a thriving ecosystem with flora and fauna. The mangrove forests on the edges of the lake are home to several species of birds including the majestic kingfisher and the elusive osprey.
The ecosystem of the Vembanad Lake
The Vembanad Lake is home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary where one can see numerous migratory birds who come from Siberia and the Himalayas. Some of the birds which could be seen there are Indian Darter, Little Cormorant, White Ibis, cuckoo, water duck, owl, Siberian Cranes, teal, parrots, flycatchers, wood beetles and larks. The lake has a small island known as Pathiramanal which is home to 91 species of local birds and 50 species of migratory birds.
Every year, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted in the lake in August. It is amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing. Also, the Vembanad Kol Wetland is a Ramsar site for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.
Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s longest lake, is a captivating backwater destination. Cruises on traditional kettuvalloms offer stunning views and cultural immersion. The lake boasts rich biodiversity, including the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to numerous migratory birds. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
