Yes, we are talking about God’s own country ‘Kerala’ and you can experience all this beauty of Kerala with our exotic Kerala Tour package where we offer a seamless blend of serene backwaters, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture.
There are many places to visit in Kerala, from hill stations to glittering beaches and some of the most scenic lakes. Today, in this blog we will explore the captivating Vembanad Lake in Kerala.
Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom
Vembanad Lake history is a mix of historical and mythical records that indicates the name Vembanad derived from the ancient kingdom of Vempoli Nadu, through which the holy river Pampa flowed. In the 12th century AD, Vempoli Nadu, along with a part of Pampa was sunk into Earth’s interior and thereafter it is believed that Vembanad Lake Kerala was formed as a result of these geomorphological changes. Thus, Vembanad lake history
The Kerala Vembanad Lake is accessible from Kottayam, Kuttanad and Kochi and is known by different names in different regions of Kerala. It is called the Kochi Lake in Kochi, the Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, and Vembanad Lake kumarakom in Kottayam. Locals also call it Vembanad Kol or Vembanad Kayal.
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Geography of Vembanad Lake
A narrow barrier island separates the Vembanad from the Laccadive Sea. The lake is connected with other lakes by canals running to its north and south. The islands of Perumbalam, Pallipuram and Pathiramanal, are surrounded by Lake Vembanad which is fed by River Meenachil, Pamba, Manimala, Muvattupuzha, Achankovil and River Periyar which are the six major rivers of Kerala.
The area surrounding the Kerala Vembanad lake is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It is separated by a 4000-foot-long man-made saltwater barrier called the Thanneermukkom. This barrier prevents the salt water from entering the lowlands of Kuttanad and divides the lake into two parts, one with fresh water from the rivers and the other with brackish water.
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Vembanad Lake Highlights
1. Go Bird Watching
2. Enjoy the Ride Through the Brackish Lagoons on a Boat
These tours include exploring the nearby markets, and freshly prepared local food of Kerala on the boat as you sail through the serene waters of Lake Vembanad. The Night Tours, in particular, include a fabulous sunset boat ride that continues into the night when the lights are dimmed, and tourists are allowed to soak in the cool breeze under the starlit skies.
3. Stay in Houseboats
An average houseboat can host around 4-5 people, and the cost depends on the packages and the seasons. The cost can range anywhere between INR 6000 to INR 45000.
4. Canoe Boats (Kettuvallam)
5. Vembanad Lake boating
Top places to stay nearby lake Vembanad:
- Golden Valley residency- 4.2 km from Vembanad lake
- Luxury houseboat- 4 km from Vembanad lake
- Dune Homestay- 7.5 km from Vembanad lake
- Paradise Boutique Resort- 8.6 km from Vembanad lake
- Club Mahindra Arookutty, Alleppey- 6.9 km from Vembanad lake
Activities to Do in Vembanad Lake:
- Sunset cruise by motor boat or houseboat.
- Speed boat cruise in Vembanad lake.
- Go along with a fisherman (advance booking required).
- Ride along the coconut trees & paddy fields.
Know the Best Time to Visit Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom:
November to March is the best time to visit this Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, Kerala. At this time, the weather is very pleasant to explore the outdoors.
- Open Days: Open all days
- Visit Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Timing: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free to All
- Photography: Allowed
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- Shopping:- Souvenirs, handicrafts.
- Activities:-Houseboat cruise, houseboat stay, fishing, photography
- Adventure:-Watersports.
- Relaxation:-Sit back and enjoy the houseboat cruise through the Vembanad lake.
- Famous for:-Scenic beauty, houseboat cruise, bird sanctuary, photography, experience seekers, picnic.
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How to Reach Lake Vembanad
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport which is at a distance of 82 kilometres from the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station which is at a distance of 13.4 kilometres from the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom.
- By Road: As it is situated on state highway SH-42, KSRTC buses, Private buses and taxis are easily available to reach the Vembanad lake.
Conclusion
There’s no place like the Lake to forget about your busy life, if only for a short while. A few days spent in its relaxing surroundings are guaranteed to rejuvenate and bring you back to life! So plan now !!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vembanad Lake a backwater?
Yes, Lake Vembanad is indeed considered a backwater. Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes, and lagoons, primarily found along the coast of Kerala, India. These water bodies, including Vembanad Lake, are formed by the action of waves and shore currents, creating a unique ecosystem that supports diverse flora and fauna. Vembanad Lake is one of the largest and most significant backwaters in Kerala, attracting tourists from around the world.
Why is Vembanad Lake famous?
Vembanad Lake is famous for several reasons like size and beauty, ecological importance, backwater tourism, nehru trophy Vembanad Lake boating, and cultural significance.
Is Vembanad Lake Lagoon lake?
Yes, Lake Vembanad is the largest lagoon lake in Kerala as well as in India and covers a significant portion of the Kerala backwaters. Lagoon lakes are typically characterised by being shallow bodies of water separated from the ocean by barrier islands or sandbars. Vembanad Lake Kerala fits this description of a typical lagoon lake as it is separated from the Arabian Sea by a series of barrier islands, forming a biodiverse ecosystem.