Beautiful Lakes in Kerala | Must Visit Lakes in Kerala

Kerala has been blessed with numerous waterways, one of which is peaceful lakes in Kerala. How about enjoying a memorable cruise on the serene waters of these lakes and savoring the tranquil ambiance. Kerala’s lakes enhance the beauty of God’s Own Country across different cities and towns. There are as many as 34 lakes here, not only for leisure but also for hosting water sports and annual boat races. Read on to find out about the most famous lakes in Kerala.

10 Lakes in Kerala That Will Enchant You With Their Stunning Beauty

Here is a list of 10 beautiful lakes in Kerala that adds to the beauty of the ‘God’s Own Country. So, Explore and choose what lakes are you going to visit on your Kerala vacation.

Ashtamudi Lake
Periyar Lake
Vembanad Lake
Pookode Lake
Vellayani Lake
Paravur Lake
Punnamada Lake
Sasthamkotta Lake
Mananchira Lake
Veeranpuzha Lake

1. Ashtamudi Lake

Known to be the ‘gateway to the backwaters of Kerala,’ the Ashtamudi Lake is the state’s second-largest lake and spreads over 1700 square km. The lake is called home to about 100 species of fish and around 60 avifauna species. The banks of the lake have coconut groves, backwater canals, and palm trees spreading through towns and villages.

The lake has 8 arms, like an octopus, so it is called Ashtamudi. The surroundings of the lake are incredibly peaceful and picturesque. Several islands can be explored through a houseboat cruise. This lake is quite popular among honeymooning couples. The 8-hour houseboat cruise amid Kollam and Alleppey, offering varied experiences, must not be missed.

Famous for: Romantic getaway; Houseboat ride between Kollam and Alleppey
Best time to visit: September – March
How to reach: Trivandrum International Airport/ Kollam Junction

2. Periyar Lake

Formed after constructing the dam across River Mullaperiyar in 1895, the tranquil Periyar Lake boasts a unique aquatic ecosystem. Various little islets and submerged tree trunks can be spotted in the lake, which lies within the boundaries of the popular Periyar National Park. Visitors enjoy wildlife spotting through boat rides.

The banks of the scenic Periyar Lake are known to be the site where animals come to satiate their thirst. A cruise through the lake is replete with a cool breeze and lush views. This ride is going to be for one and a half hours. Bamboo rafting is also offered here.

- Famous for: Wildlife-spotting and Bird watching through a boat ride
- Best time to visit: October – March
- How to Reach: Cochin International Airport / Kottayam Railway Station

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3. Vembanad Lake

The largest lake in Kerala, Vembanad Lake, is also one of the most popular lakes in Kerala, known for offering memorable experiences. Around 15 km from Kottayam, it is India’s longest lake. Several rivers flow into this lake and have a wide-ranging wetland system. The lake is segregated into freshwater and brackish lakes. The lake is famous for houseboat cruises, fishing, and bird watching.

Vembanad Lake is known by various names locally. The lake becomes the venue of the very famous annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race event. The contrast of green coconut fringes lining the azure waters looks stunning. Visit Patharimanal Island or Kumarakom bird sanctuary.

Famous for: Bird watching through houseboat cruise; snake boat race during Onam; Family picnics
Best time to visit: November – March
How to Reach: Cochin International Airport / Kottayam Railway Station

4. Pookode Lake

One of the most beautiful lakes in Kerala, Pookode Lake, is nestled amid the hills and valleys of Wayanad in the state’s northern region. Enjoy the beautiful sight of water lilies. The lake is known for offering memorable sunrise and sunset views and thus is visited by a huge number of tourists. The lake is 2 hours away by road from Kozhikode. The shape of this freshwater lake is like India’s map.

Sail on the Pookode Lake and spot a monkey swinging on trees. Admire the rare site of herds of deer grazing on the shore. Opt for a pedal boat ride on the lake. There is the Children’s park and Soochipara waterfalls nearby. This waterbody is sandwiched amid evergreen forest and the Western Ghats. The place is ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

Famous for: Family picnics, Pedal boat ride
Best time to visit: December – March
How to reach: Calicut International Airport / Kozhikode Railway Station

[Check-out other Top Things to do in Wayanad]

5. Vellayani Lake

If you are visiting Kovalam, do not miss a visit to the mesmerizing Vellayani Lake with breathtaking surroundings. This freshwater lake is just 9 km from Trivandrum. The lake water is so clean that it shines like a mirror on a moonlit night. A road divides this peaceful lake into two. It is said that the lake was formed when a beggar asked for some water from a meditating saint.

Locally known as Vellayani Kayal and Kochu Kovalam, Vellayani Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Trivandrum. The lake is visited by locals and tourists in huge numbers at the time of the boat race during Onam. The lake surroundings are charming and serene.

Famous for: Romantic getaway; boat race during Onam festival
Best time to visit: September – March
How to reach: Trivandrum International Airport / Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station

[ Check out our top Kerala Holiday Packages ]

6. Paravur Lake

Paravur Lake or Paravur Kayal is a comparatively smaller but wonderful lake. The lake is connected to the Arabian Sea, adding to its charm. Covering an area of 6.62 square km, the lake is the ending point of River Ithikkara. Enjoy a backwater cruise in this peaceful lake.

Paravur Lake offers opportunities for surfing, swimming, and boating on the picturesque Malabar Coast. It is placed near the beautiful Paravur fishing village, which must also be explored. The lake is 15 km from Varkala and 20 km from Kollam. Both sides of the lake have mangroves.

Famous for: Adventure activities; Priyadarshini Boat Club; Romantic locales
Best time to visit: September – February
How to reach: Trivandrum International Airport / Kollam Junction

7. Punnamada Lake

Punnamada Lake is known to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Kerala, expanding in a number of districts of the state. Due to the same reason, it has got various names, for example, Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad and Kochi Lake in Kochi. It is a part of Vembanad Lake. As the lake surrounds the 3 main islands of Kerala, Pathiramanal, Perumbalam, and Pallippuram, it has become famous for bird watching.

Punnamada Lake becomes the Nehru Trophy Boat Race venue at the Onam festival when there is a massive footfall of spectators. Punnamada wetland system spreads in an area of 2033.02 square km and thus is the largest wetland system in India. Lush vegetation, areca nut, and coconut trees surround the lake.

Famous for: Boat race during Onam & Bird Watching
Best time to visit: December to May
How to reach: Kozhikode Airport / Kozhikode Railway Station

8. Sasthamkotta Lake

The largest freshwater lake in Kerala, Sasthamkotta Lake, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kerala. Also known as the Queen of Lakes, it has waters that are fit for drinking. An ancient Sastha temple is a must-visit. Boats are also available to the temple. The temple has been blessed by the presence of some plants of rare species.

It is around 29 km from Kollam town. Visit Sasthamkotta Lake and savor the beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Feel close to nature, away from the hustle-bustle of city life. Modern geologists have declared it a Ramsar wetland ecosystem. The lake has 27 freshwater fish species, prawns, and various native and migratory birds.

Famous for: Sastha temple Abundant natural scenery; Peaceful surroundings
Best time to visit: August – March
How to reach: Trivandrum International Airport / Kollam Junction

[Explore our exclusively crafted Kerala Tour Packages]

You may also read the best backwaters destinations in Kerala

9. Mananchira Lake

Situated at the heart of Kozhikode (Calicut), Mananchira is a manmade freshwater lake. Fed by a natural spring, this rectangular lake expanse of 3.49 acres. Although it was initially built as the bathing pool of a feudal ruler of Kozhikode, its water is meant only for drinking today. Nevertheless, the architectural design and structure of this 14th-century lake are still intact.

The lake has a beautiful garden – Mananchira Square around it. It is suitable for picnics and strolls. Adorned by almost 250 lamps, a musical fountain, sculptures, Kerala-style buildings, an open-air theatre, and an artificial stream, the park is an additional sightseeing delight for tourists. The park also hosts some cultural events.

Famous for: The sprawling pond and the surrounding garden
Best time to visit: October – April
How to Reach: Calicut railway station and central bus stand / Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode

[Suggested Read: Kozhikode Tour Packages]

10. Veeranpuzha Lake

Flowing in Kochi (Cochin), this lake is a part of the northern extension of Vembanad Lake. The backwaters are known as Veeranpuzha from Kochi Azhi to Munambam Azhi. Its Nayarmbalam part offers a delicious visual treat. Despite all this, people are settled far from this lake as it is not a freshwater lake. Being saline tolerant, Pokkali rice is cultivated in its fields. Locals here are mostly agrarians and fishermen. You can count on them if you need help during your visit.

As the lake is not known to many, few tourists visit it. Thus, it makes a good sightseeing spot for couples where they can indulge in scenic beauty while enjoying their privacy. However, visitors need to carry drinking water during their visit here. Now, resorts are also coming up in the proximity of this lake.

Famous for: One of the largest backwaters expanses, famous water festivals organized during monsoons
Best time to visit: Monsoon months
How to Reach: Ernakulam railway station/ Kochi International Airport

FAQs

Q. Which is the best time to go to lakes in Kerala?
Ans. September to March is the best time to explore lakes in Kerala. Winter is the best time to visit Kerala to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of lakes in Kerala.

Q. Which is the highest lake in Kerala?
Ans. Pookode Lake is the highest lake in Kerala with an altitude of 770 meters above sea level. It is a small natural freshwater lake that runs along with evergreen forests and mountain slopes.

Q. Which is the heart-shaped lake in Kerala?
Ans. Chembra Lake is the heart-shaped lake in Kerala, which is said to have never dried up in eternity.

Q. Which is the deepest lake in Kerala?
Ans. With a depth of 21 feet (6.4 m), Ashtamudi Lake is the deepest lake in Kerala.

Geetika Handa

Geetika Handa is a travel writer who has an interest in sharing her experiences with all. She provides a detailed account of any travel topic she chooses to write on. You can get detailed information and tips about choosing the right kind of holiday packages in the country from her write-ups.