Pristine Lakes in Kerala That You Should Definitely Visit

Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India. This lake in Kerala is known by different names in different places. Taking a house boat on the lake could be a fun experience.

Ashtamudi Lake located in Kollam District is the most visited backwaters and lake in Kerala. It possesses a unique wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped or octopus-shaped water body, second only in size to the Vembanad estuary ecosystem of the state.

Punnamada Lake is an extension of Vembanad Lake in Alleppey. This lake in Kerala is popular for hosting the very famous boat race called Nehru Trophy boat race. The race is held during the renowned Onam festival and attracts a lot of tourists from worldwide.

Akkulam Lake is situated in the Trivandrum of Kerala and is an extension of the Veli Lake. It merges with the sea in the end and makes for a popular picnic spot for the city folks.

Spread over 3.49 acres, Mananchira Lake is a freshwater man-made lake in the heart of the city of Kozhikode. This lake in Kerala is fed by a natural spring and was originally the bathing pool of the 14th century ruler Zamorin Mana Vikrama.

Veeranpuzha is a beautiful lake in Kerala along with a series of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Malabar coast, which form beautiful backwaters.

Also known as Vellayani Kayal, Vellayani Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, situated in the Trivandrum city. The water from the lake is mostly used for irrigation and drinking purposes and for harvesting lotus flowers.

Paravur Lake or better known as Paravur Kayal is a popular lake in Kollam, Kerala. The lake is comparatively small and is one of the smaller lakes in Kerala. It is the end part of Ithikkara River and is also fed by the waters of the river.

Sasthamkotta Lake or Sasthamcotta Lake is a wetland and the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. The lake has been named after the Sastha temple situated at the banks of the lake. The water from the lake is used for drinking, irrigation and fishing.

Lying just 3 km south of Vythiri is a natural freshwater lake in Kerala unspoiled by human habitation and activities. The Pookode lake tourist resort is famous for its aquarium and green house. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride in its calm waters. Kayaking in the lake is another sought after activity.

Tucked in the heart of the jungle, Thekkady or Periyar Lake is famous for its wide varieties of wildlife. You can also take a boat ride in the reservoir that provides water to the forest.

Vadakkechira is one of the oldest ponds situated in Thrissur, Kerala and was constructed by the ruler Shakthan Thampuran (1751-1805). The pond was originally built to tend to the irrigation and drinking purposes for the people.

Kayamkulam Kayal, also known as Kayamkulam Lake, also known as Kayamkulam Estuary is situated between Panmana and Karthikapally in Kerala and finally drains into the Arabian Sea. This lake in Kerala also hosts a boating festival.

Situated amidst exuberant tea plantations, dense green woods, rolling hillocks and vibrant grasslands, Elephant Lake, also known as Anayirangal or Elephant Arrival Lake is one of the most idyllic and picturesque spots located at a distance of 22 kms from Munnar. Popular as a booming picnic destination, the scintillating lake offers panoramic views of the calm reservoir and foggy clouds, all in the backdrop of lush green Tata Tea Estates. However, the highlight of the lake is the numerous herds of elephants who visit here from the forests of Munnar to quench their thirst from the water of the lake.

Known For : Water Sports in Varkala Varkala Beach Edava Beach

Varkala is a coastal town in the southern part of Kerala known for the unique 15m high 'Northern Cliff' adjacent to the Arabian Sea. It is popular for its hippie culture, shacks on the cliff serving great seafood and playing global music and the samadhi of Kerala's saint Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala is also known for Jardana Swami Temple, also known as Dakshin Kashi. Varkala has some of the best pristine beaches, hills, lakes, forts, lighthouses, natural fisheries and springs - all of this together makes this town a little paradise. You will also find a lot of shops with signboards in Hebrew selling Yoga mats, oxidised silver jewellery and harem pants made of cotton. 

Best Time: Throughout the year

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Untouched and unspoilt by tourist activities, the Edava beaches are the virgin stretches circling a blue lagoon where sea and backwaters run parallel divided by a more-than-one km of straight road. There is also an estuary that connects the sea with the backwaters here.

Lying 1 km off Thiruvamdabi road, this black sand beach adjacent to the North cliff is an ideal picnic spot amidst lush coconut groves to relax and unwind.