Name: Alleppey
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Vembanad Lake, Alleppey Overview

Vembanad Lake is a lagoon located in the district of Alleppey in the South-Indian state of Kerala. This expansive lake/ lagoon is longest lake in the country and the largest Lake in Kerala, accessible from Kottayam, Kuttanad and Kochi. Vembanad Lake is known by different names in different regions of Kerala. It is called the Kochi Lake in Kochi, the Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad and as Vembanad in Kottayam. Locals also call it Vembanad Kol or Vembanad Kayal.

1. Go Bird Watching

The wetland of Vembanad creates an environment suitable for flora and fauna found in the region. Tourists frequently visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on the lake's coast for an exciting bird (Read More)-watching experience. One can find a large population of Waterfowl along with other birds like the Cuckoo, the Owl, the Egret, Heron, Brahminy Kite, Parrot, Flycatcher, Lark, Teal, the Siberian Crane etc.

2. Enjoy the Ride Through the Brackish Lagoons on a Boat

With a vast expanse covered by the lake waters, boating is but an apparent activity to indulge in when visiting the lake. Tourists can choose from Day Boat Tours of Night Boat Tours according to th (Read More)eir convenience. These tours include exploring the nearby markets, freshly prepared local food 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

Kerala Houseboats
The Best part about Kerala Backwaters is that they make (Read More)you feel the comfort of home yet taking you around the calm backwaters. Houseboats are available at Kasaragod, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, and Ernakulam. 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 (Kettavulam)

You can also opt for Canoe Boats or Kettuvalam (a boat that looks like a rice barge) and go for Village Tours. This is one of the best ways to experience local life at a slow pace. It usually has (Read More) a capacity of 5-6 people and takes around 3 to 6 hours and costs around 400 - 1000 per person. The tours start from Alleppey, Kochi and Kollam.

Public Ferries by SWTD
State Water Transport Department runs ferries at regular intervals from boat jetty and VCSB (Boat Jetty). The cost of the ferry is as low as INR 5. You can check the schedule on their official website. The ferry will take you through this network of brackish lagoons at a very low cost.

Read More on Vembanad Lake

Geography of Vembanad Lake

The entire system of Vembanad wetland expands over an area of 2000 square kilometre and has the districts of Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Kottayam. 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 surrounds by Lake Vembanad which is fed by River Meenachil, Pamba, Manimala, Muvattupuzha, Achenkovil and River Periyar which are the six major rivers of Kerala. The area surrounding the lake is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It is separated by a 4000 foot long man-made saltwater barrier called the Thaneermukkom. This barrier prevents the salt water from entering the low-lands of Kuttanad and divides the lake into two parts, one with fresh water from the rivers and the other with brackish water.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Vembanad Lake is during the winters or the tourist season which is between September and March as the lake water level is safe for boating, fishing and other activities. Other activities like canoeing and boat races get suspended during monsoons.