Vellayani Lake, Kovalam

Surrounded by a scenic landscape of coconut groves and backwaters, the lake is a favourite picnic spot among locals as well as tourists. It bustles with entertainment during Onam, the traditional festival of Kerala. The traditional boat race is organised here, inviting an enormous crowd.

The lake's ecosystem flourishes with a variety of flora and fauna. The origin of Vellayani lake has a mythological twist, as per the famous legend, there was once a beggar who was thirsty. He visited a saint who was meditating. The saint realised that his bowl was almost empty and threw the last few drops by chanting a small prayer.

Surprisingly, the land that bore the drops of water gradually turned into a lake that's today known as Vellayani Lake. However, at present, the lake is undergoing various atrocities that involved officials in draining the lake for agriculture. However, the locals and environmentalists objected this. The lake stands beautiful and refreshing for any visitor till date.