Kerala Lakes and Backwaters

Kerala is bestowed with 34 lakes, of these 7 are inland backwaters, 27 are relating to azhi/pozhi. These 27 lakes are situated along the western coast, either adjacent to or parallel to the sea; this group includes both those that remain connected to the sea and those that connect to it only during the monsoon season. Seven inland water bodies are also classified as backwaters. The Important backwaters of kerala are Vembanadu, Ashtamudi, Sasthamkotta, Vellayani, Paravoor, Pookode, Veli, Kadinamkulam, Anjuthengu, Edava, Nadayara, Kayamkulam, Kodungallur and Chetuva, Uppala, Kumbala, Kalnadu, Kavvayi, Ponnani, Kadalundi, Kanjiramukku etc. Vembanad Lake, which spans the districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, is the largest backwater in Kerala; Pathiramanal Island is located within this lake. Sasthamkotta Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. Ashtamudi, Sasthamkotta, and Vembanad lakes have been included in the Ramsar list. The total length of the Inland Waterways in Kerala is 687 Km.

Vembanadu Lake

It is the largest lake in the state. It is also longest lake in India, which is approximately 14 kilometres wide at its widest point. The lake spread over Kottayam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam Districts. The lake is fed by ten major rivers that flowing into it. The lake surrounds the islands of Pathiramanal, Perumbalam, Ramanthuruth, Pallippuram, Cheranallur, Vypin, Willingdon, Bolgatty and Vallarpadam. The Port of Kochi is located around two islands (the Willingdon Island and Vallarpadam) in a portion of this lake known as the Kochi Lake. The Cochin port is situated at the lake's exit to the Arabian Sea.

The stretch of Kochi Azhi to Munambam Azhi is popularly called by the people as Veeranpuzha. It has different names in different localities of Ernakulum and Alappuzha. Nehru Trophy boat race is held each year on the Punnamada backwaters. The Vembanad Wetland System was listed as a wetland of international importance as stated by the Ramsar Convention in 2002. It is the largest of the three Ramsar Sites in the state. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the on the banks of Vembanadu Lake. Thanneermukkom is on the banks of Lake. A salt water barrier (1252 meter long) is built across the lake at Thanneermukkom.

Ashtamudi Lake

It is the second largest lake (Kollam District). It is also known as Gateway to the Backwaters. Ashtamudi Wetland was included in the list of Wetlands of international importance as per Ramsar convention. It is the deepest estuary among all the estuaries of Kerala. Lake is 15 kilometers in length. Quilon is a chief ancient port city situated on the right bank of the lake. Islands of Ashtamudi Lake are Munroe thuruth, Chavara South and Thekkumbhagom. Munroe Island (Munroe thuruth) is a cluster of eight tiny islands in Ashtamudi Lake. The lake is shaped like palm with eight prominent arms or channels which gives it the name Ashtamudi. The arms of the lake meet at Neendakara near Kollam and evacuates at the Arabian Sea.

Sasthamkotta Lake

It is the biggest fresh water lake in the State. It is known as Queen of Lakes. The lake is also considered as the wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention from November 2002 onwards.

Vellayani Lake

It covers an area of 7.5 sq km. It is the largest freshwater lake in Thiruvananthapuram District. It is one of the three rain-fed freshwater lakes in Kerala.

Paravur Lake

Its location is Paravur (Kollam district). Its area is 6.62 square kilometers. It is the final destination of the Ithikkara River. It has been merged with Edava Kayal and Ashtamudi Kayal.

Pookot Lake

It is naturally formed lake in Wayanad district. The lake is surrounded on all sides with forest. Its area is 8.5 hectares. A tributary of Kabani River also known in the name of Panamaram River starts from this lake.