Vembanad Lake Kottayam

Vembanad Lake at Kumarakom in Kottayam District is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India, spanning Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. This vast brackish lagoon and backwater system is part of the Kerala Backwaters and is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. It is renowned for houseboat cruises, scenic backwaters, and its biodiversity near Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Visitors can expect a vast, calm backwater lake fringed by coconut groves, paddy fields, and resort-lined shores at Kumarakom on the eastern bank. The area offers houseboat and shikara jetties, open water views, small islands like Pathiramanal, and abundant birdlife. Visitors can explore by houseboat cruise, motorboat ride, or from lakeside resorts, with views of fishing canoes, Chinese fishing nets in the distance, and sunset over the backwaters.

Vembanad Lake is the largest wetland system in southwest India and was designated a Ramsar Site in 2002. The Thanneermukkom Barrage was constructed in 1974 across the lake to prevent saltwater intrusion and support agriculture in Kuttanad. The lake has historically supported inland navigation, fishing and coir industries and is central to the backwater settlement history of Kottayam and Alappuzha.

The lake is central to Kerala's backwater culture, traditional fishing, and coir and toddy livelihoods. It is famous for Vallam Kali (snake boat races) held during Onam season, including the Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamada portion. The Kumarakom area reflects Syrian Christian and backwater agrarian traditions, with lakeside resorts showcasing Kerala architecture and cuisine.