Want to experience the loneliness of a wild and tranquil lake? Visit the Vembanad Lake in Kerala and let your heart float like the boats floating on the lake. Located in the district of Alleppey in Kerala, Vembanad is a famous tourist spot in South India. It is by far considered as the longest lake in India and the largest in the state. You can reach this touristy location from major cities of Kerala such as Kottayam, Kuttanad and Kochi. The lake also has different names in different cities of the state. It is called as Kochi lake in Kochi, Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad and Vembanad Lake in Kottayam. However, the locals residing near the lake call it as Vembanad Kol or Vembanad Kayal.

Things to do in Vembanad Lake, Kerala

#1 Bird Watching

Migratory birds in Kumarakom — Image credits: Unsplash

Vembanad lake in Kerala is a wet as well as fertile land by nature. This place is an ideal environment for the livelihood of flora and fauna. With a suitable climate throughout the year, birds find comfort and abundant resources at this place. The tourist-friendly Kumarakom bird sanctuary in Vembanad, Kerala is located on the coast of this lake.

Every year, the place gets filled by tourists for the purpose of bird watching. You can spot a number of Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Owl, and Egret frequently. Other visitors include Heron, Brahminy Kite, Parrot, Flycatcher, Lark, Teal etc. The place also offers great opportunities for photographers to excel in their skills while capturing pictures of the birds in their natural habitat.

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#2 Boating Experience at the brackish lagoon

Being an extensive lake spreading over an unbelievable area, Vembanad lake in Kerala offers amazing boating experience for its visitors. One cannot simply miss the boating activity during their visit to Vembanad lake. The serene lake with tranquil waters and appealing surroundings will kindle the inner poet in you. To sum up, it is a satisfying experience that offers utmost peace and happiness. You can choose either the Day Boat Tour or the Night Boat tour according to your wish.

While rowing through the lake, you can explore the nearby markets and shops to buy things like souvenirs and native handicrafts and other products to take back home with you. You can also treat your tastebuds with the lip-smacking local food on your way. However, during your night tour, you can enjoy the mesmerising sunset ride which is truly a feast for the eyes.

#3 Houseboat Stays

House boats in Allepy — Image credits: Unsplash

There’s a lot of difference between staring at the lake and staying at the lake. You can take in the utmost beauty of Vembanad Lake in Kerala only if you choose to stay at the lake. Also, a houseboat stay ensures to bring in front of you even the unexplored regions of the lake as well. You can choose to stay either at the Kettuvellam Houseboat or the Punting Houseboat.

A plethora of these houseboats will attract every visitor entering the lake. You will be amused to know that these houseboats are made of the wood obtained from jackfruit trees and coconut fibre. There are boats that comprise of one to four bedrooms in it. And the most amazing part is that these boats have all modern amenities such as air-conditioning, sun-decks, massage service and spa treatments.

Types of Houseboats in Vembanad Lake, Kerala

Kerala Houseboat

Missing home while travelling? Here are Kerala houseboats that will offer you the comfort and calmness of home. As you traverse through the backwaters, you will be captivated by the jaw-dropping views of the lake. You can take the houseboats from the main cities namely Kasaragod, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Thrissur and Ernakulam. Every houseboat can accommodate around 4 to 5 people. It costs around 4000 INR to 6000 INR to rent a Kerala Houseboat.

Canoe Boats (Kettavulam)

If you wish to go for a village tour, you can choose the Canoe Boats in Vembanad, Kerala. During your boat trip, you can see the local livelihood of the entire location. Go for a 3 to 6 hours trip with a maximum of 6 members from your family or friends. The charge for Canoe Boats ranges from 400 INR to 1000 INR per person. You can get into the boats from Alleppey and enjoy a cosy ride.

Public Ferries by SWTD

If you are on a budgeted trip, you can prefer the Public Ferries by SWTD. Since the State Water Transport Department runs ferries frequently, you can easily catch a ferry at the boat jetty and VCSB. And the interesting part is, there are ferries starting from 5 INR. All you have to do is check the schedule on the official website and plan your day accordingly. Venturing the brackish lagoon at this cost is indeed a great deal.

Also Read: Places To Visit In Pathanamthitta

Best time to visit Vembanad Lake in Kerala

The ideal time to visit Vembanad Lake is during the winter season or the tourist season. From the months of September till March, Vembanad Lake turns into a dreamy location. With pleasant weather and welcoming ambience, the lake ensures safe boating and fishing experience during this time.

Geography of Vembanad Lake in Kerala

Rich flora of Vembanad Lake — Image credits: Unsplash

Spread over an area of 2000 square kilometre, The Vembanad Lake, Kerala is a vast wetland that touches the districts of Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Kottayam. The lake is separated from the Laccadive Sea by a fine barrier. However, it is very well connected with other lakes by canals and networks. Being an amazing wetland, the place has gained rich fertility. Hence Vembanad Lake is known for its wide array of flora and fauna.

How to reach Vembanad Lake in Kerala?

You can easily reach Vembanad Lake in Kerala by road. Start from any region of Alleppey and you are halfway there. You can also hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the lake.

rich flora and fauna in Vembanad Lake, Kerala — Image credits: Unsplash

When nature loves you by offering its fullest, do not have second thoughts. Just pack your bags and head to Vembanad Lake in Kerala. You will truly experience a shed load of nature’s assets here. The boundless joy and refreshment that the lake gives is something beyond imagination. A satisfactory trip to this natural paradise will be the favourite chapter of your travel diary. Head to the Pickyourtrail website and start planning your trip to Kerala right away.

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