Ashtamudi Lake: A Kerala Backwater Paradise

Ashtamudi Lake, a prominent and premier backwater lake in the Kollam district of Kerala, is a captivating testament to the state’s rich ecological diversity and breathtaking natural beauty. This enchanting water body, with its distinct wetland ecosystem and unique octopus or palm-shaped structure, is the second largest in Kerala, surpassed only by the famed Vembanad estuary. Often called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, Ashtamudi Lake is a haven for tourists, renowned for its serene houseboats, picturesque backwater resorts, and vibrant biodiversity.

Etymology and Geography

The name "Ashtamudi" aptly describes the lake's distinctive form. Derived from the Malayalam language, "Ashta" means eight, and "mudi" signifies coned. This refers to the lake's eight prominent arms or channels branching out, resembling a palm tree or an octopus. The lake is fed by the Kallada River, a lifeline formed by the confluence of the Kulathupuzha, Chenthurnipuzha, and Kalthuruthipuzha rivers in the Thiruvananthapuram district. After flowing for 121 kilometers, the Kallada River gracefully empties into the Ashtamudi Lake. These sixteen-kilometer long arms of Ashtamudi Lake eventually converge at Neendakara port near Kollam, where the water flows into the Lakshadweep Sea, a part of the Arabian Sea.

A Tapestry of Natural Attractions

Ashtamudi Lake offers a diverse array of natural and recreational attractions, captivating visitors with its ecological richness.

Floral Abundance:

As a prime backwater destination and wetland, Ashtamudi Lake boasts an astonishing variety of floral species. Lush coconut groves and palm trees dot both banks and backwater canals, interspersed with charming towns and villages. Mangrove species like Avicennia officinalis, Brugiera gymnorrhiza, and Sonneratia caseolaris thrive in the estuary. Notably, the wetland is home to 43 species of marshy and mangrove-associated plants, including two endangered species: Syzygium travencoricum, of which only around 200 remain, and Calamus rotang. The major threat to these endangered species is the drainage of wetlands for conversion into paddy fields. This rich and diverse flora contributes significantly to the lake's lushness and scenic appeal.

Avifaunal Delights:

Ashtamudi Lake is a haven for birdwatchers, harboring 57 avian species, including 6 migratory and 51 resident species. Approximately 40 species of wetland-dependent birds are observed, with 45% being long-distance migratory birds. Terns, plovers, cormorants, and herons are among the most commonly sighted birds.

Aquatic Biodiversity:

The lake is teeming with life underwater, supporting 97 species of aquatic animals, encompassing marine, estuarine, estuarine-riverine, and estuarine-marine species. It provides habitat for unique species of copepods, all species of palaemonid prawns, edible crabs, black clams, and a wide array of fish species. Furthermore, 45 species of insects, including 26 butterfly species, and 29 zooplankton and 9 phytoplankton species have been identified within the lake’s water body.

Island Escapes:

Within the expansive Ashtamudi Lake lie several idyllic islands, each with its unique charm. Munroe Island, a cluster of eight small islands, offers a glimpse into traditional village life. Chavara South Island, located 14 kilometers from Kollam, also houses a small, peaceful village. Thekkumbhagam Island, situated on the banks of the lake, provides a captivating rural countryside experience amidst natural beauty.

Recreational and Tourism Paradise

The epitome of natural beauty, Ashtamudi Lake is celebrated for its luxurious houseboats and tranquil backwater resorts.

Boat rides and houseboat cruises across the lake are readily available through the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Kollam, and the Kollam Boat Club. The journey from Kollam to Alappuzha is one of the most popular and longest backwater cruises in Kerala. This eight-hour journey offers tourists an intimate connection to the backwater richness of Ashtamudi Lake, meandering through calm waters, canals, and island-bound villages. Luxury houseboats and "cheena vala" (Chinese fishing nets) used by local fishermen add to the scenic charm of the lake. In addition, an ancient thousand-year-old temple and a 200-year-old church are nestled along the lake's shores, adding cultural depth to the experience.

Economic Significance

Kollam, formerly Quilon, a historically significant port city, is situated on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. The lake, Kollam city, and the Neendakara port are crucial transport routes for trade and commerce within Kerala, particularly in cashew trading and processing and marine products industries. Fishing, coconut husk retting for coir production, and inland navigation are all essential means of livelihood for local communities. The clams found in the estuary are of export quality, and the estuary is considered the second biggest fish landing site in the state, after the Vembanad estuary.

Literary Inspiration

The captivating beauty of Ashtamudi Lake has inspired countless artists, writers, and poets. Many works of the renowned poet Thirunalloor Karunakaran, who grew up on its banks, feature the lake as a central theme. The village in Thekkumbhagom Island is where the first Malayalam epic poetry "Ramachandravilasam" was composed by poet Azhakath Padmanabha Kurup.

Conservation Efforts

Unfortunately, the Ashtamudi Lake has faced deterioration due to intense anthropogenic pressure, oil spills from fishing boats and industries, encroachments, habitat destruction, untreated sewage, industrial waste, and human excreta.

Fortunately, restoration plans are underway. The Asia Development Assistance Facility of the New Zealand Government conducted a study to create a sustainable management plan for the estuary. This plan includes improving sanitation, preventing pollution, protecting shores through mangrove afforestation, restricting mining, preserving estuaries, sustaining fish species, promoting ecotourism, and enhancing inland navigation services. The lake has the potential to become a marine bioreserve with improved environmental measures and biodiversity conservation. Ashtamudi Wetland has been recognized as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention and, in November 2014, was recognized for sustainable clam fishing.

Visiting Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake is readily accessible from Kollam.

• By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is 70 kilometers away.
• By Rail: The nearest railhead is Kollam Junction, 15 kilometers away.
• By Road: National Highway 47 (NH 47) runs through Kollam and along locations on the lake’s banks.

The best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake is during the monsoon season (August to October) or the winter months (November to February).

Ashtamudi Lake, with its ecological significance, Natural Splendor, and cultural heritage, remains a shining jewel in Kerala's crown, offering an unforgettable experience for all who visit.