Date of travel: Jan 17, 2024
Kerala, God’s Own Country, has always been a siren’s call to me, beckoning me to drift into bliss on the gentle waters of its numerous lakes, where the backwaters whisper secrets of serenity and peace. We therefore packed our bags and arrived at Kollam, eager to experience the tranquility of Asthamudi Lake, where we had booked our stay at Club Mahindra resort.
Geographical Importance:
The Kerala backwaters are a network of brackish water lagoons, canals, and lakes that stretch over 900 km, parallel to the Arabian Sea along the Malabar coast. From Bekal in Kasaragod district to Kollam district, the backwaters pass through several districts, including Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Kottayam. This unique ecosystem, fed by 38 rivers, supports a rich biodiversity of aquatic life, birds, and flora. The backwaters boast the longest lake in India, Vembanad Lake (also largest brackish water lake in Kerala) and Asthamudi, the second-largest lake in Kerala.
Asthamudi Lake:
Asthamudi Lake, with its distinctive palm-shaped or octopus-shaped water body, is the deepest lake in Kerala, with a maximum depth of 6.4 meters. The lake’s name, Asthamudi, literally means “eight peaks”.
Major Attractions:
The lake and its canals are flanked by coconut and palm trees, quiet villages, and towns, with Kollam being the largest. We booked a houseboat for two consecutive days, exploring the lake’s serene waters. From regular to luxury houseboats, there are options to suit every taste and budget. As we cruised along the waterway, we spotted various birds, mangroves, and Chinese fishing nets.
Asthamudi and other lakes of backwaters also have many small islands within them and these islands are natural habitat for various birds and aquatic life. One famous island among them is Munroe island which is actually clusters of eight islands.
Popular Activities:
Fishing and water sports like kayaking and canoeing are excellent options. The lake is home to an abundance of fish, clams, and shrimps. Nearby Kollam Beach offers scenic views and a 19th-century Thangassery lighthouse, providing panoramic views of the coastline.
Jatayu Earth’s Centre
The next day, we headed to Jatayu Earth’s Centre Nature Park, located in Chadayamangalam village, Kollam. After a scenic two-hour drive, we arrived at the park, renowned for housing the world’s largest bird sculpture – a colossal representation of Jatayu. The ticket price of ₹400 per person included a two-way cable car ride, which offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Upon reaching the top of the hill, we were awestruck by the magnificent statue, sculpted by the acclaimed artist Rajiv Anchal. Measuring 200 feet in length, 150 feet in width, and 70 feet in height, the statue is an impressive tribute to the mythological bird Jatayu, who attempted to rescue Sita from Ravana.
Inside the sculpture, we explored the museum and audio-visual gallery, which provided valuable insights into the mythology and significance of Jatayu. The Centre also features an adventure park, offering activities such as rock climbing, zip lining, and more.
After taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and landscapes from the top, we departed for Kollam Beach, eager to continue our exploration of Kerala’s natural beauty.
Varkala beach and Paravoor Estuary
The next day, we headed to Varkala Beach, a stunning coastal destination that took us two hours to reach. As we arrived, the breath taking beach, nestled at the bottom of a cliff, greeted us with its pristine waters and golden sand. We began our day with a leisurely walk along the cliff side, taking in the panoramic views of the surroundings before making our way down to the beach for a refreshing swim.
Although we had a great time swimming, we were cautioned about the strong undercurrents and took necessary precautions. After working up an appetite, we indulged in an excellent lunch at a rooftop restaurant and spent some time lounging around.
Varkala Beach offers a range of water sports activities, and the famous Janardanaswamy Temple attracts many devotees. As we began our return journey, we took the Edava-Kappil-Paravoor route, making a brief stop at Kappil Beach before heading to the serene Paravoor Lake.
Paravoor Lake, a pristine estuary, is home to a diverse array of mangroves, birds, and fish species. We stopped at Paravoor Beach to capture the stunning sunset views and the glorious play of colours on the setting sky, creating an unforgettable experience.
When to Visit
Best time to visit is from October to middle of March, but Kerala can be very hot even in January.
How to Reach
- By Air – Thiruvananthapuram airport is 70 Kms away from Asthamudi lake, Kochi International is 155 Kms away. Prepaid cab service from airport is available.
- By Train-Kollam railway station is only 15 Kms away.
- By Road-Bus service from Kollam town is frequent. Taxi or private cabs are aplenty.
Where to Stay
From many Air bnbs, homestays, budget hotels to five star resorts are available to choose from.
Local cuisine
Famous Malabar cuisine include spicy dishes of local fish and seafood, chicken preparations, Malabar paratha, Biryani and Kozhikode halwa to name a few.
2 thoughts on “Solace meets rejuvenation in Kerala’s backwaters on the tranquil shores ofAsthamudi Lake”
Very nice photographs decorated with good photographs made lively the places u visited.
Thanks Bishwanath for your valuable feedback