Prime Day & Hours: Morning and evening; weekends
Suggested Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station, about 14 KM
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), about 77.2 KM
Nearest Bus Stop: Kumarakom Bus Stand, about 2 KM
Vembanad Lake, located in Kottayam, Kerala, is the longest lake in India, as well as the largest in Kerala. This lake offers the most majestic and ethereal views on both sides, following dense green forests, wildlife, and villages, and is one of the best places to visit in Kottayam. The lake is spread over an area of 2,033 sq km across Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.
Vembanad Lake is a popular backwater destination in Kerala, supporting nearby villages and wildlife. The lake is also a biodiversity hotspot and has various species of fish, birds, and plants, some of which are unique to the region. The shores of the lake are decorated with Coconut trees rising high along with houseboats. Visitors can ride these houseboats and explore the surreal beauty of this lake. Riding on these boats is known as "kettuvalloms", and these Kettuvalloms were once used for transporting goods and spices from other neighbouring areas.
During the festival of Onam, the lake looks so beautiful and fills the area with life as traditional ceremonies happen around and in the lake; also, the legendary Nehru Trophy boat race happens during this season.
