Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake

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One of the largest lakes in India, the Vembanad Lake is Indias longest lake and also the largest lake in all of Kerala. The districts of Allepey, Kottayam and Ernakulam border the lake. A distinctive feature of the lake is that it has been divided into two parts by the Thannermukkom salt water barrier, which leaves one part of the lake with brackish water perennially and the second part with fresh water from the rivers draining into the lake. The Vembanad Lake is at the centre of Kerala Backwaters tourism with a myriad of ketuvallams (houseboats) crowding it. There are several other reasons which attract tourists to the beautiful lake, in and off season. The town of Allepey, bordering the lake, is considered to be the Venice of the East because of the large network of canals that amble through the town. Also, the Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held annually in August is a major attraction. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake and never fails to draw a huge and enthusiastic crowd of tourists. On an ecological note, the Vembanad Lake is of importance since it is home to more than 20,000 waterfowls in India and is also an ideal habitat for shrimps. While visiting the Lake, the Vembanad Lake Villas would be an ideal place to stay at. It is an exotic backwater resort with the most picturesque view of the banks of the Vembanad Lake. Coconut plantations, lush green vegetation with exotic plants and trees such as mangoes, bananas and pineapples cover the area around the villas. The resort comprises of one Kerala ancestral home or Tharavadu and a cluster of cottages designed according to the Kerala architecture but is well facilitated with all modern amenities like en-suite shower and toilet facilities. The main attraction of this resort is its proprietor and family who run the villa as a family business and also, the traditionally prepared food from the daily fresh catch will give you the real taste of Kerala. Over 1.6 million people live on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and are directly or indirectly dependent on it for their livelihoods. The lake is famous for its scenic beauty and has, as a consequence, become a major tourist attraction.