12 Most Scenic Lakes in Kerala That Are Perfect for Nature Enthusiasts and Travelers
It is none other than the beautiful and pure rivers, rivulets as well as lakes flowing through Kerala that makes it God’s Own Country. Numerous small rivulets make water bodies sealed from all sides. These water bodies gradually transmute themselves into big lakes. These important lakes in Kerala flow silently and rot at a place. Though, these are constantly gushed in with fresh water from streams or by the rainfalls. Kerala can be represented as a “land of lakes”, as it is sanctified with 34 lakes which are continually packed with twinkling clean water. Be it the pleasure of staying in houseboat, or having fun during adventurous water sports, or watching the energizing boat races, these lakes have always and almost touched all vacationers in Kerala.
Let’s take a look at some lakes that you must see when you are in Kerala:
Beautiful & Famous Lakes in Kerala That Are Worth Visiting:
1. Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam:

It is in the name why this lake is been named so. It has 8 cones or channels; which makes Ashtamudi Lake the 16 kms long lake and the second largest in Kerala. It finds its way into the sea through the Neendakara bay. With the surface area of 23.7 sq mts this lake offers visitors a journey in the luxurious houseboats, view of the waterways as well as water bound villages, tall palm and coconut trees. You can enjoy this wonderful lake at its best during September to march and it will be a wonderful experience for your family.
| Location | Kollam District, Kerala |
| Boating Price | Rs 400 to 1000 per person |
| Boating Timings | 9:00 am to 6:00 pm |
2. Sasthamkotta Lake in Kollam:

Sasthamkotta Lake (also called Sasthamcotta Lake) being one of the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, derived its name from the Sastha temple situated at its bank. Widely known as the “Queen of Lakes” the water of the lake is testified to be free of common salt or other minerals and metals. The major attraction of the lake is the monkeys residing at the trees on the banks of the lake. These monkeys do not harm the visitors of the temple and visitors also enjoy feeding these friendly monkeys with nuts.
| Location | Kollam District, Kerala |
| Boating Timings | 8:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Boating Price | Around Rs 200 per person |
Read Also: Top 15 Hidden Tourist Places of Kollam for One Day Trip
3. Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom:

Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala. The Nehru Trophy boat race is held on this Vembanad lake, Kumarakom. The Vembanad Kayal is connected popular districts of Kerala like as Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kottayam. This lake is most popular destination for Kerala backwaters. You can also watch amazing sunset view from this lake. You can enjoy boating, fishing & unique sightseeing experiences on Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom. This lake can surely be called as one of the best lakes of kerala.
| Location | kumarakom, Kottayam District, Kerala |
| Timings | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm |
4. Pookode Lake Wayanad:

This Lake with the shape of India’s map has the perpetual fresh water, snuggled in the middle of forested hills. The Pookode lake has plenty of blue lotus as well as fresh water fishes. The forests neighbouring the lake embrace numerous wild animals, birdies and flies. The group of Blue Water Lily flowers dispersed throughout the lake catches visitors’ attention. You can enjoy boat ride, shopping and also visit spices emporium and fresh water aquarium here.
| Location | Wayanad District, Kerala |
| Timings | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Entry Fee | Rs 20 (Adults) and Rs 10 (Children) per person |
| Boating Price | Rs 100 for 2-seater pedal boats and Rs 200 for 4-seater pedal boats for a 20-minute ride. |
Read Also: Top 13 Tourist Places You Must to Visit in Wayanad in 1 Day with Family
5. Vadakkechira Lake in Thrissur:

It is not actually a lake rather it’s a pond and one of the four oldest ponds in Thrissur city of Kerala. Vadakkechira Lake has fountains, pools, seats, rock garden and a gallery to take a great look of this lake. The pond is a 4 hectare ecological unit with far-reaching shrubberies, birdies, sacred groves and butterfly parks. You can spend your evening hours without a thought here.
| Location | Thrissur District, Kerala |
| Timings | 6:00 am to 6:00 pm |
6. Punnamada Lake in Alleppey:

Punnamada Lake is an extension of Vembanad Lake in Alleppey and the longest lake in the country. The backwaters of the lake entrail the visitors with peace. It is famous for hosting the famous water sporting event, the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race during the festival of Onam. It is organized in the month of August and attracts thousands of visitors. The greatest attraction of Punnamada Lake is the cruising experience. The serene experience is unforgettable for the visitors. You can enjoy the calming cruising anytime and during the festival the turnover of the tranquil lake into a fierce track.
| Location | Alleppey District, Kerala |
| Timings | 8:00 am to 5:30 pm |
| Boating Price | Start from Rs 1000 per person |
7. Vellayani Lake in Thiruvananthapuram:

Vellayani Lake is the largest lake with clam and freshwater in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Visit this lake during the full-moon night and you will see the heaven on earth. The boat race at the time of Onam calls for many tourists. Watch the eye-catching sunset here and you would certainly stay here to spend your time in the cool and comfy breeze blowing here. This makes the lake one of the largest freshwater lakes in kerala worth visiting.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala
8. Aakkulam Lake in Trivandrum:

The lake located on the outskirts of the city of Trivandrum is the oldest tourist place in the city. It is an extension of Veli Lake and merges with the sea at the end. A paradise for people in search of peace, the Aakkulam Lake provides the beauty of water with nature at its peak. The major attraction includes boating at the lake giving serene experience to the visitor. The backwaters of the lake provide calming experience with numerous boating options. The bank of the lake is a perfect picnic spot with activities like a swimming pool and a children’s park.
| Location | Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala |
| Timings | 8:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Boating Price | Around Rs 600 to Rs 900 per person |
9. Paravur Lake in Kollam:

This is relatively a much smaller lake than its other equivalents in Kerala. It conquers an area of simply 6.62 sq kms. The Paravur lake is the finish point of the Ithikkara River, and is irrigated by the stream too. The lake was connected to Edava Lake and Ashtamudi Lake as partition of the Trivandrum – Shoranur canal scheme ever since the late 19th century.
Location: Paravur, Kollam district, Kerala
10. Mananchira Lake in Kozhikode:

A man-made freshwater lake, the Mananchira Lake is at the center of the city Kozhikode. It is spread over an area of approximately 3.4 acres and serves as a drinking water source for the locals. It was originally built as a bathing pool for a feudal ruler of the city Zamorin Mana Vikrama in the 14th century. It is named after the ruler Manadevan Samoothri, a former ruler of the city. The building of the lake shows the intricate craftsmanship of its time. The major source of attraction for the tourists near the lake is a neighboring park which has become a well-known picnic spot.
| Location | Kozhikode District, Kerala |
| Timings | 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm |
11. Elephant Lake in Munnar:

Surrounded by grasslands, tea plantations’ evergreen forest, the Elephant Lake serves as a source of joy for nature lovers. The lake justifying its name is visited by numerous elephants for drinking water, hence it is also known as Elephant Arriving Lake. The ecstatic environment of the lake provides a surreal experience to the tourist, serving as a major attraction in Munnar. A paradise for photographers, the lake gives perfect picturesque surroundings with tranquil waters and a backdrop of tea plantations. You can feel close to nature on visiting this lake. The place serves as a perfect picnic spot, and you can take back a bag full of panoramic pictures from the lake.
| Location | Munnar District, Kerala |
| Timings | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Boating Price | Rs 300 rupees for two-seater boats, Pontoon boat 20 seats INR 600, for 30 mins ride. |
Read Also: Top 9 Places to Visit in Munnar You Should Not Miss in 2024
12. Periyar Lake in Thekkady:

The Mullaperiyar Dam created the peaceful artificial reservoir known as Periyar Lake in Thekkady, which is located inside Kerala’s Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Through boat cruises that frequently feature wildlife like elephants and deer along the shores, it offers visitors the opportunity to explore rich biodiversity over a range of clear forested views. The lake sustains the flora and fauna of the sanctuary and is an essential source of water for the surrounding ecosystem.
| Location | Thekkady District, Kerala |
| Timings | 7:30 am to 5:00 pm |
| Entry Fee | Rs 45 (Adults) and Rs 15 (Children) per person |
| Boating Price | Around Rs 200 to Rs 500 per person |
Conclusion:
The lakes of Kerala are a beautiful gift to nature and humanity from God. These lakes not only offer you coolness and comfort but are also important from the point of view of health. Anytime in Kerala, you would love to visit to these lakes again and again. Contact SreesTours – Kerala’s leading tour & travel operator who offers Kerala tour packages at best prices.
Image Courtesy: upload.wikimedia.org
FAQs:
Kerala is home to several scenic lakes, including Vembanad Lake, Punnappra Lake, Sasthamkotta Lake, and Periyar Lake. Each offers unique landscapes and opportunities for activities like boating and birdwatching.
The best time to visit Kerala’s lakes is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant for outdoor activities like boating and sightseeing.
Yes, boating is a popular activity in many of Kerala’s lakes, such as Vembanad Lake, where you can enjoy houseboat rides, and Periyar Lake, where you can take boat tours to see wildlife.