Ashtamudi Lake
Estuarine Lagoon & Ramsar Wetland | Kollam, Kerala
Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam — Kerala's second-largest backwater system, famous for its eight branch arms and eco-certified clam fishery.
Overview & Ecological Identity
Ashtamudi Lake (meaning 'Eight Braids' or 'Eight Arms' in Malayalam) is a palm-shaped brackish lagoon situated in the Kollam district of Kerala. Spanning an area of 61.4 square kilometers, it is the second-largest estuarine lake in Kerala after Vembanad Lake and serves as the official gateway to the famous Kerala Backwaters.
Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002 (Ramsar Site No. 1159), Ashtamudi Lake is globally recognized for its unique mangrove ecosystem, sustainable clam fisheries, and traditional houseboat (Kettuvallam) tourism routes connecting Kollam to Alappuzha.
Origin & History
The name Ashtamudi is derived from two Malayalam words: Ashta (eight) and Mudi (braids/branches), referring to the lake's unique geography featuring eight distinct intricate channels or arms that branch out into the surrounding countryside before converging into a central basin.
Historically, Ashtamudi and the port city of Quilon (Kollam) were major global maritime trading hubs mentioned by ancient Phoenician, Roman, Chinese, and Arab sea traders. The lake provided sheltered anchorage for spice ships trading black pepper, cardamom, and teakwood along the ancient Malabar Coast.
Geography & Location
Located in southern Kerala at sea level, Ashtamudi Lake extends approximately 16 kilometers inland with a maximum width of 14 kilometers and an average depth of 3 to 4.5 meters. It opens into the Arabian Sea through a narrow tidal inlet at Neendakara, a major commercial fishing harbor.
The lake encompasses multiple inhabited islands, including Munroe Island (Mundrothuruth), Chavara, and Perumon. The shoreline is fringed by dense coconut groves, coir processing hamlets, traditional boatyards, and historic Dutch and British colonial heritage sites.
Hydrology & Water Balance
Ashtamudi Lake receives freshwater inflow from the Kallada River, which originates in the Western Ghats near Kulathupuzha and passes through the Thenmala dam reservoir before discharging into the lake at Munroe Island.
Tidal influence from the Arabian Sea at the Neendakara estuary maintains a dynamic salinity gradient across the lake. This mixing of fresh and marine waters creates a nutrient-rich estuarine environment vital for brackish-water species and mangrove ecology.
Ecological Significance, Flora & Avian Habitat
Ashtamudi Lake hosts 40+ species of mangroves and mangrove-associate plants, including rare species such as Syzygium travancoricum. The wetland is globally certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for its sustainable short-neck clam (Katelysia opima) fishery, supporting thousands of traditional clam gatherers.
Avian biodiversity includes over 50 species of resident and migratory waterbirds, such as the Grey Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Terns, and Plovers. Marine fauna includes mud crabs, prawns, milkfish (Poomeen), and Pearl Spot (Karimeen)—Kerala's official state fish.
Visitor Information & Regulations
Ashtamudi Lake is the starting point for the famous 8-hour, 85-km public backwater ferry cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha, operated by the Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD). Private luxury houseboats (Kettuvallams) offer overnight cruises through quiet palm-fringed channels.
Visitor highlights include canoe tours around Munroe Island, visits to Thevally Palace (a historic Dutch-built royal residence on the lake shore), coir factory demonstrations, and authentic Keralite seafood dining featuring fresh Karimeen Pollichathu.
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), 65 km south via NH66.
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam Junction (QLN), 2 km from the main lake jetty; a major railway hub on the Southern Railway line.
By Road: Well-connected by NH66 and KSRTC bus services to Thiruvananthapuram (65 km), Alappuzha (85 km), and Kochi (140 km).
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake is from September to March during the cool, dry winter season. Temperatures range between 22°C and 31°C. August-September coincides with the traditional Onam festival and the President's Trophy Boat Race (Kollam Jalotsavam) held annually on the lake waters.
Related Hidden Routes Knowledge Graph Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ashtamudi mean?
Ashtamudi means 'Eight Braids' in Malayalam, referring to the eight distinct branching arms of the lake.
What famous island is located in Ashtamudi Lake?
Munroe Island, a cluster of eight small backwater islands, is located at the confluence of the Kallada River and Ashtamudi Lake.
When did Ashtamudi Lake become a Ramsar site?
Ashtamudi Lake was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in August 2002.