Ashtamudi backwaters are the second biggest in the state of Kerala. Located in the district of Kollam, these backwaters run up to a length of 16km. The waters for this come from 8 channels or canals, which is why it is named as Ashtamudi. This lake flows into the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary. Backwater tourism is one of the most developed tourism sectors of Kerala and Ashtamudi contributes heavily for the same. Ashta means eight and mudi means cone. The Ashtamudi Lake is served by the waters of the 8 lakes namely, Kanjirottu Lake, Kumbalath Lake, Kureepuzha Lake, Kandachira Lake, Perumon Lake, Thevally Lake, Kallada Lake and Kumbalath Lake.  The wetlands of Ashtamudi are recognised as one of the best in the globe. The Kollam Boat House club operates the longest backwater cruise in Kerala; an 8-hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha that passes through the Ashtamudi Lake. The placid blue backwaters, the gentle movement of the backwaters and the extremely beautiful scenery completely transport you to a different world altogether.

How to Reach

By Air

Thiruvananthapuram International airport, at a distance of about 70km, is the nearest to Ashtamudi lake.

By Rail

Kollam railway junction is just 2km from the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake.

By Road

The district of Kollam is well-connected with all the cities of Kerala and neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, through government and private sector buses.

Climatic Conditions and Best time to Visit

The months of April and May are very hot and humid with temperatures soaring up to around 30degrees Celsius. June and July are the wettest months of this area. The best time to visit this place is the period between September and February, when the climate is really cool and comfortable.

Cruises from Ashtamudi

The Kollam Boat Club organises houseboat cruises from Kollam to Alappuzha, which is an 8-hour trip and gives ample scope for tourists to drink in the beauty of the place. There are a few luxury boats along the Ashtamudi backwaters that tourists can book if they want go around the place. These houseboats are in great demand always. Hence in order to avoid disappointments, you should always book these boats in advance.

Prime Attractions

Some of the main tourist attractions near Ashtamudi backwaters are the following:

Kollam

The main district of Kollam is one of the leading manufacturers of cashew and coir in the state of Kerala. This is located at the corner of the Ashtamudi Lake and can be reached through a cruise.

Munroe Island

This is a superbly scenic island that is formed at the point of intersection of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. This island is named after Munroe, who was a British traveller who came to this place, when it belonged to the erstwhile royal place of Travancore.

Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard

This yard is found towards the north of Kollam district, quite near Karunagapally. This place is famous for two things. One is coir processing and the other is manufacturing of houseboats or kettuvallams. Many tourists come here to see the boats being artistically crafted.

Thevally Kottaram

Kottaram, in the local Malayalam language, means Palace. This palace is the place where the kings used to conduct their meetings. This palace is located right at the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake. The palace is around two centuries old. Tourists can view this palace as they travel along the lake in their houseboats. This palace has remarkable architecture and was constructed when Rani Gauri Parvati Bai ruled over this place. Laterite and lime plaster were the basic materials used for constructing this palace. This is a perfect blend of two main styles of architecture – Portuguese and Dutch British.