Vembanad Lake

About Vembanad Lake:

• It is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India.
• It is also the largest tropical wetland ecosystem on the South West coast of India.
• It is also known as Vembanad Kayal, Vembanad Kol, Punnamada Lake, and Kochi Lake.
• The lake has its source in four rivers: Meenachil, Achankovil, Pampa, and Manimala.
• It is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island and is a popular backwater stretch in Kerala.
• Most of the Vembanad Lake is fresh water, and when it approaches the Arabian Sea, the water is salty.
• With an elaborate network of canals and backwaters, it is flanked by coconut palms and extensive paddy fields that are below mean sea level.
• Vallam Kali (i.e Nehru Trophy Boat Race) is a Snake Boat Race held every year in the month of August in Vembanad Lake.
• In 2002, it was designated as a Ramsar site.
• The Government of India has identified this lake under the National Wetlands Conservation Programme.
• The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake.
  • It is home to numerous migratory birds that travel all the way from Siberia and the Himalayas.
  • The Little Cormorant, Indian Darter, White Ibis, several species of kingfishers waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, water duck, Siberian Cranes, parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers and wood beetles are all birds that are commonly sighted here.