Kerala is a captivating travel destination situated in India’s southwest. The tranquil backwaters, verdant tea plantations, blue waterfalls, and lakes in Kerala are a nature lover’s paradise. The unrivalled natural beauty of Kerala makes it rank amongst the most visited Indian states by domestic and foreign tourists alike.
If you have plans of visiting India this year, Kerala is perhaps the best destination to be with your loved ones. The pristine backwaters and beautiful lakes in Kerala will serve as a feast for your eyes. You can undertake a fascinating cruise while munching on delicious local cuisines, and discover Kerala’s beauty. You can have an unparalleled experience in God’s Own Country on your upcoming Kerala tour. Contact a tour operator in Kerala to book customized Kerala tour packages.
5 Best Lakes in Kerala for an Exhilarating Kerala Tour
Kerala is home to as many as 34 mesmerizing lakes known for their alluring beauty and serene setting. These lakes are a hotspot of various water sports, annual boat races and leisure activities.
To help you plan your Kerala trip itinerary, we have hand-picked 5 best lakes in Kerala that you must explore for a memorable family vacation:
1). Vembanad Lake – The Largest Lake in Kerala
Vembanad Lake of Kerala is the longest lake in India. It is one of the most popular and most visited lakes in Kerala. This enchanting tourist spot covers a swooping area of 230 square kilometers and is located 15 kilometers away from Kottayam.
Known for its growing backwaters tourism, Vembanad Lake can be visited during the early hours to witness glorious sunrise. The weather tends to be much cooler, offering a pleasant ambience for bird watching and fishing. Visitors can either go on a houseboat cruise or opt for a Shikara ride.
Interesting Fact: The Vembanad Lake plays host to the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which showcases Kerala’s cultural vibrancy.
Best time to visit: November to March
You can book customized South India tours by contacting the best tour agency in India to avoid any end-time hassle.
2). Periyar Lake – Scenic and Serene Lake in Kerala!
The Periyar Lake is located in the heart of the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This scenic lake was formed in 1895 during the construction of a dam across Mullaperiyar River, which is a source of drinking water to several major towns of Kerala.
This beautiful artificial reservoir can be accessed via private buses run by the government. After reaching the national park, you can purchase tickets to undertake scenic boat rides in the Periyar Lake. During the ride, you can witness a wide range of wildlife such as deers, sambar, bison, monkeys, elephants and birds, with dense forests in the backdrop. You might even spot a Bengal Tiger, if you are lucky.
Best Time to visit: October to March
Interesting fact: Periyar Lake in Thekkady is home to over 40 species of fishes including Periyar Latia and Periyar trout. Additionally, it houses black-necked stork, steppe gull and the Malabar grey hornbill.
With a Kerala tour package, you can undertake a rejuvenating trip to the scenic lakes of Kerala. Contact a reliable tours and travels company in India to book your South India Holiday package.
3). Ashtamudi Lake – The Best Lakes to See on Your Kerala Tour
The Ashtamudi Lake of Kollam is known as the “Gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala”. It is also the 2nd largest lake in Kerala, which stretches for a whopping 16 kilometers in length.
The lake features a unique palm-shaped water body and is studded with backwater canals, coconut groves and palm trees. The interconnected waterways of Ashtamudi Lake offers you exhilarating houseboat cruising experiences.
Best time to visit: September to March
Interesting Fact: The lake has been named so because it has 8 arms. The word Ashta in Ashtamudi means 8.
4). Pookode Lake – Discover the most Beautiful Kerala Lake with Group Kerala Tour Packages
Pookode Lake is situated in the midst of the lush and captivating hills of Wayanad. This freshwater lake ranks amongst the most scenic lakes in Kerala.
The lake offers various activities that you can indulge in with your loved ones such as pedal boat rides, picturesque sunrise and sunset views, soochipara waterfalls, and watching deers graze by the lake shore.
The surrounding lush forests make Pookode Lake of Wayanad a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Best time to visit: November to May
Interesting fact: This breathtaking freshwater lake is shaped like an Indian map!
If you are looking forward to book a South India Holiday Package to explore Kerala’s scenic lakes, contact the best tours and travels company in India to customize packages.
5). Punnamada Lake – A Must-see charming Lake in Kerala!
The Punnamada Lake in Alleppey is an expanse of tranquil backwaters of the larger Vembanad Lake. This picturesque water body spreads across the Kuttanad region of the Alleppey district. While it is known as Punnamada in Kuttanad, it is called Kochi Lake in Kochi.
This charming lake attracts a large number of nature lovers and holiday makers during the Onam celebration when the lake hosts annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race. In addition, visitors can cherish lush vegetation, coconut trees and areca nut trees studded around the lake!
Best time to visit: November to February (for pleasant weather and backwaters boat rides), and July (for boat races)
Interesting fact: The Punnamada Lake surrounds 3 major islands of Kerala. These are Pallipuram, Pathiramal and Perumbalam.
Conclusion
The scenic lakes in Kerala draw holiday makers and nature enthusiasts because of its tranquility, various marine activities, wildlife and bird watching opportunities. You will certainly love exploring these picturesque lakes with your loved ones.
With the help of a trusted Kerala tour operator, you can just focus on gathering memorable stills and memories of the trip, while the experts will handle all your travel needs. Gear up for a top-notch and seamless vacation in Kerala with a Kerala tour package. So, why wait? Book your Kerala holiday today!