Vembanad Lake lies in Kumarakom, 15 kms away from the Kottayam district of Kerala. It is the largest fresh water lake in Asia. Kottayam is the vast network of several rivers and canals, which drains water into the large expanse of water known as the Vembanad Lake.
Flora
and Fauna of the Vembanad Lake : Vembanad Lake supports the large variety of flora and fauna. Mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves along with the white lillies surrounds this beautiful lake. Tourists can also visit the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary that lies on the eastern bank of the Vembanad Lake. It is the ornithologist's paradise. The main attractions of the park include Siberian cranes, waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, water duck Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers and wood beetle. Tourists are advised to carry the binoculars along with them to spot the tiny species of the birds. Along with that you can also engage yourself in photosafari in and around the park.
Nature Walk :
Tourists can indulge in the leisure walk along the lake and admire its breathtaking beauty. You may witness the women digging water from the edge of the lake into the terracotta pots. Spot the fishermen busy fishing in the lake, as part of their routine. Enchant with the local people in Verbanad Kayal, the local regional language. Their attractive clothing never fails to impress you. Enjoy lunch of Karimeen fishalong with the.
Vembanad Lake Cruises :
Tourists can take the unforgettable boat cruises on the Vembanad Lake and explore the scenic beauty of the surrounding areas. The house boats available in Kerala are absolutely unique with their with their exotic designs and diverse facilities. The cruise starts from the Vembanad Lake jetty and passes through the enchanting backwaters. It passes through the exciting waterways, where you can witness the farming done below the sea level. Tourists can enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunsetting in the evening. Staying at the house boats called as Kettuvallom is surely the experience of the life time. These house boats are the best way to discover the inlets of Lake of Vembanad and the nearby islands. Later in the evening you can enjoy the Kathakali dance performed by the local dancers, which tells stories from the ancient Hindu epic – Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Boat Races :
In the festive season the Lake enliven with the various boat races. The most famous among them is the Snake Boat Race. Boat race is the most colourful and thrilling water sports in Kerala. A sport that signifies the excellent team spirit and the unity and among the people of Kerala. Snake boat race are held in connection with the harvest festival, Onam, in the month of August or September. These races are the most colorful event that draws the large number of National and International tourists. More than 30 elaborated crafted Chundan Vallams or snake boats participate in the event. The snake boat races are preceded by the colorful parades which include 25 singers, and 100- 125 oarsmen.
