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LAKES OF KERALA
- Fact 1 of 10🌊
Kerala's largest lake
Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala and is often called the longest lake in India. It spreads across Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts, making it a PSC favourite.
- Fact 2 of 10🚣
Many names, one lake
Vembanad is called Punnamada Kayal near Alappuzha and Kochi Kayal near Kochi. The famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held on the Punnamada stretch.
- Fact 3 of 10💧
Largest freshwater lake
Sasthamkotta Lake in Kollam district is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. It supplies drinking water to Kollam town and nearby areas.
- Fact 4 of 10🐛
Tiny cleaners of Sasthamkotta
Sasthamkotta Lake's famously clean water is credited to larvae called Cavaborus, which feed on bacteria in the water.
- Fact 5 of 10🐙
The lake with eight arms
Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam gets its name from its eight branches. It is called the 'Gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala'.
- Fact 6 of 10🦢
Kerala's three Ramsar sites
Vembanad-Kol Wetland, Ashtamudi and Sasthamkotta are Kerala's Ramsar sites. All three were declared wetlands of international importance in 2002.
- Fact 7 of 10🗺️
India's map in Wayanad
Pookode Lake in Wayanad is a natural freshwater lake whose outline resembles the map of India. The Panamaram river, a tributary of the Kabini, originates from it.
- Fact 8 of 10🏝️
An island made by dredging
Willingdon Island in Vembanad Lake is a man-made island. It was built from material dredged while deepening Kochi port, and named after Lord Willingdon.
- Fact 9 of 10🚧
Keeping the sea out
The Thanneermukkom Bund across Vembanad Lake stops saltwater from entering the paddy fields of Kuttanad. It is known as India's largest mud regulator.
- Fact 10 of 10🏞️
Thiruvananthapuram's freshwater gem
Vellayani Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Thiruvananthapuram district. It lies close to the city and is a popular spot for birdwatching.
