Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in India, located in the Kottayam region of the state of Kerala. It has been identified under the National Wetland Conservation Program due to the presence of polluted areas in the lake. Also, the most famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race race is organized in India’s largest lake.
It covers an area of ​​2033.02 square kilometers. Therefore, Lake Vembanad cuts through many districts in Kerala, such as Alappuzha and Cochin. Part of the lake in the Cochin region is called Lake Kochi. In addition, the part lying in the Alappuzha region is called Punnamada Lake. Also, Vembanad Lake is the second largest wetland system in India after the Sunderbans in West Bengal.
Geography of the largest lake in India
The Vembanad Lake covers an area of ​​2033.02 square kilometers, providing the position of the largest lake in India. The districts of Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Alappuzha cut across the lake. Also, a small island barrier separates Lake Vembanad from the combined Laccadive Sea. Ten rivers supply the lake’s water, including the five major Kerala rivers. These are Achankovil, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Pamba, and Periyar.
Inland transport system
Vembanad’s internal transportation system is simple but complex. It contains canals, lakes, and rivers that connect almost every village in the area with a water supply system. Also, it is home to the National Waterway, the Kottapuram-Kollam waterway. A distance of 209 kilometers.
Ecological importance of the largest lake in India
Lake Vembanad has great natural significance due to its many features. They are the largest wetlands that enjoy the status quo of global importance.
- First of all, it is home to many Indian waterfowl that hold more than 20,000 of them.
- Second, the shores of Lake Vembanad are of great importance to the people as they support their livelihoods. There are many activities such as fishing, agriculture, collecting shellfish, and tourism that take place here.
- Third, there is the uncontrolled excavation of limestone shells from the lake that poses a serious threat to the lake’s environment.
- Finally, there are harmful pollutants from nearby areas that are dumped directly into the lake water. This causes a decrease in the levels of dissolved oxygen in the lake.
Tourism in Vembanad Lake- Largest lake in India
Vembanad Lake is an important tourist destination in Kerala. Due to the sheer volume of activities at the lake, it is an attractive picnic spot for people of all ages. Also, tourism on India’s largest lake is growing rapidly to attract more tourists. Some of the major activities include boating and fishing. Also, there are plenty of places to visit that will catch the attention of all visitors.
The lake has amazing beauty and tranquility that often attracts visitors who want to escape from their busy lives. In addition, it is a great place for migratory birds. Therefore, people may even devote themselves to watching and watching birds. Most importantly, it is one of the best places to watch the sunset overlooking an area surrounded by tall coconut trees, protected by a blue sky.
Places to visit around Vembanad Lake
1. Pathiramanal Island
Pathiramanal Island is one of the small islands in the lake. It is the best place to visit for the admirers of nature who would get an adrenaline rush by seeing birds flying in the clear sky.
2. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Spread over an area of fourteen acres, this bird sanctuary is a major tourist spot. The sanctuary hosts thousands of migratory birds like Siberian cranes and Flycatcher amidst the enchanting greenery of paddy fields and coconut trees.
3. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
Aruvikkuzhi waterfall is a great picnic spot where the waterfalls are from an unbelievable height of 100 meters. Indeed, it is an exhilarating experience to witness the crashing water and the sound of it.
4. Vaikom Temple
Vaikom temple near the largest lake in India is extremely popular for fulfilling the wishes of all visitors. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva.
5. Kumarakom Beach
A trip to southern India is not complete without a visit to the beach and washed feet on the waves of the sea. Kumarakom Beach is one stopping place to break free from a busy life and immerse yourself in nature. First of all, the view from the sea is very good. Second, there are many activities available such as swimming, ice skating, parasailing walking, etc. Third, the beach is sandy and uninhabitable. Finally, there are ayurvedic massage and spa treatments available at various seaside resorts.
Interesting Facts about Vembanad Lake
As mentioned earlier, Vembanad lake is the largest lake in India. Therefore, there are many interesting facts about this lake.
- The size of the lake has reduced by 37% of its actual size. Therefore, it is facing a major ecological crisis.
- Thanneermukkom is a 1252 meters long saltwater barrier standing in the Vembanad lake. It prevents the intrusion of salt water into Kuttanad.
- Lastly, it sits right besides the great Arabian Sea, separated by a thin barrier of land.
Some other important lakes of India
India is home to a large number of lakes that differ in terms of various aspects such as size, habitat, and the type of water they possess. Lakes impart an impeccable beauty to a place. Therefore, lakes are a major source of tourism in India. Here are some of the most important lakes in India that are spectacular and beautiful.
1. Chilika Lake
Lake Chilika is the largest body of water in India and is a major winter hotspot for migratory birds. It covers an area of ​​1165 square meters in Orissa. Also, it is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. Most importantly, it is a great winter tourist destination.
2. Wular Lake
Covering an area of ​​259 square kilometers, Lake Wular is housed in the Bandipur region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is home to a variety of wildlife. Also, the lake attracts many visitors because of its magnificent beauty.
3. Pangong Tso Lake
Situated at an altitude of 450 feet [4350 m] and covering an area of ​​about 300 square miles [700 sq km], the Pangong Tso lake is located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the salt in nature that freezes in winter. Therefore, it is used as a ski resort for skaters.
4. Dal Lake
Dal once lived peacefully in the Srinagar region of Jammu and Kashmir. The second largest lake in the world. It is spread over an area of ​​22 square miles [22 sq km] with beautiful mountain peaks that form an amazing background. A good way to experience the beauty of this lake is to rent a shikhara and set up a soothing sail on the water.
5. Pushkar Lake
Pushkar Lake is located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. Also, it is one of the most sacred lakes in India. The lake is located 22 square miles [22 sq km]. In addition, about 500 temples are located in Pushkar Lake.
