With numerous beaches, tea gardens, wildlife, waterfalls, and lakes; Kerala boasts of a pristine beauty that is hard to match. This verdant state down south has enamored both foreign & Indian travelers. Networked by 44 rivers, Kerala nestles some of the most pristine and alluring lakes in India.
Spread across various towns and cities, these lakes enhance the beauty of Kerala – God’s own country. Read on to find out about the famous lakes in Kerala.
13 Beautiful Lakes In Kerala
Here is a list of lakes in Kerala that adds to the beauty of the ‘God’s Own Country’. So, check them out and choose what all lakes are you going to explore on your Kerala vacation.
- Periyar Lake
- Vembanad Lake
- Ashtamudi Lake
- Paravur Lake
- Sasthamkotta Lake
- Vellayani Lake
- Akkulam Lake
- Pookode Lake
- Vadakkechira
- Kayamkulam Kayal
- Veeranpuzha Lake
- Vynthala Oxbow Lake
- Anayirangal Lake
1. Periyar Lake
Synonymous with the Periyar National Park, the Periyar region also boasts of a scenic lake. While most wildlife enthusiasts satiate their curiosity by hiking on the tiger trail, a languorous cruise through the Periyar river would be equally scintillating. As you cut through the placid waters, you witness the luxurious foliage that clings to the surrounding curl of the hills.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railhead: Kottayam
Best Time To Visit: October – March
Ideal For: Adventure trips
Tip: Spotting wild animals in Periyar Tiger Reserve while on the lake cruise
Must Read: 22 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala That Showcase South India’s Exotic Fauna & Flora
Kerala Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
2. Vembanad Lake
The longest lake in India, Vembanad lake is among the prominent Kerala lakes. It is a major backwater tourism destination in Kerala and also perfect for fishing and boating. If you want to indulge in any of these activities then you must head to Vembanad lake in Kerala.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railhead: Kottayam
Best Time To Visit: November – March
Ideal For: Family picnics and a romantic getaway
Tip: Visit this lake during Onam for snake boat races.
Suggested Read: 57 Best Places To Visit In Kerala
3. Ashtamudi Lake
Adding to the beauteous panorama of Kerala is the Ashtamudi Lake, most popular among the honeymooners. Among the most famous backwater lakes in Kerala, Ashtamudi is home to a hundred different species of fish and approximately 60 species of birds.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Kollam Airport (domestic) | Trivandrum Airport (international)
- Nearest Railhead: Kollam Junction
Best Time To Visit: September – March
Ideal For: Family outings and a romantic getaway
Tip: Take a houseboat cruise between Kollam and Alappuzha.
4. Paravur Lake
An emerging tourist destination, Paravur Lake is among the most spectacular lakes in Kerala. The lakes and the sea-coast of Paravur are interconnected to the Arabian Sea, thus adding a magnetic aura to this place. This is definitely not-to-be-missed place in Kerala so make sure that you add it in your itinerary.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Kollam Airport (domestic) | Trivandrum Airport (international)
- Nearest Railhead: Kollam Junction
Best Time To Visit: September – February
Ideal For: Adventure trips and a romantic getaway
Tip: Visit the Priyadarshini Boat Club in the vicinity.
Suggested Read: 35 Best Places To Visit In Thrissur To Make Your Kerala Holiday One Of A Kind!
5. Sasthamkotta Lake
Also known as the Queen of Lakes, Sasthamkotta is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. It is flanked by hills and boasts of a diverse flora and fauna. This lake is usually visited by nature enthusiasts and people looking to escape the hustle of city life.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Kollam Airport (domestic) | Trivandrum Airport (international)
- Nearest Railhead: Kollam Junction
Best Time To Visit: August – March
Ideal For: A romantic getaway
Tip: Don’t forget to visit the ancient Sastha Temple.
Planning your holiday in Kerala but confused about what to do? These Kerala travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
6. Vellayani Lake
Enhancing the charm of Thiruvananthapuram is the Vellayani Lake, located approximately 7 km away from Kovalam. The lake is believed to have originated when a beggar, seeking water, came across a meditating saint. This, along with the surreal beauty of this place, entices several travelers to Vellayani Lake.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
- Nearest Railhead: Thiruvananthapuram Central
Best Time To Visit: September – March
Ideal For: A romantic getaway
Tip: Visit this lake during Onam for the boat races.
Suggested Read: Indulge In Shopping In Thekkady And Carry The Culture Of Kerala Back Home!
7. Akkulam Lake
Among the significant Kerala lakes, Akkulam is mostly visited for its pleasant ambiance. The serene and glistening water, coupled with lush greenery, makes this place a must-visit for those seeking solitude. You will find several photographers as well as nature lovers spending time on the banks.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
- Nearest Railhead: Thiruvananthapuram Central
Best Time To Visit: October – February
Ideal For: Picnics with families as well as with your special one
Tip Don’t forget to take your kids to the nearby park and swimming pool.
8. Pookode Lake
Situated between the Western Ghats and an evergreen forest in the Wayanad district, Pookode Lake is among the major lakes in Kerala. It is famous for its sunrise and sunset and thus thronged by tourists for the exquisite beauty and tranquilizing calm.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport
- Nearest Railhead: Kozhikode
Best Time To Visit: December – March
Ideal For: Adventure trips, family picnics, and a romantic getaway
Tip: You can also splurge on the handiwork available in the shopping centre nearby.
Suggested Read: 8 Kerala Travel Tips To Bear In Mind While Planning For A Trip To God’s Own Country
9. Vadakkechira
A famous pond in Thrissur, Vadakkechira is among the heritage lakes in Kerala. It is home to many avian species and also houses exquisite flora and fauna. So, if you are a nature or animal lover then you must include this spot in your itinerary.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railhead: Thrissur
Best Time To Visit: October – February
Ideal For: Adventure trips, family picnics, and a romantic getaway
Tip: Visit Enamakkal Lake located closeby
Suggested Read: 8 Quaint Homestays In Kerala For A Cozy, Private Holiday
10. Kayamkulam Kayal
A famous backwater destination, Kayamkulam Kayal is among the most prominent Kerala lakes. The azure Arabian sea water, surrounded by rural hamlets, makes a trip to this lake a memorable experience. Now, who would want to miss such a beautiful place on their Kerala trip?
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railhead: Alappuzha
Best Time To Visit: November – February
Ideal For: Adventure trips and family picnics
Tip: Stay in Kayamkulam at the brink of twilight to watch the glowing horizon.
Suggested Read: 10 Most Offbeat Kerala Backwaters You Should Explore
11. Veeranpuzha Lake
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If you want to explore the most beautiful rivers and lakes of Kerala then you cannot afford to miss Veeranpuzha Lake. You will find this lake in Kochi along with a row of brackish lagoons. They lie parallel to the Malabar Coast which makes beautiful backwaters where you can opt for a houseboat ride. If you want to witness the true beauty of Kerala then you must visit one of the lakes in Kerala.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railhead: Idappally Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: Monsoon season (June- October)
Ideal For: Photographers
Tip: Attend festivals during the monsoon period.
Suggested Read: 4 Stunning Temples In Kottayam To Explore The Rich Heritage In Kerala
12. Vynthala Lake
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Another amazing lake not to be missed in Kerala is the Vynthala Lake which is a natural oxbow lake that adds to the beauty of Vynthala. You might not be aware of the fact that this lake is considered to be the only naturally formed oxbow lake in the whole of South India. An oxbow lake is formed in the shape of a horseshoe and the water flows in the same cut, making it look like a loop. If you have never witnessed it before then this is the right chance to visit this place in Kerala.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railhead: Chalakkudy Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: June – August
Ideal For: Photographers and nature lovers
Tip: Explore the oxbow lake
Suggested Read: 10 Breathtaking Places To Visit In Kerala In May That Must Be On Every Explorer’s List!
13. Anayirangal Lake
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Also popular as Elephant Lake, this lake is located amidst dense forest and tea plantations. It is an amazing place to soothe your eyes with the most picturesque and idyllic views of nature. The lake is now a popular picnic spot for people that is located just 21 kilometers away from Munnar. The surrounding area is covered with foggy clouds which makes it a perfect option for nature lovers to resort to. You might also get to witness some elephants here who come to quench their thirst and to clean themselves.
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Railhead: Palani Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: September – January
Ideal For: Families for picnic
Tip: Explore dams and waterfalls
Further Read: Why You Should Visit Kerala In Spring? Here Are The Beautiful Reasons That’ll Get You Going!
So, here are the beautiful lakes in Kerala that allure several tourists round the year. If you are also planning a vacation to God’s Own Country then you must explore some of these places. So, which lake are you heading to on your Kerala holiday? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes in Kerala
How many lakes are there in Kerala?
Kerala aka God’s own country blankets an extensive number of surreal lakes. There are a total of 34 lakes in Kerala that travelers can easily access.
How many freshwater lakes are there in Kerala?
Freshwater lakes are the unsalted naturally occurring lakes that are surrounded by land. Kerala is home to many such lakes. Sasthamcotta lake, Vembanad, Vanchikulam, Vellayani, and Pookode lake being a few of those.
Which is the biggest lake in Kerala?
The biggest lake in Kerala covers around 2114 square area and is known as Vembanad Kayal. Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol also happen to be the longest lake of God’s own country.
Which is the smallest lake in Kerala?
Kerala’s smallest lake happens to be one of the freshwater lakes. Pookode Lake is the smallest lake of Kerala and its scenic beauty leaves every spectator in awe of it.
Which is the heart shaped lake in Kerala?
Located just a few kilometers from Meppadi lies Chembra, the heart shaped lake of Kerala. This lake forms a part of the famous Wayanad hill ranges of Western Ghats.
Which is the southernmost lake in Kerala?
Lying in Thiruvananthapuram district is the southernmost lake in Kerala and is known as Vellayani Lake. Vellayani Lake also happens to be the largest freshwater lake in that area.
Which is the most beautiful lake in Kerala?
There is no dearth of lakes in Kerala that reeks of alluring beauty. Some of the most beautiful lakes of Kerala are Ashtamudi Lake, Vembanad Lake, Sasthamkotta Lake, and Vellayani Lake.
Can travelers try boating in a lake in Kerala?
Yes, there are many lakes that allow visitors to enjoy boating in the serene waters. Some of these lakes are Pookode Lake, Ashtamudi Lake, and many more.
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Ayesha is a freelance travel blogger and editor. She is constantly looking for experiences that go beyond the typical tourist sites. When not writing, she enjoys reading, yoga, and photography.
