Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake (celebrated across the world as the 'Gateway to the Kerala Backwaters' and the second largest and deepest estuarine wetland ecosystem in Kerala), branching gracefully into eight distinct scenic arms right through Kollam city center in Kerala, is one of India's most ecologically valuable, internationally recognized Ramsar wetland sites.

Covering a vast water expanse of 61.4 square kilometers and fed primarily by the perennial waters of the Kallada River before emptying into the Arabian Sea at the Neendakara fishing estuary, Ashtamudi (derived from Sanskrit and Malayalam words 'Ashta' meaning eight and 'Mudi' meaning hair braids or branches) has served since ancient antiquity as the thriving maritime spice harbor of Quilon, mentioned with high praise in the travelogues of Roman geographer Pliny, Ibn Battuta, and Marco Polo.

It's the home of the world famous 8 hour luxury backwater cruise connecting Kollam to Alappuzha (the longest backwater cruise in Kerala), luxury Kettuvallam houseboats gliding past palm fringed peninsulas and mangrove islets, the historic cluster of eight islands comprising Munroe Island (Munroethuruthu) renowned for narrow canal canoe tours and coir retting, Chinese fishing nets (Cheena Vala) silhouetted against crimson sunsets, the DTPC Adventure Park and boat club in Asramam, the 200 year-old British Residency mansion, and rich marine biodiversity harboring 57 species of water birds, 97 species of estuarine fish, and the globally certified sustainable Short neck Clam (Paphia malabarica) fisheries.

It represents a rich ecological, cultural, and backwater sanctuary where Ramsar mangrove conservation, traditional coir and clam artisanal livelihoods, luxury houseboat cruising, and tranquil Malabar coastal beauty unite across Kollam and Kunnathur taluks.

Located in Asramam and Kollam city along the National Waterway 3 (NW 3), the main boat jetty sits just 1.5 km from Kollam Junction Railway Station (QLN), 2 km from Chinnakada Clock Tower, and 68 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), easily accessible by auto rickshaws, public transport, and state water transport ferries.

The Ramsar Wetland & Short Neck Clam Fishery

Designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2002, Ashtamudi supports an extraordinary estuarine food web.

It is home to India's first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable fishery, supporting thousands of local clam collectors and fisherfolk.

Truth is, gliding along the emerald backwater channels as village canoeists harvest clams in the morning mist is deeply peaceful.

The Kollam Alappuzha 8 Hour Backwater Cruise

The Iconic Cruise: Operated by the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) and private luxury operators, this 85 km voyage is Kerala's most scenic waterway route.

Untouched Rural Vistas: The cruise traverses through the heart of Ashtamudi, Kayamkulam Kayal, coir villages, and water lily lagoons inaccessible by road.

Munroe Island & Mangrove Canoe Safaris

Narrow Canoe Canals: Located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, Munroe Island offers low bridge country boat safaris under dense canopies.

Chinese Fishing Nets: Cantilevered Chinese nets line the lake shores, operated by counterweights and illuminated by lamps during night fishing.

After exploring the vast waters of Ashtamudi Lake, tour the massive sculpture at Jatayu Nature Park, visit the freshwater sanctuary of Sasthamcotta Lake, or relax along Mahatma Gandhi Beach in Kollam.