Sasthamcotta Lake

Sasthamcotta Lake (celebrated across India as the 'Queen of Lakes' and the largest natural freshwater lake in the state of Kerala), gracefully cradled by rolling verdant hillocks in Sasthamcotta town just 25 km northeast of Kollam city in Kerala, is one of South India's most pristine, ecologically vital, and internationally recognized Ramsar wetland sites.

Spanning an expansive surface area of 373 hectares (3.73 square kilometers) with a maximum depth of 14 meters, this sacred lake is universally renowned for its extraordinary biological self purification mechanism, powered by teeming populations of the microscopic larva Chaoborus (phantom midge) that naturally consume organic matter and bacteria, keeping the lake water crystal pure and providing potable drinking water to over 700,000 residents across Kollam metropolis.

It's the home of the ancient Sasthamcotta Sri Dharma Sastha Temple (an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa overlooking the southern lake banks, famous for housing hundreds of revered and friendly temple monkeys / Vanaras who are fed royal feasts daily by devotees), peaceful boating jetties operating pedal and row boats across peaceful backwaters, scenic lakeside walking promenades shaded by rubber plantations and coconut palms, elevated sunset viewpoints, and rich wetland biodiversity harboring 27 species of freshwater fish, migrant teals, and rare aquatic weeds.

It represents a rich ecological and spiritual sanctuary where Ramsar wetland conservation, microscopic aquatic biological purification, ancient Ayyappa temple monkey lore, and tranquil Malabar freshwater lake leisure unite in Kunnathur taluk.

Located in Sasthamcotta town along the Kollam Shenkottai route, it sits just 2.5 km from Sasthamkotta Railway Station (STKT), 25 km from Kollam Junction (QLN), and 82 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), easily accessible by passenger trains, KSRTC buses, and private taxis.

The Ramsar Wetland & Natural Water Purification

Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002, Sasthamcotta is free from common freshwater weeds due to its unique larval food chain.

Fed entirely by underground subterranean aquifers and monsoon rains without surface river inlets, the lake maintains an extraordinary freshwater ecosystem surrounded by laterite hills.

Truth is, sitting beside the crystal clear waters at sunrise while temple chimes echo across the lake brings a deep sense of natural rejuvenation.

The Ancient Sastha Temple & Sacred Temple Monkeys

The Ayyappa Shrine: Overlooking the lake, the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Dharma Sastha is a major pilgrimage stop on the traditional Sabarimala circuit.

Vanara Sena: The temple is famous for hundreds of free roaming monkeys believed to be divine attendants of Lord Rama, fed sacred banana and rice offerings by visitors.

Lakeside Boating, Promenades & Sunset Views

Eco Boating: DTPC operates pedal boats and rowboats across the lake, allowing families to cruise peacefully past wooded peninsulas and water lily coves.

Sunset Pavilion: The western embankment offers panoramic views where evening skies paint the vast water sheet in shades of gold and deep violet.

After exploring Sasthamcotta Lake, visit the colossal sculpture at Jatayu Nature Park, cruise the backwaters of Munroe Island, or explore the historic Thangassery Lighthouse in Kollam.