Ashtamudi Lake, in Kollam district, Kerala, is the eight-armed backwater that most travellers use as their gateway to the state’s southern waterways. Spread across the edge of Kollam town, it mixes working fishing villages, Chinese-style dip nets, coir-making hamlets and quiet kettuvallam (traditional houseboat) cruises. This guide sets out what the lake actually is, when to go, how to reach it and what the trip costs, using Kerala Tourism, Incredible India and Ramsar records.
Ashtamudi Lake is an estuarine backwater system in Kollam district, Kerala, named for its eight arms or channels. Kerala Tourism calls it the second-largest lake in the state and the gateway to the Kerala backwaters, best visited between October and March for kettuvallam cruises and village canal tours.
Key takeaways
- Ashtamudi is the second-largest lake system in Kerala after Vembanad, and a Ramsar wetland of international importance (site no. 1204), designated on 19 August 2002 with a listed area of 6,140 hectares (61.4 sq km).
- The best months are October to March, when, per Kerala Tourism, the weather is cool and dry; the June–September monsoon brings heavy rain.
- Reach it via Kollam Junction, the nearest railway station inside Kollam town, with Trivandrum International Airport the nearest airport, roughly 65–70 km south (indicative — reconfirm).
- The eight-hour Kollam–Alappuzha backwater boat is one of Kerala’s longest public cruises; day and overnight kettuvallam stays are the other main experiences.
- Ashtamudi’s short-neck clam fishery became India’s first Marine Stewardship Council-certified fishery, launched on 5 November 2014, sustaining around 10,000 tonnes a year and supporting roughly 3,000 fishers.
- Munroe Island, a cluster of eight islands linked by canals at the lake’s meeting point with the Kallada River, is the best place for narrow-canal village tours.
About Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi Lake is a branched estuarine backwater on Kerala’s south-west coast, in Kollam district, that opens to the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary. Its Malayalam name means “eight braids” or eight arms, describing the way the water body splits into several channels. Do not confuse it with the smaller lakes around Kollam such as Sasthamkotta or Paravur; Ashtamudi is the large, multi-armed system wrapping around Kollam town.
The lake is fed by several rivers, chiefly the Kallada, and Kerala Tourism describes it as the second-largest lake in Kerala after Vembanad and the gateway to the state’s backwaters. The Incredible India portal describes the lake as about 16 km long. Published figures for its surface area vary widely between tourism write-ups, so this guide uses the official Ramsar listing as the reference number.
According to the Ramsar Sites Information Service, Ashtamudi Wetland was designated a Wetland of International Importance on 19 August 2002 (Ramsar site no. 1204), with a listed area of 6,140 hectares (61.4 sq km). The Ramsar record calls it an estuarine system of “extraordinary importance for its hydrological functions, its biodiversity, and its support for fish”, noting mangroves, over 40 associated plant species, 57 bird species and close to 100 fish species.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Kollam district, Kerala, south-west India |
| Type | Estuarine backwater lake; opens to Arabian Sea via Neendakara |
| Status | Ramsar site no. 1204, designated 19 August 2002 |
| Listed area | 6,140 ha / 61.4 sq km (Ramsar) |
| Length | About 16 km (Incredible India) |
| Fed by | Kallada River and other streams |
| Nearest town / railway | Kollam (Kollam Junction) |
Best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake
The best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake is October to March, when Kerala Tourism and Incredible India both point to cooler, drier weather that suits houseboat cruises and canal tours. The south-west monsoon runs roughly June to September and brings heavy rain that can limit outdoor boating, though the backwaters look their greenest then.
December and January are peak travel months, so cruise tickets and houseboats book out early. If you want calmer water and lower tariffs, aim for October–November or February–March.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cool, dry (best) | October–March | Pleasant days, calm water, full cruise schedules; December–January is busiest |
| Hot | April–May | Humid and warm; fewer crowds, lower tariffs, early-morning boating best |
| Monsoon | June–September | Heavy rain, lush scenery; some boating limited by weather |
How to reach Ashtamudi Lake
Reach Ashtamudi Lake through Kollam town, which sits on the lake’s edge; Kerala Tourism and Incredible India name Kollam Junction as the nearest railway station and Trivandrum International Airport as the nearest airport. Kollam is a major stop on the coastal line between Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Kochi, so most visitors arrive by train. For wider planning, see our Kerala travel guide.
- By air: Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest, roughly 65–70 km south of Kollam (indicative road distance — reconfirm). Cochin International Airport near Kochi is the next option to the north.
- By rail: Kollam Junction, within Kollam town, is one of Kerala’s busier stations, with frequent trains to Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi (Ernakulam) and beyond. Check live times on IRCTC/NTES before booking.
- By road: National Highway 66 runs through Kollam; KSRTC and private buses connect it with Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Kochi. Auto-rickshaws and taxis reach the DTPC boat jetty and lakeside resorts.
| From | Approx. distance | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Kollam Junction railway station | In Kollam town, at the lakeside | Auto / taxi |
| Trivandrum International Airport | ~65–70 km | Taxi / train + taxi |
| Thiruvananthapuram city | ~70 km | Train / road |
| Alappuzha (by backwater boat) | About 8 hours by cruise | DTPC backwater boat |
Things to see and do
The main thing to do at Ashtamudi Lake is get on the water, whether on a slow kettuvallam, a shared backwater boat or a small canoe through the canals. Below are the experiences most worth your time, with practical notes where they are verifiable.
- Kettuvallam houseboat cruise: Kerala Tourism and Incredible India both describe traditional kettuvallams on Ashtamudi offering scenic rides, Kerala cuisine and overnight stays. Day cruises and overnight stays are both common; book through DTPC or licensed operators.
- Kollam–Alappuzha backwater boat: Travel operators describe this as one of Kerala’s longest backwater cruises, lasting about eight hours between the Kollam and Alappuzha jetties, often with a lunch stop en route (schedule and fare are operator-set — reconfirm with DTPC).
- Munroe Island canal tour: Kerala Tourism describes Munroe Island as a cluster of eight islands linked by canals, where the Kallada River meets Ashtamudi, with guided village tours covering coir-making, prawn farming and local markets. Small canoes suit the narrow canals best.
- Birdwatching: The Ramsar listing records 57 bird species, and Kerala Tourism and Incredible India mention kingfishers, herons, egrets and cormorants around the shores and on Munroe Island.
- Clam fishing villages: Ashtamudi is home to India’s first Marine Stewardship Council-certified fishery (short-neck clams). You can watch hand-collection and coir work from the water; treat fishing hamlets with respect, not as a photo backdrop.
| Experience | Roughly how long | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Kettuvallam day cruise | 2–4 hours | First-timers, families |
| Overnight houseboat | About 20–22 hours | Couples, slow travel |
| Kollam–Alappuzha boat | About 8 hours | Scenic long cruise |
| Munroe Island canoe tour | 2–3 hours | Village canals, birds |
Suggested itinerary
Two days is enough to see the lake well without rushing. A short plan:
- Day 1: Arrive at Kollam Junction, settle into a lakeside stay. Afternoon kettuvallam or shared backwater cruise on Ashtamudi; sunset by the water; dinner of local fish.
- Day 2: Early canoe tour of Munroe Island’s canals, watching coir work and birdlife. Return for lunch, then either a short Kollam town walk (Thangassery) or the long Kollam–Alappuzha boat if you are continuing north.
- Extend: Pair Ashtamudi with Kochi’s backwaters and heritage via our Kochi travel guide, or climb to the tea hills covered in our Munnar travel guide.
Where to stay
Stays around Ashtamudi Lake range from budget hotels in Kollam town to lakeside resorts and overnight houseboats. Kerala Tourism notes options spanning luxury resorts, houseboats, budget hotels and homestays. The figures below are planning bands, not quotes, and should be reconfirmed when you book.
- Budget (indicative ₹800–₹2,000 a night): Town hotels and homestays in Kollam, handy for the railway station and jetty.
- Mid-range (indicative ₹2,500–₹6,000 a night): Lakeside resorts and guesthouses with backwater views.
- Overnight houseboat (indicative ₹8,000–₹18,000 for the boat, per night): A full kettuvallam including crew and meals; price varies by size, season and operator.
Book well ahead for December–January. For verified tariffs, use Kerala Tourism’s classified-accommodation listings or DTPC Kollam.
Food to try
Ashtamudi’s food is backwater and coastal Kerala cooking, built around the day’s catch. Incredible India highlights local dishes you will meet on cruises and in Kollam eateries:
- Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish marinated, wrapped in banana leaf and pan-grilled) — the signature backwater dish.
- Prawn curry (chemmeen curry in a coconut-and-spice gravy).
- Fish molee (fish stewed gently in coconut milk, mild and fragrant).
- Clams (kakka) — Ashtamudi’s own short-neck clam, often stir-fried with coconut; the fishery is MSC-certified.
On houseboats, meals usually come as part of the package; carry your own water and snacks for long day cruises, where onboard options are limited.
Budget breakdown
A two-day Ashtamudi trip is affordable by backwater standards if you use shared cruises and town stays. The table is a per-person planning estimate as of October 2026, assuming two people sharing a mid-range room and one day cruise; it excludes long-distance travel to Kerala and is indicative only — reconfirm current rates.
| Item | Indicative cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Stay (1 night, mid-range, per person sharing) | 1,500–3,000 |
| Shared backwater / day cruise | 300–700 |
| Munroe Island canoe tour | 400–800 |
| Meals (2 days) | 600–1,200 |
| Local transport (autos/taxi) | 400–800 |
| Approx. total (per person) | 3,200–6,500 |
An overnight houseboat replaces several of these lines and raises the total; split the boat tariff between your group.
Permits, rules and responsible travel
No special entry permit is needed to visit Ashtamudi Lake; it is open backwater reached freely from Kollam, and no inner-line or protected-area permit applies here. Boat operators hold their own licences, so you simply book a cruise.
The lake is under real pressure, which shapes how you should travel. In July 2024, as reported by Onmanorama, the Kerala High Court directed the Kollam Corporation to take strict measures to stop waste and effluents being discharged into Ashtamudi and ordered steps against encroachment around it. Carry out all plastic and litter, avoid single-use items on cruises, keep a respectful distance from fishing and clam-collecting families, and choose operators who do not dump waste into the water.
Practical tips
- Connectivity and cash: Kollam town has reliable mobile network, ATMs and widespread UPI; carry some cash for small jetties and village stops.
- Tickets: For the long Kollam–Alappuzha boat, operators advise arriving at least 30 minutes early and note tickets can sell out in the December–January peak.
- Health: Kollam town has district-level hospitals and pharmacies; there is no altitude concern here, as the lake is at sea level.
- Solo and women travellers: Kollam is a regular transit town and generally straightforward; prefer licensed operators and shared or reputable private cruises, and travel canals by daylight.
- Packing: Light cottons, sun protection and a hat year-round; a rain layer June–September; insect repellent for canal and evening trips.
Nearby places
Kollam makes a good base, with several Kerala Tourism-listed spots within easy reach of Ashtamudi. Distances below are indicative planning estimates — reconfirm locally.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Munroe Island | Short boat/road hop from Kollam | Eight islands laced by canals; coir and prawn-farming village tours |
| Thangassery | In Kollam town | Old port quarter with a historic lighthouse and colonial-era ruins |
| Sasthamkotta Lake | North-east of Kollam | Kerala’s largest freshwater lake; birdwatching and quiet walks |
| Thirumullavaram Beach | Near Kollam city | Calm beach for swimming and sunset |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ashtamudi Lake and what is it known for?
Ashtamudi Lake lies in Kollam district, Kerala, on the south-west coast. It is an eight-armed estuarine backwater, called the gateway to Kerala’s backwaters by Kerala Tourism, known for kettuvallam houseboat cruises, Munroe Island’s canals and India’s first MSC-certified clam fishery.
What is the best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake?
The best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake is October to March, when Kerala Tourism points to cool, dry weather ideal for cruises. December and January are the busiest, so book early. The June–September monsoon brings heavy rain that can interrupt boating but leaves the backwaters lush.
How do I reach Ashtamudi Lake?
Reach Ashtamudi Lake through Kollam town. Kollam Junction is the nearest railway station, within town, with frequent trains from Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. Trivandrum International Airport, roughly 65–70 km south (indicative), is the nearest airport; buses and taxis run on National Highway 66.
Is a permit needed to visit Ashtamudi Lake?
No permit is needed to visit Ashtamudi Lake. It is open backwater reached freely from Kollam, with no inner-line or protected-area permit. You simply book a cruise with a licensed operator. Travel responsibly, as the lake faces pollution and encroachment pressures flagged by the Kerala High Court in 2024.
How long is the Kollam to Alappuzha backwater cruise?
The Kollam to Alappuzha backwater boat takes about eight hours, making it one of Kerala’s longest public backwater cruises. Operators run it between the Kollam and Alappuzha jetties, usually with a lunch stop. Fares and timings are operator-set and should be reconfirmed with DTPC Kollam before you travel.
What food should I try at Ashtamudi?
At Ashtamudi, try karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish grilled in banana leaf), prawn curry and fish molee (fish in mild coconut milk), per Incredible India. Local short-neck clams (kakka), from the MSC-certified fishery, are a specialty, often stir-fried with coconut. Houseboats typically include meals.
Last updated and sources
Ashtamudi suits travellers who want backwaters without Alappuzha’s crowds, and birdwatchers and slow-travel couples in particular. Go between October and March, and build in a Munroe Island canoe tour alongside a cruise.
Last updated: 24 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Kerala Tourism — Ashtamudi backwaters; Kerala Tourism — Kollam; Incredible India — Ashtamudi Lake; Ramsar Sites Information Service — Ashtamudi Wetland (site 1204); ICAR/CMFRI — Ashtamudi clam fishery, India’s first MSC certification; Onmanorama — Kerala High Court on Ashtamudi encroachment and waste, July 2024. Accessed September 2026.
