Vembanad Lake

About this place

Vembanad Lake aka Vembanad Kayal, upon which the cluster of islands that form Kumarakom is situated, attracts traveller with its picturesque beauty and pristine water body. It holds the record of being the biggest lake in the state of Kerala and the longest lake in the country. The lake spans across several districts and is also known as Punnamada Kayal and Kochi Lake. The lake is globally famed for the annual boat race, The Nehru Trophy Boat Race conducted here during the Onam Season. Several boats from different regions participate in this historic boat race serving as a visual treat to the spectators. Vembanad Lake is the spine of Kerala Backwater Tourism which attracts millions of tourists from across the world. Hundreds of houseboats jotted on the lake are a sight that is truly enchanting. The eastern portions of the lake is home to a wide variety of migratory birds and houses Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.