Ashtamudi Kayal

Posted Date: 26 Mar 2010 Author: Latha Jayaprakash

Member Level: Diamond (Rs. 50)

Ashtamudi Kayal is located in the district of Kollam of the Kerala State. This is the second largest, palm shaped or also known as octopus shaped because of its 8 hands/heads/ branches. Ashtamudi is also called as the gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala.

About the sights in and around Ashtamudikayal

While cruising along the Ashtamudi kayal you can see palms and coconut trees interspersed with towns and villages.
You can see mangroves in the Ashtamudi Estuary like Avicennia officinalis, Brugiera gymnorrhiza and Sonneratia caseolaris as well as about 43 species of marshy mangrove associated and other endangered varieties.

Flora and Fauna in the Ashtamudikayal

You can as well see many birds, migratory and locals about 57 species on the whole. Terns, plovers, cormorants, and herons are the most found birds in the periphery of the lake. Lot of butterflies can also be seen in the area among the 45 insect species, 26 species of butterfly, 5 odonates, 9 hymenopteras, and 2 orthopterans, 1 hemipteran and 2 coleopterans.

About Islands in the Ashtamudikayal Lake

Munroe or the Munroethuruth is a group of 8 tiny islands in the lake and Chavara South is another island which is a small village by itself.
Thekkumbhagom island, is situated on the bank of the Ashtamudi Lake and is known for its natural beauty. There is an ancient, about 1000 years old temple as well as a 200 year old church are located here.

Ashtamudi Resorts is placed near the Ashtamudi kayal. You can get accomodation and food while you stay, cruise and enjoy at the lake.

How to Reach Ashtamudi Kayal

Kollam is the closest city and thiruvananthapuram is the closest airport which is about 70 kilometers away.

Kollam is connected to all parts of india with meter and broadgauge rails. From Alleppey you can travel by Boat and ferries also to Kollam Boat Jetty. Road transport is also available as the national highway 47 runs close to the Ashtamudi lake.

You can find other accomodation facilities like Homestays and houseboats too