Sasthamkotta lake - Largest fresh water lake in Kerala
Sasthamkotta lake is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala and amongst all the lakes in the State, this is predominantly visited by all tourists. The scenic beauty and tranquility of the lake is very attractive to the tourists to Kerala.
Out of 34 lakes in Kerala, Sasthamkotta lake is the largest lake in the State. This freshwater lake located 19 kms from Kollam town is spread over a huge area of 375 Hectares. The very speciality of this lake is that it neither gets frozen during the Winter season nor dries up in Summer. Throughout the year, this freshwater is provided as the drinking water to a population of around 10 million. The main attraction to the tourists visiting the State is the scenic beauty and tranquility. The presence of Sree Sastha temple on the banks of the lake is an added feature which attracts more number of devotees from ancient times. It is after the temple that this lake is named "Sasthamkotta lake".
Almost all sides of the Lake are surrounded by steep hills and narrow valleys except for a tiny part in the southern bank round 1.5 km with an earthen embankment. Large part of the lake is occupied for agricultural purposes. The presence of rocks formations apart from sand and silt deposits on the banks. No tributary is reported to be feeding to the lake but springs at the bottom of the lake is the source for the freshwater throughout the year. The quality of water is free from common salt and other metals and the laboratory test confirms that this is fit for human consumption meeting the standard norms prescribed by the regulatory bodies.
Only the Eastern bank of the lake is habitated with insectivorous Plant, Drosera sp. Rooted plants, vegetations and floating plants are rare. On the other banks of the lake, Crops like paddy and Tapioca, Plaintain, Cashewnuts of plantation crops exist and form beautiful natural bauty on the background. As fauna is concerned, the lake is rich in fish categories as it is reported that around 27 species of fishes exist in the freshwater here. This include Pearl spot, Prawns, Catfish, Herrings and Sardines apart from the common varieties like Calichrous bimaculatus and Wallagu Atto. The migratory bird 'Dabbling duck' is very popular in the lake. As an inhabitant of the nearby Sasthamkotta temple, the monkey herds are very common in the lake banks too.
The tourists visiting the lake for a cruise has applauded for the natural beauty of the area and the number of visitors to the lake are increasing day by day. This is one of the main attractions in the State for all Tourists. This is a superb destination for backwater tours in Kerala - the God's own country.
Attachments
Job oriented