ASHTAMUDI LAKE

This week we took time off to go on a holiday. This time we chose to go to a lake resort near Kollam known as Ashtamudi Lake. Ashtamudi in Malayalam means 8 branches. This is a huge lake with eight branches or channels spreading over a vast expanse. This water body connects to all other backwaters in & around that place. Kollam is the most important city on its banks. We stayed in Mahindra Resorts which is right on the banks of the lake. It is in a beautiful setting & we had a wonderful time there. Monsoon also added to the beauty of the place. We opted to stay in the floating cottage there. Floating cottages are made using hollow concrete slabs as their base. Since the cottage is literally on the lake, the whole experience was wonderful. The banks are adorned with Chinese fishing nets which have over the years become the symbol of Kerala. The shore is dotted with coconut palms all around. The lake serves as the main waterway for the fishermen living in its proximity. So we can see them rowing around in their small canoe, doing their daily chores. It was raining most of the time & the whole atmosphere was very romantic. I would highly recommend this place for those who want to visit Kerala.