Vembanad lake is at the heart of Kerala Backwaters tourism with hundreds of Kettuvallam [ Houseboats] crisscrossing it and numerous resorts nestling on its banks . The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake . The lake is famous for its Scenic beauty and has become a major tourist attraction .
Vembanad lake is India's longest lake , and is the largest lake in Kerala.It is the second largest in India after The Chilka lake in Orissa . The Vembanad lake covers an area of 205sq km . The lake is bordered by Allepey , Kottayam and Ernakulam districts . It lies at Sea level ,and is separated from Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island . Several rivers flow into the lake , including The Achankovil , Manimala , Meenachil , Muvattupuzha , Pamba & Periyar . The lake surrounds the islands of Pathiramanal , Pallipuram and Perumbalam . It is approximately 96km long and 10km wide .
Vembanad lake is also Asia's largest freshwater lake , having a depth of 3-8 meters .
A unique characteristics of the lake is the location of the Thanneermukkom Salt Water Barrier . The Thannermukkom Salt water Barrier was constructed as a part of the Kuttanad Develoment Scheme to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water into the Kuttanad low lands . It is the largest mud regulator in India . The barrier has helped the farmers in Kuttanad - where farming is done below Sea level .
VISIT TO R-BLOCK
R-Block is a typical Kuttanadu farm land where cultivation is done on lands lying 2.5metres below the sea level . R.Block is one of the biggest man made islands on the Vemband lake . A walk through the 110acre plantation is an experience both enjoyable and refreshing . Here one can see the coconut , vanilla , arecanut , mango , tamarind , plantain and cocoa plantations and also witness the coconut plucking procedures .
