Photo spot in Kollam
Ashtamudi Lake
Kollam, Kerala
Kerala's second-largest lake — a palm-lined, eight-armed backwater of houseboats, canals and Chinese fishing nets, the southern gateway to the backwaters.
Best time
Early morning, when the water is still and mist sits on the lake; late afternoon for warm golden light on the palms and boats.
Best angle
Take a low photo from the shore or a boat deck, with a Chinese fishing net or a houseboat in front and the palm-lined far shore behind.
Entry fee
Houseboat / boat hire
Opening hours
Cruises daytime
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake
Early morning, when the water is still and mist sits on the lake; late afternoon for warm golden light on the palms and boats. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Ashtamudi Lake
Take a low photo from the shore or a boat deck, with a Chinese fishing net or a houseboat in front and the palm-lined far shore behind. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the houseboat deck
By the Chinese fishing nets
Outfit guide
What to wear at Ashtamudi Lake
For photos at Ashtamudi Lake, white, turquoise and coral work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Ashtamudi Lake.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Kollam.
Eat nearby
Food near Ashtamudi Lake
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for kollam cashew treats and kollam fish curry nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Go out on the water early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is soft and the heat is lower.
Book boat and houseboat trips through the tourist office or a trusted operator in Kollam.
Agree on the route and the duration of any boat ride before you set off.
Check whether the Kollam–Alappuzha tourist boat is running before you plan around it.
Carry a hat, sunscreen and water, as there is little shade on open water.
Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch on small boats.
Combine the lake with lunch at a lakeside restaurant in the city.
About Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi Lake is the second-largest lake in Kerala and the reason Kollam is called the gateway to the backwaters. Its name means "eight braids", after the long arms of water that spread out across the district. The Kallada river flows in from the east, and the lake opens to the Arabian Sea near the city. It is a protected Ramsar wetland.
The lake is lined with coconut palms, fishing villages and Chinese fishing nets. You can see it from the city shore, take a short boat ride or spend a day or night on a houseboat. In season, the long tourist boat to Alappuzha also sets out across the lake, passing villages, canals and coir-making communities on the way.
Questions
Ashtamudi Lake — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake?
Early morning, when the water is still and mist sits on the lake; late afternoon for warm golden light on the palms and boats. Take a low photo from the shore or a boat deck, with a Chinese fishing net or a houseboat in front and the palm-lined far shore behind.
Is there an entry fee at Ashtamudi Lake?
Entry to Ashtamudi Lake is by houseboat / boat hire.
What are the opening hours of Ashtamudi Lake?
Ashtamudi Lake is open cruises daytime.
What should I wear at Ashtamudi Lake?
White, turquoise and coral photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Ashtamudi Lake get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the water is still and mist sits on the lake; late afternoon for warm golden light on the palms and boats.
What food should I try near Ashtamudi Lake?
Try kollam cashew treats and kollam fish curry at spots close by.
What is Ashtamudi Lake famous for?
Ashtamudi Lake is famous as the second-largest lake in Kerala and the southern gateway to the backwaters. It is known for houseboats, Chinese fishing nets, palm-lined shores and the snake boat races held on it.
What does Ashtamudi mean?
Ashtamudi means "eight braids" in Malayalam, after the lake's many long arms that spread out like braided hair.
Can I take a boat from Ashtamudi Lake to Alappuzha?
Yes, usually. A tourist boat run by the State Water Transport Department takes about 8 hours between Kollam and Alappuzha, mostly in the cooler months. It has been suspended in some years, so check before you go.
How much time do I need at Ashtamudi Lake?
A short boat ride takes 1–2 hours. For a slower experience, allow half a day, or stay overnight on a houseboat.