India · City Guide
Ashtamudi
Ashtamudi Lake is one of Kerala's most beautiful backwater destinations, an extensive estuarine lagoon system with an eight-armed shape that gives it its name, providing outstanding houseboat experiences, the gateway port town of Kollam, beautiful coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets, and a quieter alternative to the more visited Alleppey backwaters. From sunset cruises to traditional village life along the waterways, Ashtamudi offers an authentic Kerala backwater experience.
Elect's take
"Ashtamudi has a tranquility that I find even more pronounced than Alleppey — the eight-armed lake creates an extraordinary network of waterways and the houseboat experience here feels genuinely peaceful and less commercial."
Ashtamudi Lake's distinctive eight-armed (ashta mudi) shape creates one of Kerala's most extensive backwater networks, with houseboat cruises winding through coconut groves, paddy fields and small villages where traditional Chinese fishing nets are still used. Kollam, the gateway town, has a rich history as a historic spice trading port. Sunset cruises on the lake provide beautiful light over the water and surrounding palm groves. The Munroe Island area within the backwater network offers village walks showing traditional coir-making and toddy-tapping. The relative quietness of Ashtamudi compared to Alleppey provides a more authentic and peaceful backwater experience.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Ashtamudi Backwaters
An extensive eight-armed lake system providing tranquil houseboat cruising.
Houseboat Experience
Peaceful and less commercial houseboat journeys than the busier Alleppey routes.
Munroe Island
Village walks showing traditional coir-making and toddy-tapping within the backwaters.
Sunset Cruises
Beautiful evening light over the lake and surrounding coconut groves.
Chinese Fishing Nets
Traditional fishing methods still practised along the waterways.
Kollam
A historic spice trading port providing the gateway to Ashtamudi Lake.
