Enchanting Kerala

Sasthamkotta lake - A Trip to the Purest Waterbody

Hills, green valleys and a lake – these are what await visitors to Sasthamkotta. The largest freshwater lake in the Kollam district of Kerala is hemmed in by beautiful hills. It is one among the wetlands identified for conservation and management under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Sasthamkotta lake was declared a Ramsar site along with Ashtamudi and Vembanad-Kol wetland, in 2002. Blessed with abundant bio-diversity, the place is home to different species of trees, herbs, shrubs, grass, butterflies, dragonflies and wetland birds. 

The purity of the lake is because of the presence of a larva known as cavaborus which eliminates microbes. What is special about this lake is that it does not contain salt or other minerals and metals. It is known to have around 27 species of freshwater fish. 

Located around 29 km from Kollam, the place is also known for an ancient temple; the Sastha temple. The place has earned distinction as a famous pilgrim centre. The friendly monkeys on the temple premises are a major attraction here. Tourists and visitors love feeding the monkeys here. The picturesque location around the lake offers ample photo opportunities. For a Nature enthusiast and an environment lover, a visit to Sasthamkotta will be really special. It also gives a lesson in environmental conservation. Talk to the local collectives and get to know about inspiring initiatives aimed at conserving the lake and the surrounding environment. Realizing its importance, the Kerala state government prepared a Conservation and Management Action Plan (MAP) in 1999 for the sustainable utilization and conservation of the lake.

Getting there
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam, about 29 km
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 71 km

Contact 
DTPC Kollam
Ph: + 91 474 2745625, 2750170
Email : info@dtpckollam.com, contact@dtpckollam.com