Kayamkulam Kayal

Kayamkulam Kayal, also known as Kayamkulam Lake or Kayamkulam Estuary, is a shallow brackish water lagoon located between Panmana and Karthikapally in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. It has an outlet to the Arabian Sea at the Kayamkulam barrage and is connected to the sea most of the time, except during the dry season when a bar-like formation separates it from the sea.  Kayamkulam lake, which spreads across both Alappuzha and Kollam districts, is located close to Azheekal Beach for those visiting from the Kollam district and close to Valiazheekal Beach for those visiting from the Alappuzha district.

The name Kayamkulam is said to have originated from either the words “Kayam” (sap of a spice tree) and “Kulam” (pond) or “Kayal” (lake) and “Kulam” (pond), as the Kayamkulam Kayal is as shallow as a pond. The city of Kayamkulam, where the lagoon is located, is an ancient maritime trading center and is equidistant from Alappuzha town and Kollam. The Kayamkulam Mermaid Statue and the park on its shore make the Kayamkulam Backwaters an ideal place for spending quality time with your family and children. Also, the boat ride through its serene water surrounded by lush greenery, birdwatching, and fishing makes it the perfect spot for nature lovers. The lake is now a popular tourist destination and hosts a boat race in August every year.

Kayamkulam Lake is easily accessible by road from both districts and there is no fee to visit this place. The best time to visit the lake is from October to November, the last Saturday of August would be ideal for those who’d like to witness and enjoy the Kayamkulam boat race festival. The Kayamkulam railway station is 8.5 kilometers away from the lake and the nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.