SasthamKotta Lake

SasthamKotta Lake (Sasthamcotta Lake) is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. It is situated near the town of Sasthamkotta in the Kollam district, approximately 25 kilometers from Kollam, the district headquarters. The lake is named after the ancient Sastha temple, a pilgrimage center located on its bank. The lake is considered a wetland and is one of the 25 sites in India included in the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance.

Sasthamkotta Lake is spring-fed and serves as a source of drinking water for half a million people in the Kollam district. The lake is also a popular tourist destination and has always been a hotbed for tourist activity due to its scenic beauty and the presence of the ancient Sastha Temple. The lake is surrounded by magnificent hills on three sides and is filled with beauty and stated in the middle of small hills. It is bordered by trees on three sides and covers an area of around 375 hectares. The lake has a rich biodiversity and is home to 27 freshwater fish species. Watching the sunset and boating at SasthamKotta Lake is an outstanding experience.

SasthamKotta Lake is located 28 kilometers away from Kollam city, 12 kilometers away from Karunagapally, and about 15 kilometers away from the renowned Ashtamudi Lake. One can reach the lake easily by road and can be visited any day throughout the year. However, it’s recommended not to indulge in boating or swimming activities during the summer. The best time to visit SasthamKotta Lake is from November to February, especially during the evenings if you would like to watch the beautiful sunset. The nearest railway station is SasthamKotta located just 4 kilometers away and the closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport located 86 kilometers away from the lake.

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