Sholavandan to Ashtamudi Lake

Language

The official language spoken in both Sholavandan and Ashtamudi Lake is Malayalam. However, English is also widely spoken in tourist areas.

Currency

The official currency of India, which includes both Sholavandan and Ashtamudi Lake, is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Distance

The distance between Sholavandan and Ashtamudi Lake is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles).

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Ashtamudi Lake from Sholavandan:

• By bus: There are regular buses that run from Sholavandan to Kollam, which is the nearest major city to Ashtamudi Lake. From Kollam, you can take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to the lake.
• By train: The nearest railway station to Ashtamudi Lake is Kollam Junction. From there, you can take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to the lake.
• By car: If you are driving your own car, the best route is to take the NH 66 highway from Sholavandan to Kollam. From Kollam, follow the signs to Ashtamudi Lake.

Expenses

The cost of traveling from Sholavandan to Ashtamudi Lake will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose and the time of year you travel. However, here is a rough estimate of what you can expect to spend:

• Bus: INR 100-200 (one way)
• Train: INR 150-300 (one way)
• Car: INR 500-1000 (one way, including fuel and tolls)

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant and dry. However, the lake is also beautiful during the monsoon season (June to September), when the surrounding countryside is lush and green.

What to Eat

Ashtamudi Lake is known for its fresh seafood. Some of the local delicacies that you can try include:

• Karimeen fry: Fried pearl spot fish
• Chemeen curry: Shrimp curry
• Meen moilee: Fish stew
• Appam: Rice pancakes
• Puttu: Steamed rice cakes

Where to Go

In addition to Ashtamudi Lake, there are several other attractions worth visiting in the area, including:

• Kollam Beach: A beautiful beach with black sand and clear waters
• Thangassery Fort: A 16th-century Portuguese fort
• Munroe Island: A cluster of islands known for its backwaters and canals
• Ochira Temple: A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu

FAQs

1. What is the best way to get from Sholavandan to Ashtamudi Lake?
   The best way to get from Sholavandan to Ashtamudi Lake is by bus, train, or car. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours.
2. How much does it cost to travel from Sholavandan to Ashtamudi Lake?
   The cost of traveling from Sholavandan to Ashtamudi Lake varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose. However, you can expect to spend between INR 100 and INR 1000.
3. What is the best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake?
   The best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant and dry.
4. What are some of the things to do in Ashtamudi Lake?
   Some of the things to do in Ashtamudi Lake include:
   • Going for a boat ride
   • Visiting the local temples and churches
   • Trying the local cuisine
   • Exploring the surrounding countryside