Vandanmedu to Ashtamudi Lake

Vandanmedu to Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake is a large backwater lake in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. It is the second largest lake in Kerala after Vembanad Lake and the largest lake in Kollam district. The lake is home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life, and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.

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Language

The official language of Kerala is Malayalam. However, English is also widely spoken in the state, especially in tourist areas like Ashtamudi Lake.

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Currency

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). INR is the accepted currency in Ashtamudi Lake as well.

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Distance

The distance between Vandanmedu and Ashtamudi Lake is approximately 100 kilometers. The journey takes about 3-4 hours by road.

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How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Ashtamudi Lake from Vandanmedu.

• By bus: There are regular buses that run from Vandanmedu to Ashtamudi Lake. The journey takes about 3-4 hours and costs around INR 100-200.
• By train: There is no direct train from Vandanmedu to Ashtamudi Lake. However, you can take a train from Vandanmedu to Kollam and then take a bus or taxi to Ashtamudi Lake. The journey takes about 4-5 hours and costs around INR 150-300.
• By taxi: You can hire a taxi from Vandanmedu to Ashtamudi Lake. The journey takes about 3-4 hours and costs around INR 1500-2000.

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Expenses

The cost of visiting Ashtamudi Lake varies depending on your travel style and budget. However, here is a rough estimate of the expenses you can expect:

• Accommodation: INR 500-2000 per night
• Food: INR 100-500 per meal
• Activities: INR 100-1000 per activity
• Transportation: INR 100-2000 per day

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Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Ashtamudi Lake is during the winter months (October to March). The weather is pleasant during this time and the lake is at its most beautiful.

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What to Eat

Ashtamudi Lake is known for its seafood. Some of the must-try dishes include:

• Karimeen fry: A popular dish made with pearl spot fish
• Prawns curry: A delicious curry made with prawns
• Crab roast: A flavorful roast made with crab
• Puttu and kadala: A traditional Kerala dish made with steamed rice cakes and black chickpeas

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Where to Go

There are several things to see and do in Ashtamudi Lake.

• Take a boat ride: The best way to explore Ashtamudi Lake is to take a boat ride. There are several boat tours available, ranging from short rides to full-day excursions.
• Visit the Krishnapuram Palace: The Krishnapuram Palace is a beautiful palace located on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake.
• Go fishing: Ashtamudi Lake is a great place to go fishing. You can hire a boat and go fishing for a few hours.
• Visit the Ashtamudi Estuary: The Ashtamudi Estuary is a beautiful estuary that connects Ashtamudi Lake to the Arabian Sea.

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FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Ashtamudi Lake.

• Is it safe to swim in Ashtamudi Lake?
  It is not advisable to swim in Ashtamudi Lake as the water is polluted.
• Can I drink the water from Ashtamudi Lake?
  No, it is not safe to drink the water from Ashtamudi Lake as it is polluted.
• Are there any crocodiles in Ashtamudi Lake?
  Yes, there are crocodiles in Ashtamudi Lake. However, they are not usually a threat to humans.
• What is the best way to get around Ashtamudi Lake?
  The best way to get around Ashtamudi Lake is to take a boat ride.