Ashtamudi Lake
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Overview
Ashtamudi is a palm-shaped estuarine backwater near Kollam in Kerala.
Ashtamudi means eight-cornered, from the eight arms of the lake.
It is in Kollam district, fed by the Kallada river, and opens to the sea at Neendakara.
It was designated a Ramsar site in 2002.
It is the second-largest lake in Kerala after Vembanad.
Its clams fishery became the first in India to win Marine Stewardship Council certification in 2014.
Coir retting and houseboats are also important.
The Kollam backwaters lie at the southern end of the backwater route to Alappuzha.
Geography and key facts
- Near Kollam, Kerala
- Estuarine backwater
- Kollam district
- Fed by Kallada
- Ramsar site 2002
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on which lake is a lagoon (2002).
Note for UPSC
Kerala; a palm-shaped estuarine backwater near Kollam.
Expect questions on the type of lake (lagoon, freshwater, saline), its state and any Ramsar status.
Asked in PYQs
- UPSC Prelims 2002 · Q24Which one of the following is a lagoon?…
Questions from our Prelims bank whose text names Ashtamudi Lake.
Key facts
- Type
- Lake / lagoon
- State / UT
- Kerala
- Coordinates
- 8.967°N, 76.583°E
- Asked in Prelims
- 1 question · 2002
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Forests, Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs (map lesson)