THE QUEEN OF LAKES

   INTRODUCTION

   The Queen of Lakes, Sasthamkotta awaits to grant one an enlivening sight to behold. Being the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, the place has gained popular attention. This pretty destination is famous for its pilgrim centre the ancient Sastha Temple, where one can see many friendly monkeys.The water of Sasthamkotta Lake is used by most of the populace of Kollam for drinking purpose because of its purity.The present area of the lake is 375 hectors. 

SASTHAMKOTTA LAKE 

   Lake also categorized as a wetland, is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala.The lake is named after the ancient Sastha temple (a pilgrimage center) located on its bank.It is surrounded by hills on all sides except south where a bund has been constructed separating the lake from the neighboring rice fields.The present area of the lake is 375 ha since large part of the lake is occupied for agriculture. The lake is used for fishing.The source of water is from the underground sprouts.The lake has a capacity to hold 22390 million litres of water and serves as the source of drinking water for half a million people of Kollam district.The purity of the lake water for drinking use is attributed to the presence of large population of larva called cavaborus that consumes bacteria in the lake water. The wetland supports 27 species of freshwater fishes and two genera of prawns. The lake is a designated wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention since November 2002.

LOCATION

Sasthamcotta, Kollam district

Kerala