Renowned as the second largest lake in the state of Kerala, the Ashtamudi Lake covers the 30% portion of the Kollam town. The lake got its name from its eight channelsthat meet at Neendkara estuary as a single outlet before falling into the Arabian Sea. Blessed with enormous scenic beauty with rows of swaying coconut and palm grooves at the lake side, the place is a marvelous tourist destination in Kollam. Also referred as the gateway to the enthralling backwaters of Kerala, the Ashtamudi Lake beckons a huge number of tourists to enjoy the beauty of these backwaters on tastefully decorated houseboats.