Ashtamudi Lake, Ramsar wetland site in Kollam district, India
Ashtamudi Lake spreads across Kerala and divides into eight separate arms linked by a network of waterways. The waters connect to the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary.
The lake served as a major trade route from ancient times, and in the 14th century the nearby Quilon port was a regional trading hub. The location connected broader maritime networks with local commerce.
Traditional Chinese fishing nets dot the waterways, where fishermen continue age-old methods and live in communities scattered along the shores. These practices shape daily life and show how people here have depended on the water for generations.
You can explore the branching waterways by boat, with the best conditions between October and March. The calm water and moderate pace make it easy to navigate the channel system.
The local clam fishery received international certification in 2014 as India's first sustainable fishery by Marine Stewardship Council standards. This recognition shows how traditional fishing can meet modern sustainability requirements.
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