Sasthamkotta
Location
The Sasthamkotta lake is situated 29 Km from Kollam
Famous for
Sasthamkotta is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala.
About Sasthamkotta Lake
Sasthamkotta is largest freshwater lake in Kerala and is surrounded
by hills on three sides except on the south side, where a bund has
been constructed separating the lake from the neighbouring rice
fields. The ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town,
is an important pilgrim centre. A large part of the lake has been
reclaimed for agriculture. 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 the
people of Kollam district. The lake is special in the sense that
water in the lake does not contain common salt or other minerals and
metals. The lake supports 27 species of freshwater fish including
pearl spot and cat fish and two genera of prawns. The lake abounds
in 21 species of herring and sardines of the family Cupeidae.
Flora
The Insectivorous plant Drosera Sp. is found on the eastern shore
of the lake. Vegetation is very scant, floating and rooted plants
are negligible. Cashewnut, paddy, tapioca and plantain are grown on
and along the banks of the lake.
Biodiversity of the Lake
The wetland around the lake supports 27 species of freshwater
fishes and two genera of prawns. The lake abounds in 21 species of
herrings and sardines of the family Cupeidae alone. The most common
fish in the lake is Callichrous bimaculatus and Wallago attu. The
fish is so called because most of them are provided with whisker
like barbels arranged round the mouth. Bonnet monkeys frequent the
banks. Notable migratory birds are teals.
Social and Cultural Values
The lake provides drinking water to the people in its environs. A
large part has been reclaimed for agriculture. The lake is used for
fishing. The surrounding areas are under cultivation and utilized
for cattle grazing. Fisheries production, water supply to Kollam
municipality and suburbs are other uses. The ancient Sastha temple,
which lends its name to the town is an important pilgrim centre
Getting There
Air
Thiruvanantapuram International Airport, at 105 Km, is the nearest
airport to Kollam.
Rail
Kollam Railway Station is well connected to the major cities of
Kerala and South India. Ochira railway station is also connected to
Kollam and other cities of Kerala.
Road
Ochira can be reached by bus or taxi from the major cities of
Kerala. Some major cities disatnces from Kollam are: Trivandrum (71
kms), Varkala (37 km), Alleppey (85 km), Kottayam (110 km), Trichur
(229 km), Calicut (374 km), and Kasaragod (575 km).
Accommodations
There is quite a good number of hotels, guest houses and lodges in
Kollam, which provide with too many options to the visitor for stay.
