Sasthamkotta Lake

Sasthamkotta Lake, located in the Kollam district of Kerala, India, is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala covering around 373-375 hectares. It is famously known as the “Queen of Lakes” due to its serene beauty and peaceful environment, hemmed in by green hills and valleys on three sides and paddy fields on the south.The lake is named after the ancient Sastha temple situated on its bank, a popular pilgrimage center dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa. The temple is surrounded by hills and forests, and the monkeys on the temple grounds are considered holy and much loved by devotees.Sasthamkotta Lake is unique for several reasons:It is entirely freshwater with no salinity or harmful minerals.The purity of the water is attributed to the presence of a larva called cavaborus, which feeds on bacteria, keeping the water clean and healthy.It fulfills the drinking water needs of about half a million people in the Kollam district.It supports around 27 species of freshwater fish and is rich in biodiversity.The lake is spring-fed with no visible tributaries, relying on natural springs and monsoon rain.The lake and its surrounding wetlands are a Ramsar site, designated in 2002 as wetlands of international importance, reflecting its ecological significance and need for conservation.Due to human activities and land use changes, the lake area has reduced over time, and there are concerns about ecosystem health, prompting conservation and management efforts by the Kerala government