The longest lake in India – Vembanad – located in the southern state of Kerala, also known as Vembanad Kajal or black. Moreover, it is also the largest lake in the state. Since it is located in several districts of Kerala, it is divided into several parts: the part located in Kuttanad called Punnamada, some in Kochi – the Kochi lake.

It is on the waters Punnamada water races are held name of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Overall Vembanad is a large water system, which includes several small Islands and peninsulas, and covers an area of 2033 sq km, which, in turn, makes this system the largest in the country. Its length is 96 km and a width of 14 km. Almost all the territory is at sea level and only about 400 sq km – below.

Vembanad is separated from the Arabian sea by a multitude of narrow barrier Islands. In addition, the lake itself is divided into 2 parts by a dam Thanneermukkom, the length of which is 1252 km. It was created with the purpose to prevent the flooding of sea water the lowlands of the city of Kuttanad. But not only is she allowed to vacate the area under the field, but also ensured that virtually the entire state of clean and fresh water.

Thanks to the beauty of the lake and its surroundings, this place has become one of the main attractions of Kerala, especially popular among tourists Tourist Village Kumarakom, located on the Eastern shore of the lake. On its territory is the famous bird sanctuary.

The Vembanad lake is famous for its floating houses, or, as they call them, Kettuvallam. Them there's a huge amount and they not only carry passengers from island to island, but are a kind of mini-hotels.