Ashtamudi, the most visited lake and backwater is located in Kollam district in Kerala. Ashtamudi is the entrance to the famous backwater of Kerala. It is the famous backwater in Kerala, the gods own country. House boat ride in this lake is very famous. There are numerous backwater resorts in Ashtamudi. This 16km long lake is the second largest lake in Kerala. There are innumerable species, mangroves and many birds that depends on wetlands. Kollam-Alapuzha boat ride is one of the most famous and long backwater cruize in Kerala. This boat ride through famous waterways is one of the most memorable one. The tranquil lakeshore of Ashtamudi lake is full of coconut trees. Ashtamudi has always served as a creative and vibrant hotspot for artists, authors and bird watchers. This lake is named as ‘Ashtamudi’ as it has 8 lakes or channels. 30 percent of historically significant Kollam city is occupied by this lake. In ancient times, Kollam was one of the most important city in Kerala as it has been a major trading center since the time of the Phoenicians and Ancient Rome. Kollam district is famous for the lake, Kollam city, Neendakara Port, cashew trade, processing industry and marine product industry.