🔆 Ashtamudi Lake: Gateway to Kerala’s Backwaters 📍 Overview ✅ Type: Brackish water lake (mix of freshwater and saltwater). ✅ Location: Kollam district, Kerala. ✅ Ramsar Wetland: Recognized for its ecological importance. ✅ Naming: Derived from its eight arms/channels, meaning "Ashta" (eight) and "Mudi" (arms). 📍 Key Features ✅ Second Largest Lake in Kerala: After Vembanad Lake. ✅ Deepest Estuary: Among all estuaries in Kerala, connecting to the sea via Neendakara estuary. ✅ Source of Water: Kallada River. ✅ Biodiversity: Home to two endangered mangrove species: Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang. Supports diverse aquatic life and mangrove ecosystems. ✅ Munroe Island: A cluster of eight tiny islands within the lake. 📍 Historical Significance ✅ Ancient Trade Hub: Linked the ancient city of Quilon (Kollam) to global trade routes. ✅ Mentioned by Ibn Battuta: Highlighted its importance as a trade center. ✅ Velu Thampi's Rebellion: Played a role in the rebellion against British rule. ✅ Cultural Contribution: Site of Ramachandravilasam, the first epic poetry in Malayalam, composed by Azhakath Padmanabha Kurup. 📍 Significance 🌱 A crucial part of Kerala’s eco-tourism, supporting livelihoods and preserving biodiversity. 🌊 Key to the Kollam-Kottapuram Waterway, vital for Kerala's inland navigation. #places_in_news #lakes_series