■ ASHTAMUDI LAKE.
◇ Ashtamudi Lake or Ashtamudi Kayal , is in the Kollam District of Kerala.
◇ It possesses a unique wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped water body.
◇ Ashtamudi means ‘eight braids’ in the local Malayalam language.
◇ The name is indicative of the lake’s topography with its multiple branches.
◇ The lake is also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is well known for its houseboat and backwater resorts.
◇ Ashtamudi Wetland was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.