Situated in the state of Kerala, Vembanad is longest and largest lake in India. It spans through various districts of Kerala, and is known with different names at different places such as Kochi Lake in Kochi, Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, etc. This lake has been considered as largest wetland system in India by covering area of 2033.02 km2.

Located at the sea level, a narrow barrier island separates the Vembanad Lake from Arabian Sea. At its widest point, this lake is 14 kilometers wide and surrounds the islands of Pallippuram, Pathiramanal and Perumbalam. Additionally, this lake is at the heart of Kerala Backwaters tourism with 10 rivers flowing into it including six major rivers namely Periyar, Achenkovil, Meenachil, Manimala, Muvattupuzha and Pamba.

Vembanad Lake has 1,252 meters long salt water barrier named as Thanneermukkom barrier. It was constructed to prevent tidal actions and is the largest mud regulator of India. Due to this barrier lake is divided into two parts – one is brackish water and other is fresh water from rivers fed into the lake. Some other major tourist’s attractions on the shores are Kumarakom Tourist Village and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.