Of Birds and Fishermen: Lake Vembanad

Lake Vembanad is the largest and longest lake in the state of Kerala in India and takes different names, across its expanse. The bounty of the lake is plain to see through the numerous livelihoods and ecosystems it supports, from fishing and other communities, to bird populations.  

The Lake is also synonymous with tourism and for many travellers, no trip to Kerala is complete without a visit to the Lake and its surrounding labyrinth of backwaters through villages like Kumarakom, or cities like Alleppey.  The resulting pressures of development have highlighted the fragility of the ecosystems and the need for a sustainable approach to tourism in the area. Despite these pressures, Kumarakom’s laid-back vibe is evident when cruising on the Lake- a blue vista, with coconut trees on the fringes swaying in the breeze.

 

The seemingly placid waters reveal many delights to the keen eye- the charm of a small freshly painted church that emerges around a corner; a darter or snakebird posturing majestically; fishermen  engrossed in their routines- waters that bear witness to life, loss and the co-dependence of all.