Vellayani Lake Lake

Address: Vellayani Lake (Vellayani Kol), near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Hours: Open year-round

Admission: Free (public lake); boat rides or private rentals may have fees

Vellayani Lake is a freshwater lake on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India. It is a prominent waterbody in the district and is locally known as Vellayani Kayal.

The lake is used for recreational boating and hosts the annual Vellayani Boat Race, a regional paddling event. It also attracts local anglers and birdwatchers, particularly during the winter months when waterfowl visit the area.

The lake is a natural freshwater body that has long supported local fishing and paddy irrigation; in recent decades it has experienced ecological pressure from urbanisation and invasive aquatic plants.

The lake sits on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram city in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, roughly 10 km from the city centre and is accessible by road from the city.

• Vellayani Boat Race: Hosts an annual boat race that draws local competitors and spectators.
• Birdwatching season: Best birdwatching from November through February when migratory waterfowl are most frequently recorded.

Vellayani Lake is about 10-12 km from central Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Taxis and local buses ply the route; from the city center plan roughly a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic.

• Visit early morning to watch local birdlife and to catch the still, reflective surface of the lake.
• The lake is close to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) - a short taxi or local bus ride from the city center.