Ashtamudi Kayal is the most visited backwater and lake in the state, in the Kollam of Kerala. It has a unique wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped body of water, second only in size to the state's Vembanad estuary ecosystem. In the local Malayalam language, ashtamudi means 'eight braids.' The name is representative of the topography of the lake, with its many branches. The lake is also named the gateway to Kerala's backwaters, and is well known for its resorts on houseboats and backwater. Ashtamudi Wetland has been included in the list of wetlands of international significance, as specified by the Ramsar Convention on Wetland Conservation and Sustainable Use.Munroe Island (Munroethuruth), in Ashtamudi Lake, is a cluster of eight small islands.
It is believed that the importance of Kollam and eventually Ashtamudi Lake is dated to the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans. During his 24-year stay in the 14th century, Ibn Batuta reportedly named the port of Quilon as one of the five Chinese ports of commerce. Links with Persia 's Chinese mandarin are documented in 1275 AD, Portuguese in 1502 AD and British followed by the Dutch in 1795 AD. From this spot, Velu Thampi is credited with organizing the British rebellion.
