Fast Facts
Location : Located on Vembanad Lake, Kerala
Area : 101 hectares
Nearest Town : Kottayam, 12 kms from the sanctuary
Climate : Tropical Climate, between 10 C to 26 C
Best Time To Visit : June to August (for watching resident
birds), November to February (for watching migratory birds)
Introducing Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom is essentially a backwater resort town located in the state of
Kerala. The place is laid down with mangrove forests, paddy fields, coconut
groves and running through the region beautiful rivulets and waterways.
Amidst the mangroves and paddy fields is stretched the scenic Vembanad Lake.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary stands established on this beautiful lake. The
pleasant climate and large bird population makes up the place a great picnic
spot in Kumarakom. The avian population comprises of many resident and
migratory species, some of which are very rare.
Attractions
Popular Bird Species : The avian population is the main
attraction at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary supports hundreds of
bird species including both resident and the migratory birds. The resident
birds that can be spotted in the sanctuary include waterfowls, cuckoo, owl,
egret, herons, kingfishers and water ducks. Some commonly spotted migratory
birds include Siberian cranes, parrots, teals, larks, flycatchers, wood
beetle, etc. Birds like Siberian cranes remain as flocks and can easily be
spotted.House boats and motor boats help in the deep exploration and a
wonderful time in the lake. House boats are often preferred as they are
stealth and do not disturb the birds.
Patharimanal : Pathiramanal is a small island on the lake
and surrounded by fantastic landscapes. The place is one good catch for a
photographer. The island is home to many species, found at large in the
sanctuary.
Backwater Cruises : Also available in the region are
backwater cruises which take to some of the popular places of Kerala.
Where to Stay
Kumarakom Lake Resort (5 star), Water Scapes (4 star), Whispering Palms (3
star), Garden Retreat (3 star), Coconut Lagoon, Taj Garden Retreat, Golden
Waters.
How to Reach
To reach Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary one can board a flight for Kochi, where
the nearest airport is grounded, about 106 kms away from the sanctuary. The
nearest railhead is present at Kottayam, some 15 kms from the place. The
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation run their buses from Kochi,
Trivandrum, Alleppey, Thekkady, Kollam, Kozhikode and Bangalore up to
Kottayam. The distance from Kottayam bus stand to sanctuary is about 15 kms.
Local buses and taxis are available from the KSRTC bus stand.
