Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

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.

	Best of Kerala (11 Days) Features : The tour commences from Cochin and traverses the diverse lands of Kerala. A two days stay is provided for Kumarakom, the famous backwater and wildlife destination. The package provides for guided city tours, beach holiday, a trip to the plantation lands of Kerala and more. The places to be visited are Cochin, Periyar, Kumarakom and Alleppey.

	Kerala Vacation Package (10 Days) Features : The tour package arranges for two days stay at the prized attraction, Kumarakom. There are trips arranged for Periyar, Kovalam and the southern most point of India, Kanyakumari. The package further provides for a city tour of Mumbai.

	Kerala Backwater Tour (10 Days) Features : A good tour package for those who are looking forward to spend their attractions at Kerala Backwaters. The tour gives you two exciting days at Kumarakom and trips to other destinations including Periyar, Cochin and Kovalam. There are arrangements for sight-seeing, cruises and boat rides and beach activities.

	Captivating Kerala (08 Days) Features : This eight days package takes you to some of the best destinations of Kerala. There is a regular two days trip to Kumarakom which ensures a maximum exposure of the place. Arrangements for bird watching are provided at this popular destination. Other places covered in the tour are Cochin, Periyar, Kumarakom and Marari Beach.

	India and the Tropical South (15 Days) Features : The package arranges a trip to Kumarakom backwaters in the concluding part. The tour features exploration of great many places, apart from Kumarakom. The destinations reached include Kollam, Alappuzha, Kochi, Munnar, Periyar and Kovalam.