Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Whether it’s about the location of the sanctuary or the bird population it shelters, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is exotic in both senses. Positioned on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the sanctuary is home to a variety of both domestic and migratory birds. Water Fowls and Siberian Cranes are the biggest draws for travelers arriving at the sanctuary. The period between the months of June and August is considered to be ideal to make a visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. However, if you are a migratory bird lover, you need to plan your tour to the sanctuary between November and February. To add to the joy of your travel even more, there are motor boats and houseboats offering bird watching cruise along the Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary features a tropical climate throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

The period between June and August is ideal to make a visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Those who would like to enjoy watching migratory birds need to plan their tour between the months of November and February.

Wildlife Attractions

For a bird lover, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary proves to be a delight. The sanctuary shelters a wide variety of both domestic and migratory bird species. While bird watching in the sanctuary, visitors will truly enjoy spotting local bird species like parrot, lark, teal, water duck, water fowl, heron, egret, cuckoo and owl among others. During the winter season, the Siberian Cranes happen to be major crowd puller for bird lovers. Other bird species usually seen in the sanctuary are flycatchers and wood beetle. To enjoy bird watching and identification of birds, travelers can also hire local guides who will also inform of them of the travel tidbits around Kumarakom.

A major part of the sanctuary is covered by mangrove forests. Vast expanse of green paddy fields and groves of coconut palm attract a lot of avian species to the sanctuary.

Things to Do

Bird watching cruises in the sanctuary is something that no visitor to Kumarakom would ever want to miss. Travellers can hire either a houseboat or a motorboat to set out on a cruise in and around the bird sanctuary in Kumarakom.

The cruise lets you sail along the waters of the Vembanad Lake. During your cruise, you can make a visit to the Pathiramanal Island. The island is known for being home to a variety of migratory bird species. Some interesting legends are associated with the island.

Kumarakom Sanctuary also offers travelers scenic walking tours. The walking track here extends over a distance of one kilometer and a half. While you enjoy the tour, keep your cameras poised because a moment missed is missed forever.

Reaching the Bird Sanctuary

At a distance of 70 km lies the Cochin International Airport, the closest from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The closest town Kottayam also serves as the nearest rail link from Kumarakom. The town of Kottayam is just 14 km from Kumarakom. Either taxis or auto rickshaws can be hired to get to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary from Kottayam.