Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary , Kerala

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, situated on the banks of the Vembanand Lake is known for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as waterfowls, cuckoos and owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed here.

The Kumarakom Tourist Complex, sprawling over 101 acres of enchanting wooded land and lake, was built around the 50-year-old ‘Baker’s Mansion’, which was earlier a small hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).

Now the complex has been renovated in grand style by the Taj Kerala Resorts Ltd. Boats are available on hire for a a cruise around the sanctuary.

The Western Ghats on its east and the Malabar Coast on its west, adorned with the emerald backwaters and exotic spice plantations, Kerala is blessed with a riotous variety of flora and fauna. Topped up with indigenous traditional cultural practices and art forms, Kerala is increasingly gaining momentum as a popular tourist destination all over the world. Showered with an eternal sunshine, Kerala- God’s own country is all nature lovers’ paradise. The lush tropical evergreen rain forests still largely miraculously unspoiled in Kerala, support a rich array of land, marine and avian wildlife. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary situated around the Vembanad Lake near the Backwaters is famous for its rich avian population. Bird watchers and photographers from all over the world flock to Kumarakom to catch sight of these little feathered angels every year.

The Residents of Kumarakom:

Spread across 14 acres around the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary plays host to a large number of migratory birds like Siberian Stork and crane, flycatcher, teal, parrots, wood beetle. Beside these native birds like the kingfisher, heron, egret, owl, cuckoo, are seen in plenty.

Bird Viewing at Kumarakom:

The best and only means of bird viewing at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is by houseboats or motorboats. If you want the rustic rural touch, you can try to get hold of a local rice boat or fishing boat to watch the birds at play without disturbing their tranquility with the motor sounds. The Pathiramanal Island said to have emerged out of water as a boon to a Brahmin is also home to a large number of birds. The cruise to the island along the shimmering emerald waters of the lake is a truly memorable experience.

Climate and Vegetation:

Kumarakom is populated with paddy fields, coconut groves and mangrove forests. The ample rainfall and balanced tropical climate facilitates plant growth in these areas.

How to Reach:

The airports nearest to Kumarakom are Thiruvanthapuram International airport and Cochin International Airport. The nearest railhead is at Kottayam (16 km). regular bus and taxis are available from Kottayam too. If you want to travel by boat along the backwaters you can get a boat from Alappuzha to Kumarakom Jetty.

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