Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Situated in Kottayam district in Kerala, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist’s paradise. It is located close to Kumarakom village in Kuttanad region which has become synonymous with backwater tourism in Kerala.

A favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal, the sanctuary is situated on the eastern bank of Vembanad Lake and is spread across 14 acres.
Developed in a rubber plantation, Alfred George Baker is believed to have laid the foundations of Kumarakom village and the bird sanctuary by reclaiming 500 acres of wetlands from the Vembanad lake during the 1840s. Baker’s descendant Henry developed the plantation into an attractive bird sanctuary. The sanctuary was formerly known as Baker’s Estate

The main attractions are waterfowl, egret, heron, cormorant and Brahminy kite. Migratory birds from Himalayas and as far away as Siberia make the sanctuary their home during winter between November and May. Siberian cranes are the most prominent visitors to the park.
The breeding season of resident wetland birds such as white ibis, Little cormorant, egrets and herons, Indian Darter, kingfishers, etc. occurs between June and August.

PLACES OF INTERESTS                                                                                                   

The Flora

The area being dominated with mangrove forests the terrain seems to be very rough and irregular. Apart from the mangrove forests the bird sanctuary also has green paddy fields and coconut grooves which provides an excellent home for both the native and the migratory birds. Adding to the beauty of the sanctuary there are blooming lilies which attracts both tourists and birds.

The Fauna

The other feature of the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which inspires an awesome thrill is the animals. They are the Bears, Elephants, civet cats, lion-tailed macaque, Deer, monkeys, Tigers, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Leopards, deer, squirrels including the Malabar giant squirrel. The fauna also comprises of the reptiles like Python, Cobra, Ciper, Rat Snake, and Iguana.

Avian Species

Being a home to both native and migratory birds, it promises you a large variety of the avian fauna. The most common local birds seen here include Waterfowls, Cuckoos, Owls, Egrets, Herons and the water duck. The migratory birds from far off countries include Siberian Cranes, Darters, Indian Peafowl, Larks, Flycatchers, Wood Beetles and Teals. These birds could be found during their respective migratory seasons only. Other species of different varieties seen here include butterflies, moths, mudskippers, crabs, and turtles. The birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary also include Hornbills, Wood Peckers and King Fishers. Some of the rare kind of birds seen here are Crimson- throated barbets, bee-eaters, shrikes, fairy bluebirds, grey-headed fishing eagles, black winged kites night herons, grey hornbills and Malabar hornbills.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

The Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls which is an ideal spot for picnics is at a distance of 2 kms from Kumarakom.The water here cascades from an altitude of about 100 ft and as they come down makes their way through the landscapes as small streams.

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal in the local language means sands of midnight. This is a beautiful island on the lake spreading over an area of about 10 acres, can be accessed only by boat. Another attraction of Pathiramanal is that it is the home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. There is a folklore attached to this place which says that a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

House Boat and Motor Cruise

The ride in the houseboat or the motorboat cruise makes you feel cool and relaxed. This is the best way to watch the birds without bothering them. A drive in these cruises along the Vemabanad lake gives you the pleasure of serene and calmness.

How to Visit
By Air: Cochin International Airport (94 km) is the closest airport.
By Train: Kottayam (13 kms) is the nearest railway station to the sanctuary.
By Road: Kumarakom is excellently connected to Kottayam (13 kms). From here the private cabs and taxis can be hired to reach the sanctuary.