Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located in Kumarakom which is in Kottayam district of Kerala. Englishman converted rubber plantation into Bird Sanctuary. This is also known as Baker’s Estate.
What to see in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of Kavanar River. Area covered by this sanctuary is 14 acres. Tourists attracts towards Boating riding of this place. Main attractions of this bird sanctuary are Duck, Brahminy Kite, Darter, Moorhen, Cormorant, Heron, Egret, Owl, Cuckoo, and Waterfowl. These are local birds .To this sanctuary several birds come on migration. Migratory birds are Flycatchers, Lark, Teal, parrot, Siberian Crane. These migratory birds come from two places. Some of these come from Siberia and some of the birds come from Himalayas.
For the natural lovers bird watching is most attractive. Birds will look most beautiful when they are flying over the lake after leaving forest homes. Best time to visit the beauty of the bird flying is before sunrise and an early morning trek. Bird watch programs also conduct in this place. In 2008, WWF India conducted, 2 bird watching programs. Another attraction of this bird sanctuary is Vembanad Lake. Other name of this lake is Kochi Lake. In Kerala this is the largest wetland. Nehru Trophy Boat race is the major attraction in this lake. Huge varieties of fishes can be seen in this Lake. It is estimated that there are 150 species of fishes in this lake.
What to see around Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:
Pathiramanal: It is located 22kms away from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. This became an Island when Young Brahmin had divided the lake to perform his prayers. This is the best place to see the migratory birds.
Kumarakom: It is located 14kms away from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Kumatakom is blessed with backwater reserves of Kerala.
Aruikkuzhi Waterfalls: It is located 2kms away from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Height of these waterfalls is 100 feet.
Aymanam Village: other name of this village is Ayemenem. Arundati Roy’s Booker Prize winning novel is God of Small Things. This is set in this village. It is located 14kms away from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
Getting to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: This place is well connected with roadways. From Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kottayam buses are available regularly to reach to this place. Nearest railways station is located at Kottayam which is 15kms away from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Kottayam is well connected with Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport near Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. This airport is located 70kms away from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
Getting around Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: To visit the sanctuary best way is to go on foot. Other option to visit this sanctuary is Boats. Taxis, Buses, Autos are available to visit the surrounding places of Kumarakom Bird sanctuary.
Best time to visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Best time to visit local birds in this sanctuary is between June to August. Best time to visit migratory birds in this sanctuary is between November to February.
Where to stay in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Only House boats options in available in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. But in kumarakom town plenty of hotels are available to stay. All varieties of hotels are available. House boats are available to stay. Cost of these house boats is raging between Rs.7000 to Rs.15000. Apart from hotels; resorts are also available to stay in Kumarakom.
Where to eat in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Eating options in this sanctuary are limited. But in Kumarakom plenty of restaurants are available to eat .Non vegetarian food is most famous in this place.