The beautiful Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located at Kumarakom in Kottayam district in Kerala. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in the enchanting backwaters of Kerala, which is why it is also known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. Kumarakom is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kerala as its home to many native as well as migratory birds. A wide range of rare birds make it an alluring place for birdwatchers. The sanctuary sees a lot of tourists all through the year and serves as an amazing place to get close to nature.

Highlights of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

• There’s an exciting walk of about 2 kms to reach the end of the site and people can spot different birds while walking on the trail. The journey itself is wonderful as there’s a small butterfly garden on the way. One can enjoy a leisurely stroll listening to birds twittering in the trees. 
• One can also take a boat ride in the Vembanad Lake and enjoy the picturesque views while being surrounded by bright blue water. 
• There’s an interpretation centre at the entrance of the sanctuary that showcases pictures of different birds that visit throughout the year.  

About the sanctuary:

The Kumarakom Sanctuary covers a large area of about 14 acres and is controlled by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The sanctuary was earlier known as Baker’s Estate as it was originally developed as a rubber plantation by George Alfred Baker. 

The pleasing views of this lush and evergreen place are literally a treat to the eyes as one can spot many local birds like owls, cuckoos, herons and waterfowls, along with a lot of migratory birds during their migration season. Some of these migratory birds come all the way from Siberia, while others make their journey from the Himalayas.  

Best time to visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the months of November to February as migratory birds from different parts of the globe fly here at this time. It can be visited during the months of June to August too as one can spot a lot of local birds there.  

In terms of comfort, most seasons in Kerala see moderate climate, so travelling here at any time should be quite pleasant. 

How to reach Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

By road: Kottayam is just 13 kms away from the sanctuary and local cabs and taxis are easily available for hiring. One can also hire private transport to reach the destination. 

By train: The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is the Kottayam railway station. It is at a distance of 12 kms, and is connected with all major Indian cities. 

By air: The nearest airport to the sanctuary is the Cochin airport, located just 38 kms away. The airport is connected to all major cities in India, so flying to this wonderful place should not be a hassle.