Introduction

A paradise for avid bird-watchers, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is set on an islet in the Vembanad Lake, about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Kottayam in Kerala. Spread out over 14 acres on the southern bank of the Kavanar River, you can explore the sanctuary by taking a boat ride, or hiring a canoe at the entrance to the sanctuary. A two-hour canoeing trip comes at a nominal cost, and can be arranged by the local fishermen. Small motorboats complete with local guide can also be hired from the edge of the Vembanad Lake. Bird-watching trips are best undertaken in the evening or at the crack of dawn when the birds prepare to return/leave their forest abode and fly over the lake.

For moving around within the sanctuary there are well-laid out paths, and beyond the sanctuary you can take a boat ride on Vembanad Lake or along the Kavanar River. The sanctuary formerly known as Baker’s Estate was developed in a rubber plantation by British missionary Alfred George Baker, who fascinated by the beauty of Kumarakom decided to settle down here. He bought 104 acres of land from the then Maharaja of Travancore and spruced up the area.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, though its avifauna is of particular interest, them being a motley mix of indigenous and migratory species. Float on the tranquil waterway with bird songs in the air, a soft sky above, and soak up the green loveliness of the environs. Keep an eye out for marine species that sometimes swim up to the water surface. Carry your binoculars along, you might chance upon an array of birds such as waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, water duck, the migratory Siberian crane, parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers and wood beetle among others. An ideal time to spot migratory birds is between October and February. Among the birds, the main draw to the sanctuary are the waterfowls and Siberian cranes, not to mention the parrots that flash past in striking green flocks.

Located centrally in the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is the much popular ‘Baker’s Mansion’, a more than 50-year-old construction, mentioned in Arundhati Roy’s award-winning novel ‘The God of Small Things’, now taken up and restored by the Taj Group into Taj Garden Retreat.

Plan your tour taking into consideration the climate of the sanctuary; the temperature in summer ranges from 34.2°C to 22.6°C, and in winter between 18 °C and 35 °C. The most appropriate time to explore the park is between June and August. But, those who wish to spot migratory birds, November to February is the time for you. Ardent bird-watchers are recommended an early morning trek through the copious greenery of the sanctuary, before the sun streaks its first golden light.

Special Attributes

It is one of the country's most popular wetlands set on the serene Vembanad Lake, ideal for spotting migratory and endemic birds.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Avoid wearing bright colored clothes as they alarm animals in the wild. And don’t forget to put on your trekking shoes.

Connectivity

The nearest airport to Kumarakom is at Kochi, about 106 kilometers (66.25 miles) away and Kottayam Junction about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away, connects the Bird Sanctuary with the rest of the country. Approx. 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Kumarakom is Kottayam city which stands on both SH 1 (Trivandrum to Cochin International Airport) and on NH 220 which leads to Theni. KSRTC buses ply from Kottayam to Kumarakom, Kochi, Trivandrum, Alleppey, Thekkady, Thodupuzha, Kollam, Kozhikode and Bangalore.

Enjoyed by

Families, Senior Citizens, Backpackers, Kids

Exposure

You will mostly be walking in the shade of trees. While boating, especially in the afternoon the sun can scorch, so you are advised to carry sunshades, cap, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

March, April, May

Facilities

A great chance to enjoy nature walks, spot birds and take some photographs.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Ardent bird-watchers are recommended an early morning trek through the copious greenery of the sanctuary, before the sun streaks its first golden light. Your tour involves some bit of walking, so carry along your trekking shoes.

Type of site

Bird sanctuary