Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.

A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers.

Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

The main birding areas at Kumarakom include the the KTDC complex (unofficially called the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary), which was previously known as Baker estate, in honour of the Englishman who developed this into a sanctuary for birds early in the last century. It harbours large populations of breeding darters, Purple Herons, Little cormorants, Indian Shag and Pond Heron. Areas like Kaipuzha Muttu, Pathiramanal, the Paddy Fields around Kumarakom, Narakathara, Thollayiram Kayal, Poothapandi Kalyal, and Palluruthy Roost are also excellent locations for birding. The ten most abundant species recorded are the Lesser Whistling teal, Little Cormorants, Whiskered Terns, Pond Herons, Intermediate Egrets, Indian Shag, Cattle Egrets, Purple Heron, Little Egret, and the Cotton Teal.


Attractions of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The species recorded include great Cormorants, Open billed storks, Grey Herons, Yellow Bitterns, White Ibis, Cotton Teal, Pheasant tailed Jacanas, Koras, Blackcaped Kingfishers, Ruddy Crakes, Gull Billed Terns, Shikra etc..


Viewing the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Houseboats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake.

Best Time To Visit
The best time to bird watch is between June and August. To watch Migratory birds, November to February is the best time.