Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Spread over an area of 14 acres and
located on the banks of Vembanad lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an
ornithologist's delight where a wide variety of migratory birds such as
Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal can be spotted. The sanctuary
is just 12 km away from Kottayam in Kerala. The birds of local origin such
as waterfowls, cuckoos and owls among others can also be seen here. The best
way to see these birds is a boat trip around the islands. Kumarakom Wildlife Sanctuary has a
rich flora which includes mangrove forests, green paddy fields and coconut
groves.
Fast Facts
- District : Kottayam
- State : Kerala
- Other names :
- Location : If you are going to Kottayam from Calicut,
you will have to travel for 282 km, from Cochin 77 km, from Alleppey
50 km and from Kodaikanal the distance will be 279 km away.
- Journey Time : It will take you about 7 hrs to reach
from Calicut to Kottayam, 2 hrs to reach from Cochin, 1 and 1/2 hrs
to reach from Alleppey and 7 hrs to reach from Kodaikanal,
respectively.
- Route from Cochin : If you are going from Cochin to
Kumarakom, you'll have to travel via NH 49 to Thripunithura, and
then continue via Ettumanur, Keecherry, Thalayolaparambu, Vaikom,
Kottayam, and then take the state road to reach Kumarakom.
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Feature Attraction
The Avifauna of the Sanctuary
The main attraction of the place are the birds of the sanctuary which
include waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck apart from
the migratory Siberian Crane. The other birds that can be spotted here are
parrots, teal, larks, wood beetle among others.
Accommodation
- Taj Garden Retreat – 3 Star
- Anjali Hotel – 3 Star
- Hotel Prince - 2 Star
- Hotel Aida – 2 Star
- Coconut Lagoon – Heritage
When to go
The best time to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is between June and
August. If you are more interested in watching the migratory birds, the
months of November to February will be more apt for you.
How to get there
The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport which is 70 km away
from the Muhamma boat jetty in Kumarakom. The nearest railway station is
Kottayam which connects the place with rest of the state and India. The
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is only 12 km away from Kottayam which in turn is
well connected by an extensive road network with the major cities in India.
Other Attractions
» Pathiramanal
It is a 10 acre island on the backwaters which serves as a habitat for
large variety of migratory birds from various corners of the world. The
place can be accessed only by a boat and serves as an ideal stopover for
those on a backwater cruise.
» Vembanad Lake
The Vembanad lake is a fast developing backwater destination. Many canals
and small rivers originate from here. You can also enjoy boating and fishing
here.
» Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
It is a beautiful picnic spot where the waters cascading down from a height
of 100 feet present a fascinating picture. It is located about 18 km away
from the Kottayam town.
