Kumarakom bird sanctuary is one of the top ten bird sanctuaries in India. The slightly adventurous sanctuary opens the door to a world of different varieties of birds. The sanctuary has good scope for nature walking and photography. It is just 15 kms from Kottayam and can be reached easily via bus or taxi. Nearest railway station is Kottayam and nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (94 kms).
Kumarakom bird sanctuary is a place where scenic beauty and birdlife meets the backwaters. There are times when you might have to return without spotting birds, but the walk through the greenery is refreshing and peaceful.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary situated in the district of Kottayam in Kerala. It is on the banks of Vembanad Lake and is accessible through road and water. It started as a rubber plantation by an English man called Alfred George Baker and was later developed into a sanctuary. It is a cradle to many rare varieties of migratory as well as native birds. The right time to make a visit is from June to August, which is the breeding season of native birds. November to February suits those particular in watching the migratory birds.
A total of four km walk through the thick greenery awaits the visitors where they can view sevearl delightful birds. There are two watch towers inside. It is somewhat difficult to spot birds during the walk. But if you are lucky you might get a full view of birds when you reach the end point, i.e. the second watch tower. The most suitable time for spotting birds is at dawn. This nature walk also gives a chance to spot rare butterflies and other creatures.
Different species of Kingfishers, herons, owls, egrets, white ibis, Indian darter and many other native birds thrive here. The sanctuary attracts migrant birds like pin-tailed duck, teals, spot-billed duck, steppe eagle, osprey, marsh harrier also. The place is ideal for nature photography.