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INTRODUCTION

The Kumarakom bird sanctuary known as the ornithologist's paradise sprawls over an area of about 101 acres along the Vemabnad lake at a distance of about 12kms from Kottayam in Kerala.Kumarakom bird sanctuary with its distinguished features of avian population, has a number of splendid bird watching spots especially for people who have ardent desire to watch the migratory birds. Apart from the migratory birds there are at least more than 100 varieties of native birds. The beauty of this bird sanctuary casts a spell over the visitors and promises an unforgettable pleasure in you. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is one of the favorite hubs of migratory birds where more than at least 60 species flock to this place every year. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is also celebrated for a large variety of fish, mussels and crabs. The Siberian Cranes are one of the regular immigrants to this bird sanctuary.

ORIENTATION

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Kuttunad region of Kumarakom at a distance of about 16 km from Kottayam town.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit this park is between the months of November to March for it is during this season one can witness a large number of migratory birds. Also anytime between June to August is also good to make a visit.

CLIMATE

Since the geographical location of the Kumarakom bird sanctuary is all along the coast the climate prevailing here is excellent throughout the year.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

The Flora

The area being dominated with mangrove forests the terrain seems to be very rough and irregular. Apart from the mangrove forests the bird sanctuary also has green paddy fields and coconut grooves which provides an excellent home for both the native and the migratory birds. Adding to the beauty of the sanctuary there are blooming lilies which attracts both tourists and birds.

The Fauna

The other feature of the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which inspires an awesome thrill is the animals. They are the Bears, Elephants, civet cats, lion-tailed macaque, Deer, monkeys, Tigers, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Leopards, deer, squirrels including the Malabar giant squirrel. The fauna also comprises of the reptiles like Python, Cobra, Ciper, Rat Snake, and Iguana.

Avian Species

Being a home to both native and migratory birds, it promises you a large variety of the avian fauna. The most common local birds seen here include Waterfowls, Cuckoos, Owls, Egrets, Herons and the water duck. The migratory birds from far off countries include Siberian Cranes, Darters, Indian Peafowl, Larks, Flycatchers, Wood Beetles and Teals. These birds could be found during their respective migratory seasons only. Other species of different varieties seen here include butterflies, moths, mudskippers, crabs, and turtles. The birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary also include Hornbills, Wood Peckers and King Fishers. Some of the rare kind of birds seen here are Crimson- throated barbets, bee-eaters, shrikes, fairy bluebirds, grey-headed fishing eagles, black winged kites night herons, grey hornbills and Malabar hornbills.

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

The Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls which is an ideal spot for picnics is at a distance of 2 kms from Kumarakom.The water here cascades from an altitude of about 100 ft and as they come down makes their way through the landscapes as small streams.

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal in the local language means sands of midnight. This is a beautiful island on the lake spreading over an area of about 10 acres, can be accessed only by boat. Another attraction of Pathiramanal is that it is the home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. There is a folklore attached to this place which says that a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Things to do

Houseboat and motorboat Cruise

The ride in the houseboat or the motorboat cruise makes you feel cool and relaxed. This is the best way to watch the birds without bothering them. A drive in these cruises along the Vemabanad lake gives you the pleasure of serene and calmness.

EAT OUTS  Ettukettu - the multi-cuisine specialty restaurant of Kumarakom Lake Resort - specialized in sea foods and Kerala special items. The Vembanad Seafood Bar - part of Kumarakom Lake Resort, serves fresh and delectable sea food varieties. Cordon Bleu - the multi-cuisine restaurant of Backwater Ripples Hotel The multi-cuisine restaurant - Abad Whispering Palms Lake Resort The local 'Toddy Shops' where you can find local dishes & local drink ACCOMMODATION 1.The Manor Backwater Resort Cheepungal, Kumarakom Kottayam District Kerala, India +91-(0)481-2526328 / 29 / 30 / 31 2.The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa V 235 A1 to A54, Karottukayal Kumarakom, Kottayam 686 563, Kerala INDIA +91 481 2527 272 3.Kumarakom Lake Resort Kumarakom North Post Kottayam 686 566, Kerala, India, 91 481 2524900, 2524501 4.Coconut Lagoon WorldViewer Dot Com (India) Pvt. Ltd. II Floor, G 66, Elders Forum Road, Panampilly Nager, Cochin, Pin 682 036. +91484 4010403, 4010404 +91 484 2319597 5.Backwater Ripples Pvt. Ltd. Kumarakom P.O,  Kottayam - 686 563  Kerala India  91-481-2565404, 2563404 6.Whispering Palms NEW NAZARATH ROAD, KUMARAKOM 686 563 Tel : +91 481 2523820-26 7.Illikkalam Lake Resort Kumarakom P.O., Kottayam District kerala State, India, PIN 686563 ++91- 481- 2525651, 2526251 8.Paradise Resorts Kumarakom South P.O, Kottayam Kerala, India. 0481 2524983, 2524721 9.Tharavadu Heritage Home Govt. Boat Jetty Kumarakom-686563 India 0481 2525230 10.The Lake Village Heritage Resort Kodimatha, Kottayam-686 039, Kerala, India. 0481-2363637, 2363638

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HOW TO REACH

By Air

If you are getting to Kumarakom by air, then the jetty landing is accessible from the Cochin Airport.

By Trains

The Kottayam Railway Station is the closest railhead and is 15 km from Kumarakom.

By Road

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses provide plenty of good service to the region from Cochin, Calicut and Thiruvananthapuram if you do decide to go by road.

By Boat

Another exciting way to get to Kumarakom is by boat. Boats are available all the way from Cochin. There is also regular boat service from Cochin Boat Jetty to Kumarakom.