The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is highly rich in its sheer scenic beauty. It is rightly known as a heaven to birds. The great collection of birds here is a remarkable thing. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, Kerala, India. This bird sanctuary is spread over across 14 acres of land. Also known as the ornithologist's paradise, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most favorite hubs of migratory birds. The prominent species include the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.


Kumarakom bird sanctuary happily hosts more than a few hundred varieties of native birds. Every year, over 60 species of migratory birds flock here in large numbers. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is also celebrated for a large variety of fish, mussels and crabs.

The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is celebrated for its flora and fauna. The prime attractions here are very beautiful local birds like cuckoo, egret, owl, the water duck, heron and the waterfowl. To add to the beauty there is the migratory Siberian cranes. Other migratory birds include well-known names such as Parrots, flycatchers, wood beetle, larks, and many others. These birds could be found during their respective migratory seasons only. One can also see a variety of species of butterflies and moths flutter by. There are many species of mudskippers, crabs, and turtles on the shoreline. One can also find fish and even crocodiles deeper in the water.

Along with the birds, the animals that increase the majesty of this place include Bears, Elephants, civet cats, lion-tailed macaque, Deer, monkeys, Tigers, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Leopards, leopards, deer, squirrels including the Malabar giant squirrel. Also there are many varieties of snakes like Python, Cobra, Ciper, Rat Snake, and Iguana. Nobody should miss to see birds like Hornbills, Wood Peckers and King Fishers.Along with the birds, the animals that increase the majesty of this place include Bears, Elephants, civet cats, lion-tailed macaque, Deer, monkeys, Tigers, Nilgiri Tahr, Wild Pigs, Leopards, leopards, deer, squirrels including the Malabar giant squirrel.. Also there are many varieties of snakes like Python, Cobra, Ciper, Rat Snake, and Iguana. Nobody should miss to see birds like Hornbills, Wood Peckers and King Fishers.

Enjoy Houseboat and motorboat Cruise - This is perhaps the most popular way to sight the bird population of the park. On board the houseboats and motorboats, it becomes possible to sight a number of birds without actually disturbing them. What makes these cruises all the more special is the kind of tranquility felt while sailing through the serene waters of the Vembanad Lake. The Island of Pathiramanal ( meaning Sands of night) which attracts a large number of migratory birds is also easily accessible from the boats. The story of the island goes that when a Brahmin entered into the water to perform his evening ablution, it made way and gave rise to land from below.

Enjoy Walking Tours - Another option to spot the bird species of the park is to set out on foot on the one and half km long walking track. Chances are that a large number of Herons, Darters, Storks, Teals etc will come across and provide an easy glimpse for the tourists. Cameras are allowed as such capturing birds in them is hugely popular.

The best time to visit the park is between the months of June and August. However if migratory birds are high on list on a visit, then November to March is just perfect. It is during this period that the migratory birds flock in huge number to reside in the park for a while.

How to Get there

Air: The nearest airport to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is the Kochi Airport Nedumbassery, which is at a distance of 106 kilometers only.

Rail: The nearest railway station to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is the Kottayam railway Junction, which is at a distance of about 15 kilometers only.

Road: The Kumarakom Bird sanctuary can be reached from Kottayam, which is at a distance of 15 kilometers only.

Don't get into any unknown or illegal activity.

Do not disturb the local culture and local atmosphere.