Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated at Kumarakom in Kottayam taluk of Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Set in the Kerala Backwaters, the bird sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds. Kumarakom is 14 kilometers (8.7 mi) from Kottayam. The sanctuary has been developed in a rubber plantation made by Englishman George Alfred Baker. The sanctuary was formerly known as Baker’s Estate. Now it is under Now The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and has managed by the Government of Kerala. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 14 acres on the southern bank of the Meenachil River. Inside the sanctuary, there is a systematic path to move around. Besides, one can take a boat ride in Vembanad Lake or along the Meenachil River. The main attractions of this place are local and migratory birds. Local birds like waterfowl, owl, cuckoo, heron, egret, moorhen, cormorant, darter, and Brahminy kite are available here. Among migratory birds, Lark, Teal, Parrot, Siberian Crane, flycatcher, etc. are visible here during their respective migratory season. Some of the migratory birds come from the Siberia and some from the Himalayas.