Kumarakom is located at a distance of 14 km away from the region of Kottayam in the state of Kerala. This place is a bunch of scenic islands clustered near the Vembanad Lake and is just at a distance of 70 km from the territory of Kochi. This tiny and beautiful location has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in Kerala due to the various backwater cruises offering scenic views of sunsets and the surrounding lush green landscape.
Kumarakom is located in the Kuttanad region of kerala which is also called as the rice bowl of the state. The various paddy fields, wrapped with a large number of lakes and canals offer a visual treat to the onlookers.
The kumarakom Bird sanctuary located in the region, attracts a lot of migratory birds such as waterfowl, Siberian Crane and moorhen and is considered as paradise for bird watchers. A canoe ride is usually taken to reach the bird sanctuary which makes the journey all the more exciting.
The city is also extremely popular for the various backwater houseboat cruises that are offered to tourists. The traditional houseboats have been decorated to a luxurious perfection, thereby, attracting a lot of tourists. The resorts located at the bank of the river offer a lot of adventurous activities such as boating, angling and yachting.
The best time to plan a kumarakom tour is when the Onam celebrations are in full swing. The region is well connected with the train network and also through the waterways with some of the major cities such as Kochi and Kottayam.
The famed Kumarakom Beach is an adventurer’s heaven and is regarded to be a lively kumarakom tourist place. Parasailing, water skiing, windsurfing and boating are just a few of the adventure sports available. Furthermore, it is all too alluring to take a short break and enjoy the peace and quiet of this place with your better half.
There are umpteen holiday destinations to go to, but Kumarakom bird sanctuary in Kerala is
one of those rare places where you can go bird-spotting throughout your
holiday. It is one of such unprecedented places in India that appeals to a
specific type of tourist – the bird watchers.Set across 14 hectares of lush, sprawling green lands, the
large sanctuary houses some of the rarest and most amazing seasonal birds.
Siberian Crane, Night Herons, Pelicans, Parrots, Larks,
Flycatchers, Wood Beetle, Golden-backed Woodpeckers are some of the birds that
migrate to India all the way from Siberia and Himalayas, They travel to elude
subzero temperatures and ensuing lack of nutrition.
Along with uncountable migratory birds, you can also spot
some indigenous cormorants and Kingfishers standing apart with their vivacious
colors.The sanctuary is well conserved by the Government of India
which welcomes the birds with open arms. The government also takes care of the
beautiful towering coconut trees and overall natural haunts of the birds as per
a stringent routine.
The magnificent beauty of the bird sanctuary befriends you
and makes you feel like you belonged there all your life.During the migratory season, thousands of birds arrive and
loaf in the ostentatious nature of this sanctuary. It is absolutely astonishing
to see them stay close to each other in a small radius. It is almost like
they're interconnecting with each other and have opted to stay in a clique.
Though it’s not easy to spot these birds, people who are
true bird enthusiasts or have been birdwatching since a long time can easily
spot a rare species even at a single glance. The tourism department of the
Kerala state government also manages a beautiful age-old mansion in the
sanctuary called the 'Baker's Mansion.' The mansion is more than 70 years old
and is a part of the sanctuary since the time it was known as 'Baker's Estate’.
The estate was created by an Englishman named George Alfred Baker.
The sanctuary is pretty clean and well maintained. As you
visit the reserve, you will find a circuit of paths that will take you along
the entire sanctuary. There is about 2 km of road that will help you witness
every neck of the woods in the sanctuary. You can also go to the interpretation
center in the sanctuary built by the government, should you like to know about
the birds that visit during the migratory season.
The sanctuary is positioned on the beautiful banks of
Kavanar River. After you are done exploring, you can take a boat ride in the
Kavanar River or Vembanad Lake just to spectate the charm of the place.
Not only the place is at par with heaven for bird
aficionados, but it is also a delight for the people who’d love to spend some
time in tranquility away from their homes and the ever-bustling cities. It is
one of those places in India that you must unquestionably include on your
bucket list.