One of the premier backwater resort areas of Kerala, Kumarakom sits on the banks of Vembanad Lake and is a truly picturesque location, famous for its languid atmosphere and landscapes dotted with mangroves, emerald-green rice paddies and coconut groves.Aside from being a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the unique and unhurried lifestyle of the Kerala backwaters, Kumarakom is also famous for its Bird Sanctuary. Stretching across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary is a haven for migratory birds and a bird lover’s paradise. Among the resident species are teals, egrets, darters, herons, and many kinds of waterfowl. Migratory species include the Siberian stork. Nature has poised its magic to perfection here with the bountiful coconut palms that line the rivers reflecting their image on the shimmering waters.
The finest way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islets 16 km west of Kottayam on the Vembanad lake. The Sanctuary teems with local waterfowls and over wintering migratory birds such as the Siberian storks. Boats are available for backwater cruises in the lake.