Bird Sanctuary Kumarkom

Location: Near Kottayam
Main Highlights: Siberian Cranes and Water Fowls
Other Highlights: Nearby Vembanand Lake and boat rides

Sprawling across an area of 14 acres, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an bird's heaven. Its location on the bank of the beautiful Vembanand Lake adds more charm to it. You can opt for the exciting boat rides for a safari around the Sanctuary. Numerous tourists come here throughout the year to enjoy both the beauty of the lake and the inhabitants of the Sanctuary.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary plays a host to the endangered Siberian Cranes who flock to its wooded land in the winters. Their faces and bills which are as red as blood, wing tips in jet black and tufts in blissful white make you wonder how beautifully nature has coloured these creatures. Its local avian population consists of water fowls, owls, cuckoos, egret, heron, parrot, teal, larks, flycatcher, darters, drongoes, wood beetle and several other birds. Keep a look out for the native King fisher displaying its vibrant colours. You really have to try hard to listen to the music of the birds here.

Best Time To Visit: To watch the migratory as well as the local birds, the most propitious time is from November to February.

Accommodation: The famous Taj Garden Retreat, Lake Resort, Backwater Ripples and Golden Waters.

Dine At: Ettukettu restaurant, Thattukada restaurant, Fort Kochi, Pearlspot and Vembanad Seaood Bar which offer great culinary delights.

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