Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

If you have always been interested in birds and you want to know how the birds thrive in their natural habitat, then you must visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Located in Kottayam district of Kerala, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in India. This may be hard to believe, because the total area of this bird sanctuary is merely 10 acres. Nevertheless, in this small area one can come across numerous exotic birds, which is unlikely to happen at any other bird sanctuary in India. Umpteen birds have made Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary their natural habitat. A number of birds also migrate to this bird sanctuary, covering a distance of almost half the world during the winters. An interesting fact about this bird sanctuary is that this preserved forest was developed in a rubber plantation by an Englishman and the former name of the sanctuary was Baker's Estate. The place is considered ‘Garden of Eden’ for Ornithologists.

Bird watching is the major activity that the tourists indulge them in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. People from around the globe come to this place to experience the splendor of the natural beauty and exotic birds. Apart from bird watching special boat rides are organized by the forest authorities. Boating in the Vembanad Lake is one of the most pleasuring moments in the sanctuary. One can also just leisure around lying on green grass and gazing at the stars, as the night sky is full of stars. One can always hire a motorboat or a houseboat and go towards the otherwise inaccessible parts of the reserve.

Geography
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread over an area of 14 acres of land. River Kavanar and Vembanad Lake flow near the bird sanctuary. The temperature remains moderate throughout the year. The place receives moderate amount of rainfall every year. Thus, the place is ideal for birds to create a habitat for themselves. Due to its close proximity to the sea, the weather is most suitable for water birds. The humid weather and sea breeze in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are always welcome by both birds and the visitors.

Flora
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is full of natural vegetation. It is replenished with lush greens. The area is dominated with mangrove forests. Although the terrain is highly irregular and rough, the forest has green paddy fields that are bound by coconut groves. This provides an excellent home for both the native and migratory birds. During spring season, the forest is blossomed with thousands of lilies, which attract birds and visitors alike. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary has been set in the backwaters of Vembanad Lake and Kavanar River. Hence, the topography of this place includes a large number of water resources. The vegetation too includes the kind of vegetation found near the water bodies.

Fauna
The fauna of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary primarily includes the resident birds, as this place is ideal for avifauna to thrive. The main attractions are local birds like egret, heron, cuckoo, owl, cormorant, moorhen, darter, Brahminy kite and the duck, waterfowl, as well as the migratory Siberian Crane. There are a number of migratory birds which make Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary their home only during the winters. These include Siberian crane, parrot, teal bird, lark, flycatcher etc. A few migratory birds come from the Himalayas and some from as far as Siberia. Dawn is the best time to watch birds, as a number of birds flock together and leave their home and fly over the Lake.