Description of the attraction
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, or as it is also called the Vembanad Reserve, is a real paradise for avid bird watchers, and simply for lovers of beautiful views and a pleasant relaxing stay. This picturesque corner is located in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala, on the banks of the largest lake in the state, Lake Vembanad and the Kavanar River, 14 kilometers from the city of Kottayam.
The main attraction of Kumarakom is, of course, the fauna - a huge number of birds, both sedentary and migratory. Especially numerous are such species as cuckoo, common heron, egret, great cormorant, water hen (also called marsh hen), snake-neck, Brahmin kite, Siberian crane, various types of owls and ducks. You can also watch birds such as parrot, teal, flycatcher when they arrive for wintering from the Himalayas or Siberia.
In addition to watching birds from the shore, if you wish, you can rent a boat on the territory of the park and make a short "trip" along the waters of Vembanada or Kavanara.
The most successful and favorable time for observation is sunset when the birds return to their nests, and the time just before sunrise when they leave them.
Since 2008, WWF-India has been organizing special two-day tours to the reserve for bird watchers and simply bird watchers. And the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation plans to open an international bird watching center on the territory of the reserve.
