Kumarakom

When nature is all youneed to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinatingparadise in Kerala, God's own country. Theslender coconut palms standing here,there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons andbackwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calmand invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life.That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.

Kumarakom the charmingemerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake takes youinto the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come across plenty oftraditional country crafts, boats and canoes. 

The fresh water of the lake runsinto the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways.The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. They arerich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spottedfish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more. 

As the monsoon winds bring rain to the shores of Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakomis transformed into a rich fertile land. The streams, lagoons, brooks breaktheir banks and provide nourishment to springs and shrubs that sprout fromevery available space.

Water birds, migratorybirds, mangrove shores and the renowned bird sanctuary form their niche. Theresorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure optionslike an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. Theadventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing.You could even take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishingrod, catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and freshtoddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine.

Kumarakom - Bird Sanctuary

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.. A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catche

Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here.  This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.. Attractions of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.. Viewing the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Houseboats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake. Best Time To Visit  The best time to bird watch is between June and August. To watch Migratory birds, November to February is the best time.