Kumarakom

	The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is located at a distance of 16 km from Kottayam town, in the village of Kumarakom. Covering an area of 14 acres, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary is a delight for the lovers of birds. It occupies the area on the banks of the Vembanad lake and offers its visitors a glimpse into the Keralas natural beauty. The sanctuary is actually a paradise for those who wish to escape from the maddening rush of the city life and be with nature as well as themselves for a while. The best time to visit the park is between the months of June and August. However if migratory birds are high on the list on a visit, then November to March is just perfect. It is during this period that the migratory birds flock in huge numbers to reside in the park for a while.The landscape of  Kumarakom bird sanctuary is replete with mangrove forests, green paddy fields and coconut groves. Blooming lilies enhance the beauty of the park and attract a number of visitors. Birds, the prime attraction of Kumarakom bird sanctuary, are large in number. Fluttering their wings and singing their mellifluous tunes, they keep the environment of the park alive. For tourists to the park, it is heartening to see so many species of birds together in a single trip. The local population of the birds in the bird sanctuary atKumarakom include Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Owls, Egrets, Herons, Water Ducks, Parrots, Teal, Larks, Flycatchers and Wood Beetle. The Siberian Cranes are widely famous amongst the migratory birds in the sanctuary. Bird watching Enjoying a houseboat and motorboat cruise at Kumarakom is the most popular way to sight the bird population of the sanctuary. On board the houseboats and motorboats, it becomes possible to sight a number of birds without actually disturbing them. What makes these cruises all the more special is the kind of tranquility felt while sailing through the serene waters of the Vembanad Lake. The Island of Pathiramanal ( meaning sands of night) which attracts a large number of migratory birds is also easily accessible from the boats. The story of the island goes that when a Brahmin entered into the water to perform his evening ablution, it made way and gave rise to land from below. Another option to spot the  bird species of Kumarakom sanctuary is to set out on foot on the one and half km long walking track. Chances are that a large number of Herons, Darters, Storks, Teals etc will come across and provide an easy glimpse for the tourists. Cameras are allowed and capturing birds in them has become hugely popular