Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Observatory Tower

This serene lake nestled amidst lush greenery is a hidden gem. A perfect escape into nature's embrace. The tranquility, the vibrant shades of green, and the crystal-clear water create a picturesque setting that soothes the soul. A true paradise for nature lovers and a haven for relaxation. Five stars simply don't capture the beauty and peace this place offers.

We can spend time with sightseeing and boating. March is the best time to visit this place

Pleasant atmosphere and really worth for the bird watchers.before starting the journey please confirm the timing and season.

Nice and beautiful place walking in one side 3/4 km and ticket per person 100 and vehicle charges

It is a good place to sit peacefully, you can enjoy the beauty of the lake nearby.there is a lot to walk.inside it was full of lovers.

For seeing a dirt land we want to give 100 indian rupees & for foreigners its 250/-.
Is this modern tourism?

Really awesome
It is a good place to sit peacefully, you can enjoy the beauty of the lake nearby.there is a lot to walk.inside it was full of lovers.

It was a great experience.cool atmosphere.unfortunately i didn't see any birds there.

Go there during the season to spot the migratory birds. Currently watch towers are closed. Entry is free if you stay at Waterscapes resort. One will have to walk 4 kilometres through the sanctuary. It's a nice walk through the forest with a walkway and narrow bridges. This is a hidden gem. It's a great walk that leads to a nice viewpoint. A lot of bird sounds as you walk. If you expect to see birds, make sure you have a lot of patience as the birds are within the foliage. Good way to spend some time in nature. A nice, peaceful, enjoyable walk with a lot of bird sounds all around you. Highly recommended.if you do not spot any birds, it's a nice experience

Feathers, beauty, tranquility, avian wonderland. Nature's paradise! Must-see sanctuary.

2 മണിക്കൂർ സമയം കൊണ്ട് അത്യാവശ്യം കണ്ട് ആസ്വദിച്ചുനടക്കാൻ പറ്റിയ ഒരു സ്ഥലം എന്നു പറയാം. പക്ഷി സങ്കേതംഎന്നാണെങ്കിലും പക്ഷികളെ ഒന്നും കാണാൻ കിട്ടാറില്ല. ഒരുപാട് ആമ ഉണ്ട്. പിന്നെ ഉടുമ്പും. ഒന്നുകിൽ അതിരാവിലെ ചെല്ലണം അങ്ങനെ ആണെങ്കിൽ കാണാൻ കിട്ടും. നല്ലൊരു ജൈവ വ്യവസ്‌ഥ എല്ലാ കോണുകളിലും ഉണ്ട്.
അത്യാവശ്യം നല്ല രീതിയിൽ പ്രൈവസി കിട്ടും. കൂട്ടുകാരുടെ കൂടെ പോയാലും. ആരാണ് എന്താണ് എന്തിന് വന്നു എന്നുള്ള ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ ആരും ചോദിക്കാറില്ല. (ആ രീതിയിൽ പെരുമാറണം മറ്റു കാര്യങ്ങൾക്കായി ചെന്നാൽ ചിലപ്പോൾ ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ വന്നേക്കാം)
Entry fee 50 രൂപ എന്നത് 100 ആക്കി ഉയർത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. ബോട്ടിംഗ് നു താത്പര്യമുള്ളവരണങ്കിൽ ഗേറ്റ് നു മുന്പിൽതന്നെ ഒരുപാട് ചേട്ടൻമ്മാരും കാണും. ഒരു മണിക്കൂറിനു 600 രൂപ വച്ചു തുടങ്ങും. വില പേശാൻ താത്പര്യമുണ്ടങ്കിൽ ചെയ്യാം.

Not maintained well.feels like you went for a 2 km walk in a park under trees paying fees.must visit during season (dec-feb) to see some new birds other than crows.well you would need to climb some steps to see the birds after 2km.boat ride offered was bit expensive than outside private boats.private boats are available at 600 Rs/hour.

11/11/2021 this place is in need of maintenance. All in all it's a good place but requires visitors to be a bit more responsible.

The Bird Sanctuary has improved over the years. The entrance area has definitely been given a facelift. Boats are available to take visitors to the sanctuary. However the Tourism Department needs to pay attention & fund the project richly. There is need for improving the arrival of birds, planting bird friendly trees, definitely needs an artificial lake with total fencing and gallery for public viewing, create a butterfly park, an enclosure for otters to play & be viewed, & rebuild the dilapidated unsafe watch tower with safety measures and staff to monitor the tower. There is scope for earning much revenue similar to what we see in foreign cities.

No birds at all but lots of mosquitos are there. Don't go with kids. They can't walk that much to see a bird. Full of trees, well maintained.

A beautiful calm and quiet lake (Vembanattu) shore with site seeing houseboats (cheap or luxury) Bird Sanctuary (native and migrating) and many fine Resorts.can spend with family with golden memories.

We visited on sep 2021 which is the worst time to visit this place the floor is wet, slimy & slippery due to rain.we were more focused on keeping ourselves from falling down to get a glimpse of any bird - even a crow.also sep being the brooding period there wasn't much bird cries either.but the 4km walk thru a seemingly dense forest was a good experience.they said always visit during march- april months.will come here at that time

Lack of maintenance due to the ongoing pandemic has made parts of the observation tower dangerous for climb. The view though is amazing.

If you like nature and watching birds you will live this place. The trail through untouched nature will take you the view of the back waters and if you want to go further take the left turn and walk towards the 2nd watch tower from where you could watch the native and migratory birds. But be informed that they are seasonal.

Beautiful view. Boating experience was good. They had good buffet options.
It was raining the day we visited most of the time. Nice experience.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary  (also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary) is situated at Kumarakom in Kottayam taluk of Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Set in the Kerala Backwaters, the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds.

Developed in a rubber plantation as a bird sanctuary by Englishman George Alfred Baker, the sanctuary was formerly known as Baker's Estate. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation currently manages the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is spread over 14 acres (5.7 ha)  on the southern bank of the Meenachil River River. There is a system of paths for moving around within the sanctuary. Beyond the sanctuary, one can take a boat ride in Vembanad Lake or along the Meenachil River.

Kumarakom is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from Kottayam. State Highway No. 1 leads to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram in opposite directions.  Kochi International Airport at Nedumbassery is 106 km (66 mi) from Kumarakom.

Neighbouring areas such as Kaipuzha Muttu, Pathirmanal, Narakathara, Thollairam Kayal, and Poothanpandi Kayal are also good locations for spotting birds.

The main attractions are local birds like waterfowl,  koel,  owl,  egret,  heron,  cormorant,  moorhen,  darter, and brahminy kite, as well as the migratory gull,  teal,  tern,  flycatcher, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Some of the migratory birds come from the Himalayas, and a few from Siberia.

Sprawling across 14 hectares, and sitting by the banks of the river Vembanad, Kumarakom bird sanctuary is a vibrant hub of rare and numerous avian species. A multitude of migratory birds, from places as varied as the Himalayas to Siberia, flock to this wet land area. November to February is the ideal season to watch migratory birds. The other best option to visit the sanctuary is between June and August, which is also the breeding season of resident wetland birds such as Indian Darter, Little Cormorant, different species of egrets and herons, White Ibis and several species of kingfishers. Kumarakom bird sanctuary is located in Kottayam taluk in the district of Kottayam.

Best season you get to see more birds is during April May when there is a variety of migratory birds. Now, there is only one migratory bird that is a long billed black headed bird. After July migratory birds are less in number. We need to walk for about 2 km.

Worth it if you go during the season. In the off season there is nothing much you can do or see. A slight walk to the observation point. Uts worth it. But carry a insect repellent if you're prone to adverse reaction against their bites. Carry plenty of water, the humidity will kill you in no time. Its a very quiet place and very good for photographers. Although there could be a few more facilities along the way if they attracted more people.

Nothing much to see other than some Pond Herons and Crows. Some 5 km to walk just to sit beside the Vembanad. But its fun to have someone to walk beside you all those 5 km.

Natural beauty at its best. Can view alot of birds if you are going in season.
Plastic free area. There is 2 or 3 watch tower for birds watching. Nice evening vibe. Parking facilities available. A snack corner also available. Try to carry bottle of water when you enter into bird sanctuary.

A cool refreshing environment to breathe some fresh air, just walk around and enjoy the nature. A calm atmosphere to get some peace of mind.

I visited this place yesterday. Place is nice surrounded with greeny leaves and bushes. Walk way through the greeny bushes is dirty and dangerous. No security measures like survillance camera or security guides are seen here. Lots of youngsters, especially lovers, visit here. I strongly recommend to post security staff and install survillance camera here. And provide shelter houses in times of rainy season. Here there is a chance of abuse and cheating among lovers. Sometimes it may lead to loss of lives. Security steps are to be taken immediatley at any cost.

It was a nice walk along the Vembanad lake. 2 bird towers - one of them kind of disfunctant the second one is okie, but rusted and one gets a doubt if it could take your weight. But the view from up there is worth the climb. Half way through it looks like its the end as the way leads to the lake but actually look for a bend to walk towards the bird watch towers are almost at the end of the walk.

Looking for a place where no one disturbs you.this is the perfect place for couples.and those who looking for some different and variety birds this for you too.place to walk km n kms the ambient you get there is lifetime! !

This is an amazing place to visit! Sadly KTDC doesn't take good care of this place. People litter it with so much plastic!

In our experience visiting here is waste of time and money. The watching tower is very rusty and very old. At least they can paint the tower. Travelling by boat is good but walking that much distance is very tiring. But we can see some rate birds.

Conveniently located on the main road but watch out for the gate as you may tend to miss it. Car parking is available but limited. Opt for the trail walk only in season else you won't see many birds. We spotted a monitor lizard & butterflies. It's pretty much a jungle trail so carry water with you especially in summer. Be prepared to trek for an hour and u will get to the Waters edge which is a fantastic backwater view.
The boats are pretty basic & while they have life jackets the boatmen don't insist that you put it on. Not too safety conscious I guess. They however are very knowledgeable about the bird species & give you a good update of the local life. You can spend an hour if ur a keen bird watcher. Small kids may get bored though after the initial novelty wears off. Another option is to rent a houseboat & go as a group/family. You can combine bird watching & a liesurely backwater cruise.
All in all, definitely worth a visit for nature lovers

Nothing special about the place. If you enjoy a walk through the side of the blissful vembanadu lake you will enjoy. Did not spot any birds during our visit.

It was a very good place. Gives us a positive energy. Good place to bring kids. We can give value to our money only in the seasons otherwise it's wasted. No birds in noon seasonal time.

Scenic place. Awesome location. Easly accessible. Lots of species of birds to watch. Lots of enthusiastic bird watchers also. But the management of the place is not upto the mark. Need more place to relax and enjoy.

Total waste, govt will take some money per head to enter the place, and there is absolutely nothing to see, i think it is a scam, i didnt even see ome bird

Awesome experience.saw migrating birds and boating was the best.one can enjoy the constant cool breeze.the boat staff was also very polite. There is no need to afraid as there are life jackets and the boat staff informed us that the water is not like as we see. We felt that it is was too deep. But the water level was just 3-6ft from ground level.

This is a good place to watch the birds, the neighborhood people s attitude need to change, and the shop and fellows try to loot customers.
Every visitor has to review the purchase decision before, even the snack shop and roadside teashop has poor pricing strategy.

Nice scenic view.

Go for KTDC / government boats only. Lots of private boat agents will contact you, don’t fall for them.
Boating per hour 650/- You can share.
Parking charges 25/- and trekking charges 50/- per head.

•A clam place for a wandering
•Birds can be seen only at particular season but the walk through the woods is quite cool and refreshing experience
•Children friendly
•Paking available with pay
•Ecofriendly
•

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary) is situated at Kumarakom in Kottayam taluk of Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Set in the Kerala Backwaters, the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Developed in a rubber plantation as a bird sanctuary by Englishman George Alfred Baker, the sanctuary was formerly known as Baker’s Estate. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation currently manages the sanctuary. The sanctuary is spread over 14 acres (5.7 ha) on the southern bank of the Kavanar River. There is a system of paths for moving around within the sanctuary. Beyond the sanctuary, one can take a boat ride in Vembanad Lake or along the Kavanar River. Kumarakom is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from Kottayam. State Highway No. 1 leads to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram in opposite directions. Kochi International Airport at Nedumbassery is 106 km (66 mi) from Kumarakom. Neighbouring areas such as Kaipuzha Muttu, Pathirmanal, Narakathara, Thollairam Kayal, and Poothanpandi Kayal are also good locations for spotting birds. The main attractions are local birds like waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, and brahminy kite, as well as the migratory Siberian crane. Parrot, teal, lark, flycatcher, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Some of the migratory birds come from the Himalayas, and a few from Siberia.

Well decorated and full of greenery. If you are lucky then you will see exotic birds here and there. Avoid visiting this place in the afternoon as you would not find many birds. It's a bit costly for a stroll in the wilderness and you are more likely to find local couples here and there. It is better to rent a boat. Although the staff had a language problem, the experience was good.

Poor management. No board signs to guide that its last point of stop/dead end ahead or take u turn for return.hardly spotted an eagle that too in return.waste of time

Situated in Kumarakom in the banks of Vembanadu Lake. Currently the sanctuary is managed by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. You can visit the sanctuary by taking entrance pass from the KTDC ticket counter. The pathway inside the sanctuary ends at open area called Ettumoola, which is in the shore of Vembanad Lake. You have to walk around 2 km to reach there. There is three bird watch towers inside the sanctuary, one is exclusively reserved for bird watchers. The migratory birds season starts from December onwards. You can watch the birds nests from the watch tower in the season time.

The sanctuary is spread over 14 acres (5.7 ha)  on the southern bank of the Kavanar River. There is a system of paths for moving around within the sanctuary. Beyond the sanctuary, one can take a boat ride in Vembanad Lake or along the Kavanar River.

Kumarakom is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi)  from Kottayam. State Highway No. 1 leads to Kochiand Thiruvananthapuram in opposite directions.  Kochi International Airport at Nedumbassery is 106 km (66 mi)  from Kumarakom.

Neighbouring areas such as Kaipuzha Muttu, Pathirmanal, Narakathara, Thollairam Kayal, and Poothanpandi Kayal are also good locations for spotting birds.

An amazing place. The swampy forest might be one of the last reminiscent patches of the natural vegetation which might have covered this region. Though I visited off-season and also in the hot hours for birding, plenty of turtles and monitor lizards were sighted. Cleanliness in the sanctuary has been maintained.

You can have a 3 to 4 hour walk with your loved ones.good for family also. The security personnel and office staff both are very helpful and elaborately talks of the specialities and the bird visiting seasons.

Problem is that you cannot drive the vehicle towards it. You will be asked to park your vehicle aside and start walking for around 3 kms to reach the sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary) is situated at Kumarakom in Kottayam taluk of Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Set in the Kerala Backwaters, the bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds.

If you ever visit Kumarakom, you should definitely take a stroll down their Bird Sanctuary. I hardly found any birds, probably because I visited in the afternoon. However, I was surprised to find Water Monitors, not just one, but many. The place is beautiful.
You will find people who will ask you to take boat services to get to the end of the sanctuary. I would only recommend that if you are lazy to walk or if you are in a hurry. You can easily cover the entire place in 2 hours at a decent walking pace.

Take a stroll into the wild rather than taking a boat. Sanctuary opens at 6: 30. Try to enter the sanctuary as early as possible to get view of the exotic birds.

This place is real close with nature. We will get the feel of walking through a forest. As this place is beside the backwaters nice cool wind that will freshen you up. But even though the name suggests it as a bird sanctuary you will hardly find any birds here. For the names sake a butterfly garden is also here, but not that much butterflies as we expect. Overall a nice place to roam if you want to be more close to nature.

We had visited here July last week and view from bird-watch-tower was mind-blowing. Be prepared for a walk of 2+ KM to reach watch-tower and it will be a good experience. Also lake view inside sanctuary is good. You will able to watch many migratory birds in season time. Boating is also available.

Even though nature is at it's best here, govt and visitors should care it well. Otherwise this place will not attract any migratory birds or visitors in near future.

For an entry pass Rs50 was charged, but no good facilities provided for tourists. Bird watch towers were not maintained and walkway was very muddy. There should be tourist guides to guide and provide info about migratory birds. Most visitors were college couples and we saw only very few genuine tourists there.

The most sad seen was that plastic and other wastes were at the lake-side of the sanctuary. Authority should take actions to keep sanctuary clean and maintain it's eco-system.

If you have craved to stay in a small village in Kerala for enjoying the backwaters, sipping on tender coconut water, tasting some authentic Kerala food and experiencing the warmth of fresh air, Kumarakom is the place you should be in when you travel to Kerala. Situated near the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a sleepy little hamlet with exotic scenery and rare floraand fauna. The place offers boating, house boat cruising, fishing and sightseeing. Canals, waterways and lakes decorated with lilies and lined with coconut groves, green paddy fields and mangrove forests will be quite tempting for any visitor to have a stress relieving vacation. Kumarakom is situated near to Ayemenem town where the popular bookThe God of Small Thingswas set is the most awesome position in Kerala (arguably) providing you the most delightful Kerala food. Sailing through the relaxed wealthy waters of Kumarakom in an experience in Kerala in itself. Spread across 14 acres, the sanctuary accommodates varieties of birds including teal, wild duck, egrets, herons, cuckoo, waterfowl, darters and also migratory birds. The place offers boat trip around the islands giving you abreathtaking experience of watching the birds and the nature’s beauty. The sanctuary is open for public daily from 6AM to 6PM

Awesome feeling nice place to enjoy with ur friends boating is amazing u can sail across the lake n the view of Bird century.
Boats besides u n view of backwaters is killer

Best visit right after the rain. The green lush mini forest is worth walking to enjoy nature, find a few species living in the protected space. Abundant fishes living in the murky waters.