Kumarakom Birds Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary) is situated at the north of Kumarakom. 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 an Englishman, the sanctuary was formerly known as Baker’s Estate. Currently, the bird sanctuary is managed by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. 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.
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.