Head to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Summer to Watch Birds Making Nests

More and more Malayalis are heading to places like Munnar and Kumarakom to get some respite from the intense heat wave that has engulfed God’s own country.

It is nesting time for birds at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. If you visit now, you can watch them during the day.

Kumarakom is the epicenter of Kerala’s houseboat tourism. This place is also famous for its bird sanctuary. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to a large number of migratory birds and it is nesting time for them. If you visit now, you can watch them making nests. Hundreds of domestic and international tourists visit Kumarakom every summer to observe birds making nests in their natural habitat. Read more about Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary here.

Birds start making their nests in April. In May, they lay their eggs and in June nestlings come out of the eggs. An advantage of visiting Kumarakom during this time is that you get an opportunity to see the birds during day time. If you visit during other times of the year, you won’t be able to see them during the day because they go in search of food. That means, you will only be able to see them in the evenings and early mornings. Because of this reason, tourists visiting Kumarakom during other seasons often have to leave without seeing the birds.

Painted storks are busy making their nests. Up to 40 storks may make their nests in one tree.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary lies close to Vembanad Lake. KTDC has built several watch towers from where tourists can observe the birds making nests. Some birds make their nests on their own. For water fouls, bird making is a group activity. Up to 40 water fouls may make their nests in one tree.

Over 90 species of birds have been spotted at Kumarakom bird sanctuary. About 26 species of migratory birds also visit the sanctuary every year. The sanctuary is open for tourists from 6 am to 5 pm.

How to reach

Kumarakom is well-connected by road and rail.