On the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, 14 km from Kottayam, lies
Kumarakom a small-town. The most interesting area in the backwaters is the "Kuttanad
region" called the rice bowl of Kerala. Kumarakom is just one little
village in this region on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad
Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary in Kumarakom is
spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an
ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo,
wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks,
in Kumarakom, are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the
birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
Climate
of Kumarakom
Being situated very close to the sea, Kumarakom has a moderate climate,
with heavy rains during June-August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter
starts from December and continues till February in Kumarakom. In summer,
the temperature in Kumarakom rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C
in the winters. Annual average rainfall in Kumarakom is 310 cm.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, situated on the banks of the Vembanand Lake is
known for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as waterfowls,
cuckoos and owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed
here.
The Kumarakom Tourist Complex, sprawling over 101 acres of enchanting
wooded land and lake, was built around the 50-year-old 'Baker's Mansion',
which was earlier a small hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development
Corporation (KTDC).
Now the complex has been renovated in grand style by the Taj Kerala Resorts
Ltd. Boats are available on hire for a a cruise around the sanctuary.
