Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
type = national park
native_name = Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
other_name =
iucn_category =
state_name = Kerala
district = Kottayam
nearest_city = Kottayam
latd=9.5 |longd=76.52
skyline = Kerala Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.jpg
skyline_caption =
altitude = 0
area_total =
precip =
temp_summer = 34
temp_winter = 22
established_title =
established_date =
blank_title_1 =
blank_value_1 =
blank_title_2 =
blank_value_2 =
inset_map_marker =
website =

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary) is situated at Kumarakom in Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Set in the Kerala Backwaters the bird sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds.cite web | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2006111603952100.htm&date=2006/11/16/&prd=th& | title =KTDC to construct hotel in Chennai | accessdate = 2008-02-13 | last = Radhakrishnan | first =S. Anil | work = | publisher ="The Hindu", 16 November 2006 ]

History

Developed in a rubber plantation as a bird sanctuary by an Englishman, the sanctuary was formerly known as Baker’s Estate.Ayub, Akber (ed), "Kerala: Maps & More", "Kumarakom", 2006 edition 2007 reprint, p. 53, Stark World Publishing, Bangalore, ISBN 81-902505-2-3]

Geography

The sanctuary is spread over 14 acres on the southern bank of the Kavanar River. [cite web | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007010700380800.htm&date=2007/01/07/&prd=mag&| title = Seductive symphony| accessdate = 2008-02-13 | last =Ayub | first =Akber | work = | publisher ="The Hindu", 7 January 2007 ] It has well laid out 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 convert|14|km|abbr=on from Kottayam. State Highway No. 1 leads to Kochi and Thiruvanthapuram in opposite directions. Kochi International Airport at Nedumbassery is convert|106|km|abbr=on from Kumarakom. [cite web | url = http://www.shubhyatra.com/kerala/kumarakom-bird-sanctuary.html | title = Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary | accessdate = 2008-02-13 | last = | first = | work = | publisher = shubhyatra.com]

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

Kerala has a tropical climate.

Fauna

The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, Brahminy kite and the duck, 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 far away Siberia. [cite web | url = http://www.kumarakom.com/bird.htm | title = Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary| accessdate = 2008-02-13 | last = | first = | work = | publisher = www.kumarakom.com]

Dawn is the ideal time for bird watching when the birds prepare to leave their forest homes and fly over the lake. An early morning trek, well before sunrise, is recommended for avid bird watchers.

Bird watching

The WWF-India organised a two-day bird watching programme in 2008 at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in connection with World Wetlands Day. [cite web | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2008011354260600.htm&date=2008/01/13/&prd=th& | title = Two camps for bird watchers| accessdate = 2008-02-13 | last = | first = | work = | publisher ="The Hindu", 13 January 2008 ] Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, which owns the largest chain of hotels in Kerala, including a resort at Kumarakom, has plans to introduce guided bird watching trails and to open an interpretation centre.

Nearby

There is a driftwood museum at Chakranpadi, Pathiramanal approachable by boat,and imaginary Ayemenem of Arundhati Roy’s "The God of Small Things" is set in the area. [cite web | url = http://www.chitram.org/mallu/ar.htm | title = Arundhati Roy, a life full of beginnings and no ends | accessdate = 2008-02-13 | last = | first = | work = | publisher = Chitram] [cite web | url = http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/anglophone/roy.html | title = Arundhati Roy: The God of Small Things Study Guide | accessdate = 2008-02-13 | last = | first = | work = | publisher = wsu.edu]

References