Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary , Kottayam, Kerala , India

Spread over 57000 sqare meters on one of the islets, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary here is the main attraction. A   boat ride in the Vembanad lake is the best way of watching birs and wildlife of the park. A two hour paddling can behired for INR 200 to 250 House boats or speed boats are also available on hire from Kerala State Tourism Development Corporation offices. 

The sanctuary is the birdwatchers' pardise  is home to various types birds like darters, bitterns, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild ducks, brahminy kites, marsh harries, teals and herons. It is also a winter resort for and migratory birds like siberian storks which move to Kumarakom each winter. 

A 50 year old cottage, Baker's Mansion where a British missionary George Baker existed for 60 years is found right in the midst of the sanctuary presently run by the Taj group of Hotels.

The best / time / season / when to visit is between November and March.
timing : 10 AM to 6 PM round the year