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Kumarakom bird Sanctuary (Tourist season:
Between June and August)
The Kumarakom bird sanctuary, spread across
14 acres, is an ornithologist's paradise and
a favourite haunt of migratory birds like
the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and
teal. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is
the best way to view the bird life.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich
jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the
world’s most fascinating natural wildlife
reserves – the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Spread across 777 sq. km., the sanctuary is
noted for its geomorphology, diversity of
wildlife, scenic beauty and attracts
visitors from all over the world. And in
Thekkady, visitors can go for elephant rides
and wildlife safaris, indulge in
invigorating treks through woods, tea,
coffee, orange and spice plantations (you
can hire a tribal guide), boat cruises,
treks to the ruined Mangala Devi Temple - a
beautiful old stone temple situated in the
heart of the forest.
Munnar (70 km away)
One of the most popular hill stations in
India , Munnar is situated at the confluence
of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m
above sea level, this was once the summer
resort of the erstwhile British Government
in South India . Sprawling tea plantations,
picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking
and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique
experience.
Kuttanad
Known as the rice bowl of Kerala because of
its wealth of paddy crops, Kuttanad is at
the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic
countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering
waterways also has a rich crop of bananas,
cassava and yam. This is perhaps the only
region in the world where farming is done at
1.5 to 2 m below sea level.
QST&R block backwater
These regions are wonders of the indigenous
agricultural engineering know-how of Kerala
and remind the visitor of the famous dikes
of Holland . Extensive areas of land have
been reclaimed from the backwaters and are
protected by dikes built all around. Here
cultivation and habitation are made possible
four to ten feet below sea level. A
leisurely cruise along the canals that
surround these backwaters is a memorable
experience.
Pathiramanal
The enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands
of midnight) on the backwaters of Vembanad
Lake is a favourite haunt of hundreds of
rare migratory birds from different parts of
the world.
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an ethereal feeling. Garlanded by majestic
coconut trees, with flocks of water birds
blanketing its skies, the Kumarakom
backwaters host the Kerala Tourism
Development Corporation’s (KTDC) Ayurvedic
Lake Resort at Thanneermukkom.
