Most visitors make a beeline for the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, pay the entrance fee, and leave disappointed if they don’t spot rare birds immediately. Here’s a secret: the birds don’t care much for sanctuary boundaries. Some of the best bird watching happens in the surrounding paddy fields and mangroves.
Dawn and dusk are prime times. Pack some breakfast, find a quiet spot near the fields, and wait. You might spot the striking white-breasted waterhen, vibrant kingfishers, or if you’re lucky, the elusive Oriental Darter. Local farmers can often point you to spots where birds regularly gather.
During monsoon season (June-September), the sanctuary gets fewer tourists, but the bird activity actually increases. Pack good rain gear and you’ll have the place practically to yourself. The mist hanging over the water creates an ethereal atmosphere perfect for photography.
Remember to bring binoculars and a good zoom lens. But most importantly, bring patience. Nature operates on its own schedule.