Kumarakom at a glance
Kumarakom sits on the shore of Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala and part of the backwater system around Alleppey. The village has a bird sanctuary that is run for visitors by KTDC. It lies in Kottayam district, so it is a separate trip from Alleppey town, not a stop on a city walk.
You can reach Kumarakom on the water, for example as part of a trip that includes a night on a houseboat in Alleppey, or by road for a few hours. Either way, treat it as a half day or a full day.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: tickets and hours
Prices are for the tariff period April 2026 to March 2027.
Entry
Entry is INR 150 for an adult and INR 75 for a child up to 12 years, each including GST. Ask at the gate if you travel with a toddler or are unsure which rate applies.
Boat trip
A boat trip is priced separately at INR 800 per person including GST, with a maximum of 9 people on a boat. It is not part of the entry price. Ask about the length and route when you book.
Opening hours
The sanctuary opens early in the morning, about 06:00 to 06:30, and closes around 18:00 to 18:30. Check the hours before your visit, plan to arrive well before closing and go early for birdwatching.
Our pick: kayaking at Kumarakom
A guided paddle that starts in Kumarakom itself.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kumarakom and Vembanad Lake tours
Backwater cruises and boat trips around Alleppey and the lake, with live prices and availability.
When to see birds at Kumarakom
The sanctuary has two bird seasons. Local birds are best seen from June to August, and migratory birds arrive from November to February. Bird seasons are not the same as good travel weather. June to August falls in the monsoon, so check the forecast and pack for rain.
The walk through the sanctuary is about 1.5 km and is best done early in the morning. No particular species is guaranteed on any visit. Go with patience, binoculars if you have them and no expectation of a set list.
Rules for visiting the sanctuary
The sanctuary asks visitors to respect the wildlife, keep their distance and avoid loud noise. Use common sense and stay back from any bird.
- Speak quietly and walk slowly.
- Do not chase, call to or approach birds.
- Do not litter, and follow the staff on site.
Getting to Kumarakom
The water route and the road route are different journeys.
Kumarakom lies in Kottayam district. Kottayam bus stand and Kottayam railway station are about 15 km from Kumarakom, and Cochin International Airport is about 85 km away. Allow extra time for the trip from Alleppey, and ask your driver or hotel for the route.
If you prefer to travel on the lake, read about Vembanad Lake and the public ferries. For the way into Alleppey from Kochi, see getting to Alleppey. Rain is heavy from June to September, and October is still wet, so a dry-season day suits the trip best.
Plan the rest of your Alleppey trip
Other places that fit with a day at Kumarakom.
Kumarakom: frequently asked questions
How much is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary ticket?
For April 2026 to March 2027, entry is INR 150 for adults and INR 75 for children up to 12 years, each including GST. A boat trip costs INR 800 per person including GST and is paid separately.
What are the opening hours of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary?
The sanctuary opens about 06:00 to 06:30 and closes around 18:00 to 18:30. Check the hours before your visit and arrive early, both for the birds and to be inside well before closing.
When is the best time for birds in Kumarakom?
Local birds are best from June to August and migratory birds from November to February. No species is guaranteed on any day.
Is Kumarakom in Alleppey?
No. It is a village on Vembanad Lake in Kottayam district, so plan it as a separate trip from Alleppey.
How far is Kumarakom from Kochi airport?
It is about 85 km from Cochin International Airport. Kottayam bus stand and railway station are each about 15 km away.
Is the boat trip included in the entry price?
No. The boat trip is paid separately at INR 800 per person including GST, with up to 9 people per boat (April 2026 to March 2027).