Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, the Only Bird Sanctuary in Kerala

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is covered
with tropical evergreen forests and some grassland patches. This bird sanctuary is globally renowned and the entire credit for its global popularity goes to Dr. Salim Ali, the world renowned ornithologist. During the year 1930s, this internationally acclaimed ornithologist had done a bird survey of Travancore after which he found out that the area is very rich in diverse species of birds and that it should be declared as a bird sanctuary. Hence, Dr. Ali can be regarded as the founder of this sanctuary to a certain extent. Till now, over 300 species of birds have been recorded in this region.

This exotic bird sanctuary is situated in south-west of India, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The sanctuary covers over an area of about 25 sq. km and lies between the tributaries of Periyar River like a peninsula. Thattekkad is the only bird sanctuary in Kerala, which was set up in the year 1983.

Flora

The rich flora of Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary comprises of densely wooded tropical evergreen forests along with some patches of grassland. The sanctuary is featured with beautiful landscapes and is the perfect place to visit for the admirers of nature. The region is also dotted with plantations like teak, rosewood, mahagony and few others. The diverse variety of flowers and trees makes this place an alluring destination for the tourists.

Fauna

There are very less variety of animals inhabiting this sanctuary. Herds of elephants can occasionally be seen at this place. Leopard, bear, porcupine, python and cobra can also be spotted at this sanctuary.

Avifauna

As it is a bird sanctuary, one can spot numerous species of birds at this place. Among them the ones that are usually spotted over here are common snipe, baya sparrow, Indian roller, cuckoo, darter, crow pheasant, jungle nightjar, woodpecker, kite, grey drongo, Malabar trogon, large pied wagtail, grey jungle fowl, Indian hill myna, robin bird and jungle babbler.

Rare Birds

The species of birds that are rarely spotted at this sanctuary are Crimson-throated barbet, grey heron, bee-eater, common grey hornbill, sunbird, shrike, blackwinged kite, fairy blue-bird, grey-headed fishing eagle, night heron, Malabar shama and Malabar hornbill.

Accommodation

There is not much of a trouble for accommodation at this place, as there is numerous numbers of options to stay in and around Thattekkad. One of the options for staying at this place is a Forest Department Inspection Bungalow that includes 6 beds along with dormitory accommodation that can hold around 50 people at a time. One can also stay at the three storey watch tower located within the sanctuary. Though the watch tower provides only two beds, it is the best option for accommodation from where you can also observe the variety of bird species of this region. Simple home stays are also available around this region. Camping is also allowed at the southern side of the river, outside the sanctuary. One can even stay at Kothamangalam where private lodges are available.

How to Reach

By Road: The sanctuary is easily accessible through road as it is located at a distance of about 58 km from Kochi city and about 13 km to the Northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district.

By Rail: The nearest railway station from this sanctuary is Aluva Railway Station, located at a distance of about 48 km.

By Air: Cochin International Airport, located at a distance of about 44 km, is the nearest airport from this sanctuary.