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Kerala Wildlife Tour

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular National Parks of Kerala.This Bird Sanctuary is situated in the dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and grassland patches. Thattekad Sanctuary is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar River. The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. It is a home to a microcosm of India's bird population with about 500 winged species. The renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali designed the Thattekad Bird sanctuary. This Bird Sanctuary is spread over an area of 25 sq. km. covered with deciduous forests and plantation of rosewood, teak etc. Rare birds like the Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black winged Kite, and the Night Heron are also commonly sighted here.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a rare haven in Kerala, which offers picturesque landscapes, and is a nature lover's paradise. Bombay Natural History Society has identified 253 species here. The rivers are rich in fish life and are shallow for most of the year.
To reach this sanctuary you can take a pleasant bus-ride from Kothamangalam early in the morning and reach the southern bank of the Periyar, the lake is surrounded by low, thickly wooded hills, which makes it look more beautiful. Important birds found at the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary are large falcon, jungle fowl, white-breasted water hen, hornbill etc. The vegetation in this area consists of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and plantations of teak, rosewood, mahogany etc. Further, more than 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles have accepted this area as their natural habitat.

How to reach

Air: Nearest airport is at Kochi, 71 kms.

Rail: Aluva is the nearest railway station, 48 kms