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Thattekad Bird Sanctuary | Thattekad Wild Bird Sanctuary Kerala

The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is one of the finest bird sanctuaries of not only Kerala but also India.

Also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

Thattekad is located on the northern bank of the Periyar River in the Kothamangalam taluk of Ernakulam district in Kerala.

A small but exceptional bird sanctuary, the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary spreads in an area of just 25 sq km, consisting of lush tropical evergreen, deciduous forests and grassland patches.

Thattekad was notified as a bird sanctuary in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali, an internationally renowned ornithologist of India, who was the architect of this beautiful sanctuary.

It's estimated that the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary has over 500 species of birds including many rare and endangered birds.

The lush forest covers and plenty of micro-organisms of the sanctuary attract thousands of exotic birds including many rare birds.

On tours to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, you can see a number of rare birds like the Crimson-Throated Barbets, Bee-eaters, Sunbirds, Shrikes, Black-winged Kites, Night Herons, Falcons, Grey Jungle Fowls,

White-Breasted Water Hens, Hornbills, Ceylon Frog Moths, Rose-billed Rollers and Blue-winged Parakeets.

Other commonly seen birds in the sanctuary include Cuckoos, Crow Pheasants, Jungle Nightjars,Grey Drongos, Malabar Trogons, Woodpeckers, Large-pied Wagtails, Indian Hill Mynas, Babblers and Darters.

The sanctuary also shelters over 28 species of mammals and 9 species of reptiles.

While in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, you can also see Elephants Leopards.

Bears, Porcupines, Pythons and Cobras.

How to get there
The sanctuary is 13 km north-east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti road. The nearest railway station is Aluva at a distance of 48 km. Kochi, the nearest airport is 71 km away.

The new airport at Nedumbassery is probably closer.

Kothamangalam is well connected by privately operated buses to Ernakulam via Muvattupuzha or Perumpavur. There are frequent buses from Kothamangalam to Thattekad.

Currently the bus needs to cross the Periyar river by ferry. Construction on a bridge across the river has started.

Where to stay
There is a three storied watch tower inside the Sanctuary with two beds, a toilet and a kitchen. No electricity here but there is are a few solar powered lamps.

A forest department inspection bungalow called Hornbill is located near the sanctuary entrance.

There is a dormitory just inside the sanctuary which is ideal for large groups. Accommodation is also available at the PWD rest house near the Bhoothathankett Dam and in lodges in Kothamangalam.

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