Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Highlights

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is one of the best spots for bird watchers and is located in Kothamangalam(Ernakulam district) on the banks of the Periyar River, Kerala. Thattekad is not for the regular tourists thriving on sightseeing but for those who look to relax and enjoy bird watching.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary has a rich and varied birdlife which includes both forest birds as well as the wetland birds. Thattekad Sanctuary is home to many species like the Indian Pitta, Ground Thrush, Large-billed Warbler, Jerdons Nightjar, Indian Cuckoo, Darters, Whiskered Terns, Collared Scops Owl, Cormorant, Frogmouths, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Yellow-browed Bulbuls.

Birds like Srilankan Frogmouth, Racket-tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, White-bellied Treepie, Shama, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Parakeet, Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher are some of the birds that can be easily seen here

Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahogany. The dense forest is also home to nearly 28 species of mammals and about 9 species of reptiles.

The picturesque Bhoothnathkettu Dam is located nearby and is about 10 km from the Thattekad. This dam is easily accessible and is worth for a day trip along with Thattekad, Idamalayar Forest & Pooyamkutty River - which are all nearby places.

History of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:

Thattekkadu Sanctuary is made up of tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. This Sanctuary came to light in the year 1983 on basis of the recommendations made by the famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.

During 1930's He reported that this area is extremely rich in bird diversity and that it should be made into a bird sanctuary. Thus his efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent.

Thattekad Trekking Packages:

There are few trekking programmes offered by Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, which include:

• Black Baza Birding Trail
• Togon Bird Trail - Kallipara
• Border Hiking - Urulanthanny - Bharanikuzhy - Sahyadri Waterfalls, Pullassery Waterfalls.

More details about the trekking programmes, cost & how to book info can found at Thattekad Trekking Packages provided by Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.

Facts about Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad:

How to Reach Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:

Thattekad Sanctuary is about 64kms from Ernakulam and is nearby Bhoothathankettu Dam, which is one of the main attraction in Kothamangalam.

By Bus/Car:

• From Ernakulalm: Ernakulam -> Muvattupuzha-> Kothamangalam -> Thattekadu.
• From Thrissur: Thrissur -> Angamaly -> Perumbavoor -> Kothamangalam -> Thattekadu.

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 65kms away
Nearest Railway Station: Aluva, about 48 km away

Places to Visit Near Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:

• • Inchathotty Thookupalam
  • Pooyamkutty River & Forest
  • Bhoothathankettu Dam
  • Idamalayar Reserve
  • Neriyamangalam Forest
  • Munnar

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