Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is the first bird sanctuary in Kerala, India. This 25 square kilometre stretch of wooded land is the fruit of world-famous ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali’s efforts. He once described this land as the richest bird habitat in the Indian peninsula. The legendary ‘Birdman’ of India discovered this special patch of evergreen lowland forest on the banks of River Periyar during his Travancore-Cochin ornithological survey. Nowadays, the sanctuary is also known after him, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and is a magical destination for all bird watchers. Bird treks, forest stays, boating, cycling and many more jovial activities are a routine part of the dream-like trip to Thattekad.
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Flora of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
With tropical semi and evergreen forests of the western ghats. The forest floor has verdant patches of grass while the different types of forests harbor a variety of tall trees and colorful flora. Tropical evergreen forests include Palley, Vellapine Karanjali, Kanala etc. Tropical semi-evergreen forests include Angili and Kambacom. Moreover, commercial trees like Teak, Rosewood, Maruthi can also be found in the surrounding forests. All in all, the rich plantation of the fertile forests encircling Thattekad makes for a terrific experience for travellers exploring the emerald greenery. Trees like Indian Teak Tree, Mahogany and Rosewood add vibrancy and color to the beautiful green backdrop.
- Vellapine
- Karanjali
- Palley
- Kunthirikkam
- Bhadraksha
- Kanala
- Kurangatti
- Teak
- Rosewood
- Venteak
- Venga
- Maruthi
- Indian Teak tree
- Mahogany
Fauna of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Although Thattekad is famous for its birdlife, other mammals are also frequently spotted on this land. While the total number of animal species amounts to 28, certain reptiles can also be commonly found in Thattekad. Elephants are a common visitor, followed closely by leopards, porcupines and sloth bears. Indian Cobra and python are the most common reptiles.
Thattekad is celebrated all over India for its large collection of exotic birds. Almost 500 different species of birds are spread around the area, making Thattekad the richest bird sanctuary in all of Kerala. The dense thicket of deciduous and evergreen forests provides shade, cover and nourishment for these birds to thrive. Some notable bird species include Bee Eaters, Falcon Grey, Jungle Fowl and Night Heron. The forest is also home to many cuckoos; a region of the sanctuary is known as “Cuckoo Paradise”. The “Cuckoo Paradise” hosts various cuckoos like Drongo cuckoo, Large cuckoo and Indian hawk cuckoo.
- Bee eaters
- Falcon Grey
- Jungle Fowl
- Black Winged Kite
- Shrike
- Crimson-Throated Barbet
- Ceylon Frogmouth
- Sunbird
- Night Heron
- Blue Winged Parakeet
- White-Breasted Water Hen
- Rose-Billed Roller
- Great Hornbill
- Drongo cuckoo
- Indian hawk cuckoo
- Large hawk cuckoo
- Orange-headed thrush
- Large-billed leaf-warbler
- Jerdon’s nightjar
- Indian cuckoo
- Oriental darter
- Cormorants
- Whiskered terns
- Collared scops owl
- Ceylon frogmouth
- Grey-fronted green pigeon
- Yellow-browed bulbuls
- Mountain hawk eagles
- Dark-fronted babbler
- White-Breasted Water Hen
- Rose-Billed Roller
- Great Hornbill
- Drongo cuckoo
- Indian hawk cuckoo
- Large hawk cuckoo
- Orange-headed thrush
- Large-billed leaf-warbler
- Jerdon’s nightjar
- Indian cuckoo
- Oriental darter
- Cormorants
- Whiskered terns
- Collared scops owl
- Ceylon frogmouth
- Grey-fronted green pigeon
- Yellow-browed bulbuls
- Mountain hawk eagles
- Dark-fronted babbler
- Brown-cheeked fulvetta
- Brown-backed
- White-rumped needletails
- Emerald green pigeons
- Brown-cheeked fulvetta
- Brown-backed
- White-rumped needletails
- Emerald green pigeons.
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Explore The Known and Unknown of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
There are plenty of options to choose from at Thattekad when it comes to leisure activities. Mostly, travellers are psyched about bird watching and opt for the birding trails. Salim Ali Bird Trail is a trekking trail for daily visitors to acclimate themselves to the interior of the forest and have an amazing experience spotting and identifying special birds. The trail includes a trip to the butterfly garden and the interpretation centre. Moreover, visitors can approach the resident guides in the monitoring cell to learn more about the birds they’re watching! The butterfly garden is an attractive park built in Thattekad with a variety of colorful host plants and flowers. The variety of flora is needed to host all the locally found butterflies. Up to 200 species of butterflies can be witnessed nestling atop colorful flowers in the butterfly garden, making this site a must visit for all tourists. Black Baza trail is also a bird watching trail designed to spot the wilderness of the wild birds at Thattekad. This three-hour long guided trail starts early in the morning, where you will find yourself amidst bird songs as soon as you open your eyes. Going forward, you will experience the true joys of spotting elusive birds in their own habitat. Trogon trail is another special bird watching trail at Thattekad. This trail is also accompanied by local guides and will satisfy all your bird watching fantasies.
As Thattekad is located along the banks of the longest river in Kerala, water activities are a must. Boating and Kayaking are two common activities that travellers can opt for to explore the expanse of the forest. With the chirping forest on one side, rubber plantations on another and serene waters in the front, pedalling or cruising in this tranquil river is an experience you cannot miss. Cycling tours are also arranged to explore Thattekad, as bicycles are the most eco-friendly way of travel. However, Jeep Rides and Elephant rides are also sometimes chosen by visitors. Lastly, the nearby towns and villages of Kerala also offer an interesting experience. The serenity of rural Kerala is unparalleled, from deep lagoons to muddy marshes, paddy fields, rubber plantations and even spice gardens, there is a lot to explore here. While cruising along the rural Thattekad area, you will also come across a select few species of wet-land, village and forest birds. You can also witness the rubber-making process, pineapple cultivation and the beautiful crops of bananas, tapioca, nutmeg, coconut and ginger.
How to reach Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is well-connected to the major cities via airports, railway stations and roads. For those flying in, Cochin International Airport is the closest airport at a distance of 71 km. From the airport, you can take a taxi to reach Thattekad. The nearest railhead is at Aluva, approximately 50 km from Thattekad. Once you’ve dropped off at the rail station, you can hire a cab to take you to your destination. For those travelling to Thattekad by road, the bird sanctuary is at a distance of 65 km from Kochi and can be easily reached from there.
Resorts at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
There are several options for staying at Thattekad. Due to its booming popularity, options like homestays, resorts, lodges, cottages and tents are all available. You can tailor your living arrangements according to your preferences, needs and budgets. The accommodation options are mostly spread over a larger area around Thattekad, including but not limited to the banks of Periyar and lagoons formed by Bhootattankettu. Soma Birds Lagoon is a 14 roomed cottage offering a peaceful ambience, in-house restaurant along with bird-watching, cycling and rural area tours. Birds Island Cottage is a luxurious property 3 km from Thattekad, offering boating connectivity to Bhoothathankettu Barrage, kids’ play area and affordable prices. Dollar Bird Lake Retreat is a waterfront resort 7 km away from Thattekad. This resort is famous for having a “Nalukettu” style building local to the land of Kerala. The resort offers a conference area, guest kitchen, swimming pool and boat rides.
Moreover, camping programs are also offered at Thattekad. The Frogmouth Watch Tower Jungle program offers a peaceful camping night in the Thattekad watchtower. Find yourself cloaked with the chill of tall trees and the serenity of the forest wind. Hornbill View Tower, as the name suggests is a one-night camping program in the Hornbill tower. The stay offers a peaceful night amidst the birds along with a clear view of the nearby reservoir. A stay in the Treehut Machan at Ovunkal is also offered to tourists at Thattekad.