Overview
Area: 25.16 sq. km
Rainfall: 2500 mm annually
Forest Type: Tropical Semi-evergreen and tropical deciduous
Location: Thattekad Sanctuary is located in Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam District, on the northern bank of the Periyar River
Language: Malayalam and English
Best Time to Visit: October to April
The scenic beauty of Thattekad cannot be described in words, it can only be felt and enjoyed! Visit India’s most beautiful Bird Sanctuary ‘Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary’ in the scenic town of Thattekad and catch a glimpse of some of the most amazing birds and their landscapes that are hard to overlook. Situated in ‘God’s own country’, Kerala, Thattekad is one of the best place to spot different varieties of birds and some animals. It is at a height of 35-523 m is 60 kms away from Kochi, in the Kothamangalam taluk of Ernakulam.
Blessed with so many natural wonders, Thattekad is a picturesque destination, masked in the glory of abundant flora and fauna. This wonderful place is positioned on the Njiyapilli Hill and is mainly famous for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, named after the great Ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. This sanctuary was established in the year 1983 by the Kerala Government, on recommendation of Dr. Salim Ali in the early 1930s. This is the most popular bird sanctuary of India and houses about 280 rare species of water and land birds.
Points of Interest:
The Thattekad lies in thick forest and is a regular tourist attraction for people who look forward to relax and enjoy bird watching in an absolutely serene and peaceful environment. This beautiful destination is located on the bank of the Periyar River, which fulfills the water need of hundreds of bird species and other animals. One can spot rare birds like the Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite, and the Night Heron, in this exquisite forest.
Some people can enjoy bamboo rafting here and explore the lake and surrounding areas to catch a glimpse of beautiful two winged creatures that travel across the country from the Himalayas or other countries. There is not much to see in Thattekad except the bird sanctuary, however, people love to stay here to enjoy the enchanting views of the sanctuary and Periyar River, which is one of the most beautiful and the longest rivers in Kerala.
The Thattekad forest is spread over an area of 25 sq. km and is being used for teak and mahogany plantations. The best time to visit this lush green sanctuary is between October and April, as this is the time when a lot of migratory birds travel to this place and get settled until they fly to a different land.
Variety of Birds Found in Thattekad Sanctuary:
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Thattekad is home to Ashy Wood Swallow, Black Headed Oriole, Ash Tail, Ashly Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Blue Kingfisher, Bronze Winged Jacana, Ceylon Frogmouth, Created Woodpecker, Crested Goshawk, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Chestnut Headed Bee Eater, Coucal, Dollar Bird, Emerald Dove, Eurasian,Golden Oriole, Greater Raquet Tailed Drongo, Lora, Orange Minivet, White Breasted Woodpecker, Jungle Myna, common Myna, Indian Pitta, Jerdons Nightjar, Indian Cuckoo, Yellow-browed Bulbuls, Darters, Sunbird, Shrike, and many more.
Interesting Facts
Thattekad is a home to one of the most popular bird sanctuary in India ‘Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary’
Thattekad is one of the best spots for birding in India
The sanctuary is named after the great Ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali, who found that this area attracts the highest number of birds in India
There are more than 500 species of birds in the sanctuary, along with a few wild animals like elephants, leopards, sloths, and other mammals
This area has a large quantity of teak and mahogany cultivated
The forest has Sloth bears, Porcupines, leopards, elephants, and many such mammals living
Around 250 bird species have been recorded in the small area
Things to do in Thattekad:
Visit Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary to spot rare species of birds found only in this region
Enjoy the exotic life of Thattekad Sanctuary and capture the image of most beautiful rare birds in your lenses
Understand the forest life and observe the bird life
Relax and unwind in the serene atmosphere of the forest
Must Visit Places in Thattekad:
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, also known as Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is the only place here that attracts a large number of tourists, wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and bird lovers.
Bhoothathankettu Dam is connected to the Salim Ali/Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Cheria Pally Church is an ancient church, which belongs to the Malankara Orthodox Church
Climate
Winters (October to March): 18°C- 25°C
Summer (April to September): 24°C- 32°C
Where to Stay?
There are a lot of accommodation options available within the sanctuary, that offers the most relaxing stay to the visitors. One can find a Forest Department inspection bungalow ‘Hornbill’, and a dormitory inside the forest area to give tourist a better access to the jungle. For people who want to stay a little away from the sanctuary can book a homestay or lodge in Kothamangalam. The three storey watch tower inside the sanctuary also offers accommodation facilities to the people with two beds, a toilet, and a kitchen. To adventure freaks who want to spend a night in tents nearby the jungle area can take camp facilities outside the sanctuary on the Southern side of the river. Some of the accommodation options are listed below:
Forest Department Bungalow ‘Hornbill’
Dormitory
Watch Tower
Tented Facilities
Hornbill Camp
PWD House or Lodges in Kothamangalam
Hotel Cloud 9
Soma Birds Lagoon
Whispering Waters
The Periyar River Lodge
Mundackal Plantation Homestay
Tapovan Green Counrty Resort
Jungle Bird Homestay
Thattekad Birds Song Homestay
How to Reach?
By Airways: The nearest airport is at Nedumbassery and also the Kochi International Airport, which is around 60 kms away from here. One can hire a taxi to reach the sanctuary from the airport.
By Roadways: One can take a bus from Kothamangalam to Thattekad, which is well connected by busses to Ernakulam.
By Railways: The nearest railway station is at Aluva, which is only a few kilometers away from the Thattekad Sanctuary. One can easily get a bus or taxi from this railway station and reach their desired destination.