Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

The one and only sanctuary of its kind in Kerala, the Thattekkad Bird sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km is covered with deciduous forests and plantation of rosewood, teak etc.

The sanctuary was designed by Dr.Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. He is reported to have identified 167 birds and his student, Dr. Sugathan, 207, In addition, the Bombay Natural History Society has identified 253 species here. The Thattekkad bird sanctuary attract nature lovers from all over the world.

The lush green sanctuary has more than 300 recorded species of forest and water birds. While many of them are resident birds, some are migratory. Important birds found here include large falcon, gray jungle fowl, white breasted water hen, hornbill, jungle bush-quail, etc. A study conducted by Bombay Natural History Society during 1985 identifies 253 species here.

The rivers are rich in fish life and are shallow for most of the year. One may even spot the rare Ceylon frog-mouth or the rose billed roller here while enjoying the boat cruise from Bhoothathankettu to Thattekkad or looking out of the room from the Hornbill Inspection Bungalow at Thattekkad.

Climate in the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekkad Bird sanctuary experiences a tropical climate. The annual rainfall recorded here is round 3000mm. The weather remains pleasant throughout the year while monsoon hits this place in the months between May and July. It would not be recommendable to visit this park during monsoon as most of the area here becomes inaccessible.

The Flora in Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary is located in the dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and grassland patches. The picturesque landscapes here makes it a choicest bird sanctuary for those who love being close to nature. Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahagony, etc. A variety of flowers and tress combine to form the bewitching fauna at this wildlife park.

The Fauna in the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekkad is famous for its exclusive bird life. Among the animals found here, elephant is an occasional visitor. Leopard, bear, porcupine, python and cobra can also be sighted here.

The Avifauna in the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Rare birds like the Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Blackwinged Kite, Grey Heron and the Night Heron are also commonly sighted. Indian roller, cuckoo, common snipe, crow pheasant, jungle nightjar, kite, grey drongo, Malabar trogon, woodpeckeer, large pied wagtail, baya sparrow, grey jungle fowl, Indian hill myna, robin bird, jungle babbler and darter are some of the common birds found here.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Birds: Indian rollers, cuckoos, common snipes, crow pheasants, jungle nightjar, kites, grey drongos, Malabar trongons, woodpeckers, large pied wagtails, baya sparrows, grey jngle fowls, Indian hill mynas, robins, jungle babblers, sunbirds and darters.

Rare Birds
Crimson-throated barbets, bee-eaters, shrikes, fairy bluebirds, grey-headed fishing eagles, black winged kites, night herons, grey hornbills and Malabar hornbills.

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.