Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: A Guide To Bird-Watcher’s Paradise

For those passionate birdwatchers, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary can be a paradise for sure. This bird sanctuary is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala in the Indian territory. You need to travel to the south-central region of the state of Kerala in order to visit this exotic natural location.

Ernakulam is the district in which this bird sanctuary is situated in the state. 25 square kilometers are the estimated area of the bird sanctuary indicating the richness in space and species found in the region. From the nearest town of Kothamangalam in the district of Ernakulam, you need to travel a distance of around 12 Km in order to finally reach this destination.

In the words of the renowned ornithologist, Salim Ali, this particular bird sanctuary in the state of Kerala is “the richest bird habitat in peninsular India”. Every year a lot of academicians, researchers, and enthusiastic bird watchers are seen in the location of this bird sanctuary. 

The forest found in the region of this particular bird sanctuary can be categorized as deciduous but it has also got a lot more specialties apart from that. The name of this bird sanctuary when translated into English, gets the meaning, “flat forest”. The land of this bird sanctuary is seen moist around the year which creates the perfect natural habitat for the bird species found in the region.

The sanctuary is also special on account of its proximity to the river of Periyar. It increases the visual appeal of the bird sanctuary and also provides a lot of topographical nourishment to the sanctuary region.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is also known by the name, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, honoring the most eminent ornithologist, India has ever seen. It was in the year 1983 that this particular bird sanctuary got established in the state of Kerala. 

Location 

The location of this bird sanctuary is worth mentioning in a lot of different aspects. Generally, exotic habitats like these are seen on the outskirts of the city, which would be quite far away, making it difficult to travel to the place.

But you can easily reach the location of this bird sanctuary since it is just 12 km away from the town of Kothamangalam as already mentioned. It also falls under the local administrative body of Kothamangalam Taluk in the district of Ernakulam in the southern Indian state of Kerala. 

Climatic Conditions 

Round the year, the climate inside the bird sanctuary remains pleasant and cool. But during the summer months of the year, the temperature rises which eventually raises the humidity levels also.

However, the rich vegetation found plenty inside the sanctuary and also the water bodies surrounding the region always help to maintain the temperature inside the sanctuary setting up a comfortable environment inside it.

During the monsoon months, this area receives relatively greater levels of rainfall making the tourist visits quite uncomfortable. During this time of the year, accessibility to the sanctuary can also become slightly risky. 

Best Time To Visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Winter months of the year 

How To Reach Thattekad Bird Sanctuary?

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport 

Nearest railway station: Aluva Railway Station (AWY)

Things To Do In Thattekad Bird Sanctuary 

Kayaking 

Kayaking is one of the exciting tourist activities you can get engaged in while visiting the sanctuary. It may take you around 6 hours to complete the activity.

This would also be an excellent opportunity to spot the exotic bird species found in the region. 

Birdwatching Safari 

Just like the name of the activity suggests, this safari would take you to explore the bird species found in the sanctuary.

The safari experience can become more exciting and educating if you can do a surface reading about the bird species of the area. This activity may cost you around 1500 INR per person. 

Attractions Near Thattekad Bird Sanctuary 

Bhoothathankettu Dam 

From the town of Kothamangalam, you can reach this dam and reserve forest area by traveling a distance of around 10 km.

Bhoothathankettu Reservoir is also known by the name Thattekad Reservoir. When the name of this particular dam gets translated into English, it gets the meaning, “Monster Fort”. 

Nadukani 

This is a hill station you can explore while having a vacation in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. But these hills belong to the neighboring district of Kottayam, even though it is quite close to the sanctuary.

These hills are also a mesmerizing viewpoint gifting you with a breathtaking view of the river of Muvattupuzha. 

Malayattoor 

This rural region near Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a place worth exploring in a wide variety of aspects. This place is aesthetic in its appeal and it has also got due spiritual importance considering the religion of Christianity.

You can consider visiting the famous Christian church in the place. Mahogany Thottam is another thing of tourist importance you can explore surrounding this village. 

Kodanad 

Another village area you can visit while touring is Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in the district of Ernakulam. A famous elephant training center can also be spotted in the same location. Apart from this several ecotourism projects are also under development in the region.

So there are high chances for this region to become a tourist hotspot in the near future. You can also have a mini zoo stroll while visiting the Abhayaranyam in the Kaprikkad region of the village of Kodanad. 

Food And Accommodation Near Thattekad 

A lot of cottages and resorts giving you those peaceful forest and nature vibes are available in plenty in the region. They do cater multi-cuisine food from which you can choose. Authentic Kerala cuisines can also be relished from these resorts and homestays. 

Things To Remember While Visiting Thattekad Bird Sanctuary 

Avoid visiting the sanctuary during the monsoon months of the year. Many loss of lives have been reported from the place during this particular time of the year.

Since the land of the sanctuary is always damp and soft, have a comfortable pair of shoes with you to walk safely and securely in the sanctuary region.  

Read More:

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