Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, popularly known as The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district. The sanctuary was designed by India's celebrated ornithologist- Dr Salim Ali. It is spread in area of 25 sq km and fed by small meandering streams and tributaries of Periyar river. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded here.
Comprising of several flora species, the forest is covered with semi-evergreen, tropical evergreen and deciduous vegetation and plantations of teak, jungle jack, red sandalwood, rosewood and other invaluable aromatic telli. Tropical evergreen bush-land and green-land adds charm to this dense forest. The soothing chores produced by Solffegio, Malabar grey hornbills Racket-tailed drongos, parakeets enchants both mind and soul.
Wildlife Attractions in Thattekad
The sanctuary harbors a huge variety of birds and adobe to more than 300 species of colorful butterflies. Wildlife lovers can spot some excellent avifauna species like Malabar rose, Ghats birdwatching, Red helen, Falcon, Malabar banded swallowtail, Malabar race, Paris peacock, Tamil catseye, Buddha peacock, Blue mormon and many more. Rare bird species such as Bee-eater, Shrike, Crimson-throated Barbet, Black winged Kite, Night Heron and Sunbird also inhabits the dense forest of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is also a dwelling place to numerous fauna species such as Sambar, Bonnet, Wild boar, Mild barking deer, Macaques, Giant squirrels, elephants etc. The rivers flowing through the forest consists variety of aquatic species, specially the fishes.
Wildlife Safaris in Thattekad
Access to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary can be easily made by air, rail and road. The closest railway station to the sanctuary is Aluva, at a distance of 48 km. Kochi Airport is the nearest airport, located at a distance of 71 km from the sanctuary. Wildlife enthusiasts can also board privately owned buses that ply from Ernakulam to Kothamangalam and from there frequent bus service is available to Thatteked.
How to reach Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Birdwatchers can explore the beauty of the forest on foot. They can have a delightful walk on the forest trails, enhanced with diverse flora species alongside. Visitors can also delight themselves by hiring a houseboat or a motorboat to sail through and enjoy their wildlife journey utmost.
Accommodation in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
PWD rest houses and forest lodges are available in the sanctuary where tourists can make a comfortable stay. Hornbill, a bunglow built on the entrance of the sanctuary by the forest department is another option of accommodation.
Some of the accommodations options here are:
» Mundackal Homestay
» Periyar River Lodge
» The Hornbill Camp
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