Also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is spread over 25.16 sq kms in the foothills of western Ghats in Ernakulam District. A part of the Bhoothanthaketu Dam on the Periyar River lies within sanctuary. Way back in the 1930s, the late Dr Salim Ali described Thattekkad as ''the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with eastern Himalayas". In 1983 a sanctuary was found and not only with number of birds but also with range of birds and animals. As many as 300 species of birds are said to be found here. The undulating terrain is covered by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests and grassland. Teak, rosewood, jungle jack, red sandalwood abound the forest.

Wildlife Attractions in Thattekkad Sanctuary

Fauna : Mammals include elephants, samba, barking deer, bonnet macaque, giant squirrels, travancore, flying squirrel etc.

Avifauna : Birds species in Thattekkad Sanctuary include peninsular bay owl, ceylon frogmouth, malabar grey horn bill, malabar tragon, crested serpent eagles, rose billed roller, crimson throated barbet, fairy bluebird, malabar pied and Indian hornbill.

Lying across Periyar River, at one end of recently built Thattekkad Bridge. The entrance gate is 50 mts to left, as is the counter where you pay fee for entry and guide services. As soon as you enter the gate at the right is located Animal Rehab Center and opposite to it is animal Deer Park. The taxidermic museum is adjacent lies adjacent to it. Guides can be hired at the Assistant Wildlife Warden office.

Other Attractions in Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

The Periyar Choir
Thattekkad is a birdwatcher's paradise. Here you can take help in identifying the bird and remember to carry a pair of binoculars.

Rich Mammalian Habitat
Thattekkad is also noted for its small mammalian population. Elephants are seasonal migrants here and often found at Inchathotty, a village on the sanctuary's eastern periphery. Elephants also frequent the two s seasonal canal.

Bhoothanthaketu
From Kothamangalam,a 15 km/20 mins ride on Kothamangalam -Edamamalayar routes take you to this popular picnic spot. The dam, its reservoir and a children's park are big attraction here. At sunset the erie silence is often perturbed by langurs.

Animal Rehab, Deer Park, Taxidermist Museum

Visit the Animal Rehab Center, where wounded or stay animals are fed and cared for, until they are ready to be released back. Opposite the center is Deer Pak which has Sambar-the largest Indian fervid -and beautiful cheetal in open air enclosures. The Taxidermic museum showcases the rich variety of Thattekkad's denizens.

During your wildlife trip to Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, you can also visit such famous attractions as Bolgatty Island, Willington Island and Alluva.

How To Reach Thattekkad Sanctuary

The nearest airport is 71 kms from Thattekkad, the nearest railway station is at Aluva (48 kms) and road wise it is linked efficiently with Muvattupuzha or Perumpavur. There is an additional and new airport under construction called Nedumbassery.

Wildlife Resorts in Thattekkad

At Thattekkad, you can choose to stay at wildlife resorts. Apart from jungle lodges in Thattekkad, you can also book your stay at one of the watchtowers and dormitories for close-quarters watching of bird species in Thattekkad Sanctuary.
» Horn bill Inspection Bungalow
» Horn bill Camp