Information:
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in honour of the pre-eminent birder of all times in India, is located two hour’s drive from the port city of Kochi, near Kothamanagalam in Ernakulam district, on the northern bank of the Periyar river. The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. He described Thattekad in the 1930’s as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the Eastern Himalayas. Much of the forest has now been converted to agricultural and plantation areas, but the surviving areas certainly give glimpses of the rich bird diversity of the once widespread lowland forests of Kerala. A trip through this sanctuary would certainly be a bonanza for any birder with its over 270 species in a relatively small area of 25 sq kms area.
Flora :The vegetation type of this region is mainly tropical evergreen forest. Grasslands, shrubs, and forests are what one finds throughout. Grasslands with patches of forests known as sholas in between cover almost the entire region.
Fauna : Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc. An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi
Main Attraction: Malabar Grey Hornbill, Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-Eater
Best Time to Visit:October to April.
Transport Information
- By Air:Nearest airport is at Kochi, 71 kms
- By rail :Aluva is the nearest railway station , 48 kms.
