Thattekadu Bird Sanctuary -Kerala

Thattekadu Bird Sanctuary is also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. It was notified as a bird sanctuary in 1983 following the recommendation made by Salim Ali one of the greatest ornithologists of India. He is the godfather of this beautiful Sanctuary.Thattekadu Sanctuary is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar River.Thattekadu is the richest habitat in Peninsular India and was identified by Salim Ali.According to estimates it has 500 different species of birds including many rare and endangered species. It is spread in an area of 25 sq kilometers ,which consists of tropical evergreen and dense forests. It is a paradise for bird watchers.

Some of the rare birds that can be seen in the sanctuary are the Indian Swiftlets,Eagles,Great Eared-Nightjar, Owl, Crimson-Throated Barbets,Oriental Darters, Bee-eaters,Sunbirds, Shrikes, Black-winged Kites, Night Herons, Falcons, Grey Jungle Fowls, White-Breasted Water Hens, Malabar Grey-Hornbills, Ceylon Frog Moths, Rose-billed Rollers and Blue-winged Parakeets. Other commonly seen birds in the sanctuary include Cuckoos, Crow Pheasants, Jungle Nightjars, Grey Drongos, Malabar Trogons, Woodpeckers, Large-pied Wagtails, Indian Hill Mynas, Babblers and Darters. The sanctuary also shelters over 28 species of mammals and 9 species of reptiles. While in Thattekadu Bird Sanctuary you can also see Elephants Leopards, Bears, Porcupines, Pythons and Cobras.The rivers inside the sanctuary is shallow most of the time and is a paradise for aquatic life.It is an enchanting for anyone who loves nature.
Reaching there.Nearest airport-Nearest airport is at Kochi,which is 71 kilometers from Thattekadu Nearest Rail-Aluva is the nearest railway station,48 kilometers from Thattekadu By Road-The sanctuary is 13 km north-east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti road.