Home to various species of birds, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is positioned in Ernakulam district of Indian state of Kerala
in South India. Expanded over an area of 25 square km, this sanctuary is truly a heaven for birdwatchers with about 280 species of birds. Also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary named after the famed ornithologist Salim Ali, large number of tourists from across the globe venture their vacation to this place for watching the common as well as the rare and endangered species of birds that dwell in and around this sanctuary.
in South India. Expanded over an area of 25 square km, this sanctuary is truly a heaven for birdwatchers with about 280 species of birds. Also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary named after the famed ornithologist Salim Ali, large number of tourists from across the globe venture their vacation to this place for watching the common as well as the rare and endangered species of birds that dwell in and around this sanctuary.
Avian Fauna: Thattekad bird sanctuary is home to varieties of birds including rose-billed roller, jungle fowl, falcon grey, grey heron, Ceylon frogmouth, grey-headed fishing eagle, large pied wagtail, wood pecker, shrike, jungle babbler, oriental daters, cormorants, crimson-throated barbet, egret, jungle myna, white breasted water hen, Malabar grey hornbill and many more to satiate the hunger of every bird lovers. A region inside the park is dedicated to cuckoo where 3 varieties of cuckoo reside including Drongo cuckoo, Indian hawk cuckoo and large hawk cuckoo. The Indian Pitta visits this place in winter and spends about six months in this paradise.
Over 500 types of residing as well as migratory birds can be seen in this place.
Floras and Faunas: 28 types of wild animals including elephant, leopard, bear, porcupine and 9 types of reptiles including cobra, python also dwell in this luscious wooded forest. One can also see many rare varieties of medicinal plants, flowers and trees including venga, teak wood, venteak, mahogany, Kanala, angili, kambakom, maruthi, palley and lot more.
Things to do: Bird watching is the best option in this place to spend some quality times in the park. You can go for elephant ride and also jeep safaris (only sometimes) for watching grandiose spectacle of verdant beauty extended all over the place. Walking along the forest areas and spotting the birds on your own can be a good alternative to spend some time in this serene place, the music created by the chirping of the birds and the flow of the tree branches from one place to another really assures you the best holiday experience while in Thattekad.
Best time to visit: The best time for bird watching in this place is during the month of October and April.
Accommodation: The accommodation options for staying in Thattekad are limited to forest department inspection bungalow but there is a homestay named Jungle Bird which is placed inside the park. For comfortable hotel options, one can opt among various hotels in Munnar. Privately run eco an adventure camp in Kothamangalam (nearby) is another option for the travelers to stay which has well appointed cottages set amidst the trees decorated with comfortable beds, en suite attached European style closet, shower and running water.
You can book the tower house in the sanctuary in advance and watch these vivid birds while at the comfort of it.
How to Reach: Kochi International Airport is the nearest to this place and it is 2 hours of drive from the airport to reach this fascinating place. Aluva is the nearest railway station and is positioned at 48 km away. Regular buses and taxis ply from the railway station to Thattekad. Thattekad is well connected by road to all the major cities nearby buses/taxis and other vehicles are easily available to reach this bird sanctuary.
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