"Biodiversity hotspot for birdwatching enthusiasts"
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. It was established in 1983 and is named after the renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 25 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar River, near the town of Kothamangalam in Kerala. It is surrounded by dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, providing a rich habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day of the week.
The entry fee for the sanctuary is INR 10 for Indian nationals and INR 100 for foreign tourists.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is home to over 300 species of birds, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Indian Pitta, and Indian Cuckoo. The sanctuary also houses a variety of flora and fauna, such as rare orchids, butterflies, and small mammals.
Visitors to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary can engage in activities such as bird watching, nature walks, and trekking. There are also facilities for boating and camping for those who wish to explore the sanctuary further.
Jeep safari charges at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary start from INR 500 and vary depending on the duration and route chosen by the visitors.
For male visitors, the minimum age for entry is 15 years and the entry fee is INR 10. For female visitors, there is no age restriction and the entry fee is also INR 10. Children below the age of 5 can enter for free.
Senior citizens above the age of 60 can avail of a discounted entry fee of INR 5 at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.
The best time to visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is from the months of November to March when the weather is pleasant and bird activity is at its peak.
Some of the nearby places to visit while at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary include Bhoothathankettu Dam, Idamalayar Dam, and Thattekkadu Elephant Camp.
There is a designated parking area available for visitors at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary where they can safely park their vehicles.
Visitors are required to follow certain rules and regulations while at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, such as not littering, not disturbing the wildlife, and not feeding the animals. It is also advised to maintain silence to not scare away the birds.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary can be easily reached by road from Ernakulam, which is approximately 80 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is Aluva, which is around 48 kilometers from the sanctuary. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, located about 45 kilometers away.
Overall, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts, offering a tranquil escape into the wilderness of Kerala.
