This article is about the famous Thattekkad bird sanctuary which is established by Dr.Salim Ali. It is a bird watcher's paradise.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. It is known by the name of famous Ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. Since 1970, nobody has identified this place which is rich in diversity. But it was Dr. Salim Ali who understood about the variety of bird species here and established this as a bird sanctuary. So the sanctuary was also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. It was also Salim Ali who suggested it a bird watcher's paradise for those who love birds. Thattekkad was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1983 and it is about 25.16 sq km in area.
Location of Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is located in the eastern parts of Eranakulam district. It is included in Kothamangalam thaluk of Eranakulam. More accurately saying, it is in a place near to Njayappilli. The south and south-eastern part of the sanctuary is covered with Malayattur Reserve Forest. In north it is Edamalayar, east it is Kattampuzha village and is Periyar in the west. Both the rivers Periyar and Edamalayar meet at Thattekkad.
Climate in Thattekkad
Thattekad Sanctuary generally has a pleasant climate. It is tropical mainly. The annual rainfall is about 3000mm. The place is more difficult when it rains. The monsoon starts from May and ends in July. For tourist, avoiding monsoon is preferable. They can visit the sanctuary in the months of September to March.
What to See in Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary is a bird watcher's paradise. There is no place in India other than here where we can see such a variety of Bird species. 320 species of birds have already been observed here. Among those, most of them are facing extinction. Malabar Hen, Blue Hens, Hornbills, Bee-eater, Crimson throated Barbet are some of beautiful birds found here.
The sanctuary is not only famous for birds, but for varieties of beautiful butterflies. We can also see some elephants, tigers, deers, forest dogs etc. The forest is also surrounded by tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. The flora is also very exotic here. We can also see some teak, mahogany and rosewood plantations here.
Information centers in Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary are another attraction here. The center contains a large collection of pictures exposed to the tourists. There are some eggs of rare birds which are placed here. We can also see many feathers, nests etc displayed. By seeing all these we are diverted in to the world of wing creatures.
Bird Trips in Thattekkad is another interesting feature here. The tourists are led in the back of elephant and watch the birds by traveling on that. This is a thrilling trip. These rides also provide some lucky moments to see some rare birds which rarely come out of its home. The place is also ideal for wildlife photography.
Choose your way to Thattekkad
The sanctuary is 12 kms away from Kothamangalam. It is about 48 kms from Aluva and the nearest railway station is also Aluva. There are always bus services from Aluva to Kothamangalam. From Kothamangalam you get bus to Thattekkad. You can also hire tourist taxies so that there is no much confusion. If you are going by your own vehicle, you can go along Pooyamkutty road which is 13 kms north east of Kothamangalam. The nearest airport in Kochi Airport which is 71 kms away.
Accommodation and Contact Information
There are many resorts and hotels near the sanctuary which offers a facilitated stay. There are also many restaurants and cottages. If you want luxury stays, you can go to Eranakulam.
Address: The Assistant Wildlife Warden
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Njayappilli (P.O)
Kothamangalam, Eranakulam
Kerala
Phone: +91-485-2588302
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