The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, is a renowned bird sanctuary located in the state of Kerala, India. It is situated in the Kothamangalam taluk of Ernakulam district, approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) northeast of Kochi.
Established in 1983, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is named after the famous Indian ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, often referred to as the “Birdman of India.” Spanning an area of around 25 square kilometers (10 square miles), the sanctuary is nestled in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot known for its rich flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is characterized by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and bamboo groves, creating a diverse habitat for a wide variety of bird species. It is recognized as one of the richest bird habitats in peninsular India and serves as a haven for resident and migratory birds.
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is home to over 300 species of birds, including rare and endemic species. Some of the notable bird species that can be spotted in the sanctuary include the Malabar grey hornbill, Sri Lanka frogmouth, Indian pitta, Indian cuckoo, white-bellied blue flycatcher, and the endangered Indian swiftlet. The sanctuary is particularly known for its abundance of woodpeckers and owls.
Birdwatching is the main activity for visitors to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary offers several well-marked trails and observation points, allowing bird enthusiasts to explore the diverse avian population. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for bird sightings when the birds are most active.
Apart from birdwatching, the sanctuary also provides opportunities for nature walks, guided tours, and wildlife photography. The Kerala Forest Department operates an interpretation center within the sanctuary premises, which offers information about the bird species found in the area and their conservation.
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is open throughout the year, but the winter months from November to February are considered the best time to visit as many migratory birds arrive during this period.
Overall, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a haven for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, offering a serene environment to observe and appreciate the rich birdlife of the Western Ghats.
Do you love to watch varieties of exotic birds? It is interesting for people to spot a wide range of local and migratory birds. Visit the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad to watch different local and migratory birds. It is an outstanding bird paradise that surrounds by rich forests. People love to visit here because of its rich bird diversity. They can reach the hotspots where birds can be seen easily with the help of a guide. So, visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary if you plan a trip to the majestic hill station of Munnar.
Visiting the well-known Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary can be a wonderful experience for each traveler. Locates at the foot of the Western Ghats, it is among the richest bird habitat in the country. In fact, this picnic spot has bird species just like the eastern Himalayan region. This tourist spot is on the Northern banks of the Periyar River and is spread across around 25 kilometers. Also known as the Thattekad Sanctuary, it is named after the famous Ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. It is in the Ernakulam district in the Kothamangalam Taluk. Most of the forest in the region was converted for the cultivation of Mahogany and Teak. However, one can enjoy unique bird diversity in the remaining forest areas.
A Unique Bird Paradise
Thattekad region is in a transition area. It locates between the moist deciduous forests and montane rain forests of South Western Ghats bio-geographic zones. In fact, the range of moist deciduous forests surrounds the evergreen montane rain forests in this eco-region. You can see an evergreen wet forest in some areas of this sanctuary because of the southwest monsoon rains. Even though most of the natural vegetation in the area has been converted or cleared, you can watch unique bird species in the remaining forests of Thattekad.
How To Reach Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is almost 13 kilometers north-east of Kothamangalam from where you can get buses to Thattekad. It is along Pooyamkutty road. There are many privately run buses from Ernakulam that go via Perumpavur or Muvattupuzha in order to reach this destination. Although the construction of a bridge across the Periyar River started, buses need to cross the river even now by ferry. The nearest Cochin/Kochi airport is around 71 kilometers from this spot. Aluva railway station is only 48 kilometers from Thattekad
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a hot spot for bird lovers. This bird paradise locates between two areas of River Periyar. Visiting the bird sanctuary in order to enjoy the bird diversity can be a beautiful experience. We, Taxi Kochi help travelers to explore the area conveniently. With our guided trips, you can spot more birds in the area.