What to See in Thattekkad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary – Munnar - Main Attractions
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located Ernakulam district. It is about 13Kms away from the Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutty Road in Kerala. Sanctuary located on the banks of the Periyar River. It lies at a height of 525M above the sea level and covers an area of 25Sq.Kms. Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds.
It was established in 1983 and occupies the Boothathankettu Dam. This is the first recognized bird sanctuary in Kerala was designed by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. He identified about 167 bird species and his student, Dr. Sugathan, identified about 207 species of birds. The Bombay Natural History Society has also identified about 253 species of birds here. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary attracts nature lovers from all over the world.
It was established in 1983 and occupies the Boothathankettu Dam. This is the first recognized bird sanctuary in Kerala was designed by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. He identified about 167 bird species and his student, Dr. Sugathan, identified about 207 species of birds. The Bombay Natural History Society has also identified about 253 species of birds here. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary attracts nature lovers from all over the world.
The vegetation in the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary comprises of tropical evergreen forest of Vellapine, Karanjili, Palai Kunthirikam, Bhadraksham, Kanala and Kurangatti; tropical semi evergreen forest of Anjili, Kambacom; tropical deciduous forest; trees of commercial value like Teak, Rosewood, Venteak, Venga, Maruthau and patches of grasslands.
It is a paradise for passionate bird watchers and is also a lovely abode to many animals and reptiles. You can see wild life animals like Leopard, bear and Porcupine in this sanctuary. The main bird varieties are found in Sanctuary are Indian roller, cuckoo, common snipe, crow pheasant, jungle nightjar, kite, grey drongo, Malabar trogon, woodpecker, large pied wagtail, baya, sparrow, grey jungle fowl, Indian hill myna, robin, jungle babbler and darter. Some of the birds which are found very rare are Crimson – throated barbet, bee-eater, rose-billed rollers, sunbirds, shrike, fairy bluebird, grey-headed fishing eagle, black winged kite, night heron, grey heron, grey hornbill, Malabar shama, Malabar grey hornbill, Malayan night herons, and rusty – tailed flycatchers. There is also a rich variety of butterflies at the sanctuary. The best months for visiting this sanctuary are November to June as migratory birds arrive from the north.
How to Reach
Bus route was Ernakulam South -> Edappally -> Kalamassery -> Perumbavoor -> Kothamangalam.
The nearest airport is located at Kochi (Cochin) which is about 71 kms.
The nearest railway station is located at Aluva, about 48 kms.
