Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Tourism

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Tourism Located near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam on the northern bank of the Periyar River, this bird sanctuary is also called Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and is famous for its rich and varied birdlife. This Sanctuary came to light in the year 1983 on basis of recommendations made by famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. Spread over 25 sq. km, it shelters over 500 species of birds and rare birds such as Wayanad laughingthrush, rufous babbler, and white-bellied blue flycatcher. While you traverse the dense forests containing tropical semi-evergreen, deciduous and tropical evergreen plants, do not miss out on the boat cruise along the backwaters. The Bhoothnathkettu Dam is also located nearby and is just 10 km from the Thattekad in the Ernakulam District. This dam is used as a picnic spot by the locals. Download Thattekad Bird Sanctuary PDF Guide > What's Great? Very close to major towns in Kerala. Perfect for a weekend outing watching birds in one of the most beautiful forests in the region. What's not so Great? Road travel is the only practical way to reach here. The size of the forest is small, limiting the number of large animals you can see here. For Whom If you are a wildlife enthusiast, this sanctuary is the place for you. If you are not, you are sure to become one after you visit. As a weekend trip, the backwaters and forests are perfect for a family outing.

Salim Ali and the History of Thattekad The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is named after India's foremost ornithologist - Dr Salim Ali who described this region as one of the richest in India regarding species diversity. Dr Salim Ali undertook a large part of his research in this area and had described many of this birds, their breeding and feeding habits as well as their role in the food chain in his books. Thattekad means flat forest, and the region is an evergreen low-land forest located between the branches of Periyar River, the longest river in Kerala. It is located in the Njiyapilli Hill and was established in the year 1983 by the Kerala Government, on the recommendation of Dr Salim Ali in the early 1930s. Wildlife in Thattekad The wildlife in Thattekad is one of the richest in India since the area contained within the sanctuary is a mix of tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, water bodies and hilly areas which provide habitats for different kinds of birds and animals. There are over 500 species of birds in this sanctuary including rare species like Ashy Wood Swallow, Black Headed Oriole, Ash Tail, Ashy Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Blue Kingfisher, Bronze Winged Jacana, Ceylon Frogmouth, Created Woodpecker, Crested Goshawk, Changeable Hawk Eagle and Chestnut Headed Bee Eater. There are also a few mammal species like elephants, leopards, sloth bears and porcupines but you have to be extremely lucky to spot one of these since their population in this small area is relatively low.

Itinerary Day 1:Arrive in Thattekad by road and settle into your hotel. Since the whole area surrounding the sanctuary is also heavily forested, there is good chance you will be able to see many birds from the hotel itself. There is home stays available in Kothamangalam, a forest department dormitory very close to the forest or campsites around the forest where you can hire tents. In the evening, leave for a safari inside the forests, don't forget your binoculars and camera. Since the sanctuary closes at sunset, return to your hotel and engage in some camping fun - singing songs, chatting with the locals and highly knowledgeable tour guides and enjoying the delicious food. Day 2:Go for an early morning Safari in the forest since the kind of birds spotted during the morning and afternoon is entirely different. In the evening, take a different route and proceed to the Thattekad backwaters on a boat to look out for water birds. Alternatively, you can also book a kayaking trip and add to the adventure.

Restaurants and Local Food in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Though Thattekad might not offer you a distinct cuisine or significant food culture attributed to the area, it makes up for the same, in the numerous eating joints available around the area fostering quite a variety along with popular and traditional Keralan food.

Throughout the yearis the best time to visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary The temperature in Thattekad is pleasant most of the year but can get hot and humid in the summer. However, due to plenty of vegetation and water bodies nearby, it is always cooler than the mainland. Except for monsoon, when it rains heavily, the sanctuary is accessible all year round. Weather in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Loading... Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Summer (March - June) Summer in Thattekad lasts from March to June, and the temperature varies from 25 to 35 degrees Celcius and the average is 32 degrees Celcius. This time is better for spotting large mammals since they come out to the water holes. The number of tourists is also very less during this season, and you may get the whole place to yourself if you don't mind braving the heat. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Monsoon (July - September) The park is closed during the monsoons due to heavy rains and to give the wildlife time to regenerate. Monsoon lasts from July to September, and there is high rainfall throughout these three months. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Winter (October - February) Winter is the best time to visit this sanctuary since the temperature is enjoyable ranging between 20 and 29 degrees Celcius with no rainfall. This is also the time when many migratory birds make their way to Thattekad, and resident birds are more active since it is breeding season. However, since the accommodation is limited and the number of visitors is high, you will need to book it well in advance. Monthly Weather in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary Month Avg. Minimum (°C) Avg. Maximum (°C) January 22 32 February 22 33 March 24 34 April 26 36 May 26 35 June 25 33 July 24 32 August 24 33 September 24 33 October 24 33 November 23 32 December 22 31