The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, covering an area of barely 25 km2, and located about 12 km from Kothamangalam (Kerala state, India), was the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. Dr. Salim Ali, one of the best known ornithologists, described this sanctuary as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India. Thattekkad literally means flat forest, and the region is a deciduous but generally moist low-land forest surrounding the Periyar River, the longest river in Kerala.
Thattekkad is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its avian population. It is home to over 300 species of birds, including several rare and endangered species. Some of the notable birds found here include the Indian pitta, orange-headed thrush, Malabar grey hornbill, and more. Constituted during 1983, Dr. Salim Ali, the world famous ornithologist, is directly responsible for the wonders on display at the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary. His famous survey of Travancore in the 1930s led to the formation of this modern day paradise for avian life. He noted that the area was rich in bird diversity and ought to be turned into a sanctuary to conserve the same. The over 300 species that reside in these tropical and deciduous forests are testament to his great vision.
One can run across the Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Racket Tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, White-bellied Treepie, Shama, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Parakeet, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher and the Malabar Grey Hornbill in these parts. Beautiful teak, rosewood and mahogany plantations can also be viewed here. It also boasts of over 28 mammal species and over 9 species of reptiles. Despite its small size, Thattekad is home to most of the large mammals found in this area, such as the Asian Elephant Elephas maximus, Tiger Panthera tigris, Leopard Panthera pardus, Leopard Cat Felis bengalensis, and Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus.
The Small Travancore Flying Squirrel Petinomys fuscocapillus fuscocapillus, an endemic to the southern Western Ghats, is also found in Thattekad. Draco or Gliding Lizard Draco dussumieri is common in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Apart from birds, the sanctuary also boasts a diverse range of flora, including tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. The Salim Ali Trail, a well-known trekking route within the sanctuary, offers visitors a chance to explore this lush greenery. Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary is located in the dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and grassland patches. The picturesque landscapes here makes it a choicest bird sanctuary for those who love being close to nature.
Visitors to Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary can engage in various activities such as bird watching, trekking, nature photography, and wildlife observation. The sanctuary has several walking trails that allow tourists to explore its natural beauty. The ideal time to visit Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is during the winter months, from November to February, when migratory birds from different parts of the world visit the sanctuary.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible by road and is well-connected to major cities in Kerala. It is approximately 65 kilometers away from Kochi. There are a few eco-friendly resorts and lodges available for tourists who wish to stay close to the sanctuary and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a unique opportunity to witness the diverse avian life of Kerala in its natural habitat.
