The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (also commonly known as the Thattekad Sanctuary) is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on...
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (also commonly known as the Thattekad Sanctuary) is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar river. The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. Ali described Thattekad in the 1930's as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas. Since then much of the forest has been diverted to cultivation and teak and mahogany plantation but what survives gives a glimpse of the phenomenal bird diversity of the once widespread lowland forests of Kerala.
The sanctuary is 13 km north-east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti road. The nearest railway station is Aluva at a distance of 48 km. Kochi, the nearest airport is 71 km away. The new airport at Nedumbassery is probably closer.
Kothamangalam is well connected by privately operated buses to Ernakulam via Muvattupuzha or Perumpavur. There are frequent buses from Kothamangalam to Thattekad. Currently the bus needs to cross the Periyar river by ferry. Construction on a bridge across the river has started.
There is a three storied watch tower inside the Sanctuary with two beds, a toilet and a kitchen. No electricity here but there is are a few solar powered lamps. A forest department inspection bungalow called Hornbill is located near the sanctuary entrance. There is a dormitory just inside the sanctuary which is ideal for large groups. Accommodation is also available at the PWD rest house near the Bhoothathankett Dam and in lodges in Kothamangalam.
For further information about the sanctuary and for booking accommodation contact:
- The Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Thiruvanthapuram Kerala 695014
- The Wildlife Warden, Idukki Wildlife Division, Vellappara, Painavu P.O. Idukki District 685603 Phone 0486 232271
- The Assistant Wildlife Warden, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Njayapilli P.O. , Kothamangalam, Kerala Phone 0485 588302
Nice blog post. The Salim Ali Bird sanctuary has a vast variety of birds both forest birds as well as the water birds. Nearest railway station is Ernakulam and one can also stay at various hotels in Ernakulam offering comfortable services.
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