Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Location : 13 kms from Kothamangalam, Kerala
Area : 25.16 sq. kms
Prime Attractions : Rare Mottled Wood Owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Malayan Night Heron.
How to Reach : Nearest airport is Kochi (71 kms), Aluva (48 kms) is the nearest railhead and the bird sanctuary is connected by road with Kothamangalam and other important places. Tourists can take a pleasant bus-ride from Kothamangalam early in the morning to the southern bank of the Periyar.
Where to Stay : Accommodation is available at forest department inspection bungalow, dormitory inside the sanctuary, and PWD rest house near the the Bhoothathankett Dam and in lodges in Kothamangalam. In addition accommodation facility is available at three storied watch tower inside the Sanctuary.
Ideal Time To Visit : Throughout the year.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary - A Nature Lover's Paradise
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerela. Situated on the banks of the Priver river, Thattekad is amongst most popular National Parks in Kerala. Spreading over an area of 25.16 sq.kms, the bird sanctuary draws nature lovers from all parts of the India and world as well. The bird sanctuary was constituted in 1983 based on the recommendation made by renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. He was also the architect of the Thattekad Bird sanctuary. Dr Ali had identified 167 birds and 207 birds were identified by his student, Dr. Sugathan. The Bombay Natural History Society has also identified 253 types of birds. The picture landscape is covered with tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and patches of grasslands. Thattekad is home to around 500 species of bird species, which include rare birds like the Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black winged Kite, Night Heron, Grey heron, Bee-Eater, Fairy Blue-Bird, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Malabar Shama, Common Grey Hornbill and Malabar Hornbill. In addition the sanctuary also houses animals, including mammals and varieties of reptiles.
Prime Attractions of the Sanctuary
Fauna of the Sanctuary
Most popular birds species found here are Large Falcon, Crow Pheasant, Indian roller, White-breasted Water Hen, Kite, Cuckoo, Jungle Nightjar, Common Snipe, Grey Drongo, Baya Sparrow, Woodpecker, Large Pied Wagtail, Darter, Malabar Trogon, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Hill Myna, Jungle Babbler, Robin Bird and Hornbill etc. Besides, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles. Visitors can spot animals like Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Porcupine, Python and Cobra etc.
Flora of the Sanctuary
The vegetation of the park consists of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and trees of Teak, Rosewood, Mahogany, Venteak, Vellapine, Karanjili, Palley, Kunthirikam, Bhadraksham, Kanala, Angili, Kambacom, Kurangatti, Venga and Maruthi etc.
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