Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.

Thattekad is a village in the kuttampuzha Grama panchayath, Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, india. Thattekad is located at a distance of about 17 km from the town of Kothamangalam. This is where Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary is established in Kerala on August 27, 1983. This bird sanctuary is also known as Thattekad bird sanctuary. Covering an area of 25.16 sq km. This area is home to a wide variety of native birds and is a popular bird sanctuary in Kerala. Apart from these,  a variety of migratory birds also visit here from time to time. 



Dr. Salim Ali a renowned Indian ornithologist, visited the place several times for bird watching in the 1950s. He recommended that the  site be  turned in to a bird sanctuary. The bird sanctuary was started after a 1970s survey by Dr Salim Ali  in the area. The bird sanctuary was named Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary in his honor. It is estimated that there are 330 Species of migratory birds here.



Thattekad bird sanctuary is located between Ernakulam and Idukki districts. Migratory birds visit this place mostly from November to June. The forest department has given permission to those interested in bird watching to study here from 6 am to 4 pm. At the same, the guide will be prepared by the forest department itself. The forest department has also set up dormitories for those in need of accommodation.

View at Thattekad bird sanctuary

Images of various butterflies have been collected at the information center setup by the forest department. Eggs of various birds and stuffed bodies of animals are on display here. There is also a library with books on birds. Thattekad is not only a bird sanctuary but also a beautiful tourist destination.

The periyar river flows through the Thattekad bird sanctuary. The two tributaries of the Periyar join the catchment area of the Bhoothathankettu dam through two sides of the Thattekad. Thattekad is a cape with a forested area surrounded by water. Thattekad is a place where everyone comes and goes as a one day trip.

Thattekad bird sanctuary is located in the eastern part of Ernakulam district and in the western part of Idukki district. Kuttampuzha in the eastern and north eastern parts of Thattekad, Malayattoor protected forest in the south east, Edamalayar in the north, Periyar in the south west and Periyar in the west. The Edamalayar joins the Periyar at Thattekad. Elevation varies from 35 M to 523 M. The highest point is Njayapilli hill (523 M). Thattekad sanctuary in the tropics has three main types of forests. Evergreen, Semi- evergreen, deciduous and moist forest. There are also Teak and Mahogany plantations. The Bhoothathankettu  natural dam is also located in the area. There is also an artificial dam for irrigation purposes adjacent to the area.


Thattekad boat capsize  near bhoothathankettu dam on Ernakulam and Idukki districts border on February 20, 2007. 18 people were killed when the boat sank. The group was on a holiday from St. Antony's school Elavoor Angamaly when the accident occurred 15 students, Two teachers and a staff member of the school were killed in the accident.

Many rare birds such as Silver owls, Rooster and Fire crow are found in the area. Bird species such as the Ceylon frogmouth, one of the rarest in the world, have also been found here. Birds weighing 7 g to 3.5 kg are found in this area.
The sanctuary is also home to reptiles ranging from kuzhimanali to Pythons and king cobras.


Golden fronted leaf bird


Slender Lorri

In addition to birds, the forests are home to butterflies, Tigers, Elephant, wild boar, wildcats, wild dogs, leopard, monkeys, deer, Cubs,  Monitor lizard, Buffalos, bears, woodpecker, porcupines and more. 


How to reach

It is located at a distance of 60 km from kochi . Thattekad can be reached from kochi via kothamangalam. Thattekad is located at a distance of 17 km from kothamangalam. Buses are available from Aluva to Kothamangalam. Buses are also available from Kothamangalam to Thattekad. 

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