Thattekad

Overview

Thattekad, also called the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is Kerala's first bird sanctuary, set 12 to 13 km from Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district. It is made for birdwatchers, beginners as well as experienced hands, and the migrants that join the resident species between October and March make that the best window.

The sanctuary covers about 25 sq km at the foot of the Western Ghats and was notified in 1983. Ornithologist Salim Ali surveyed the area in 1933 and judged it the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, and he recommended that it be protected. The ground is undulating, between 35 and 523 m, and sits on a peninsula formed between arms of the Periyar. Evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous forest mix with grassland and with plantations of teak, rosewood and mahogany.

More than 270 bird species are on record here. Cuckoos, grey drongos and Malabar trogons are the easier sightings. Rarer birds that draw specialists include the Ceylon frogmouth, Malabar hornbill, grey-headed fish eagle, crimson-throated barbet, Bourdillon's nightjar and the peninsular bay owl, a bird for after dark. Indian pitta and orange-headed thrush turn up in the forest, while Oriental darters, cormorants and whiskered terns work the river. Beyond birds, the area has 34 mammal, 30 reptile, 15 amphibian and 47 fish species.

Most visits revolve around bird treks, with tribal guides leading small walks through the forest. Boating on the Periyar is another option, and observation points named Frogmouth Tower and Hornbill Tower, plus a machan at Ovunkal, are listed for overnight stays. A butterfly park called Nakshathravanam and a deer park are also on site. Ask the forest office about availability and rules before you plan a night in a tower.

Getting there is straightforward from Kochi, which is 58 km by road, and Cochin International Airport is about 44 km away. Aluva, 48 km off, is the nearest railway station. Lodging is limited to a PWD rest house near the dam and private lodges in Kothamangalam town, and Idamalayar forest, another birding area, lies about 15 km away.

Known for

Notified in 1983 after Salim Ali's 1933 survey