Thattekad

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.

History

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. 

topAttractions

• Flora  -
  In the moist deciduous forest, maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo etc grow. In the semi-evergreen patches Veteria indica. Lagerstroemia, Lanceolata, Termianalia paniculata etc are common.
  
• Fauna -
  Snipe,Arachnothera longirostra Little Spiderhunter, Celeus brachyurus Rufous Woodpecker, Batrachostomus moniliger Ceylon Frogmouth, Eurostopodus macrotis Great Eared-Nightjar, Bubo bubo Eurasian Eagle-Owl.
  

topReaching There

Accommodation

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