South India Thattekkad Bord Sanctuary - Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is located amidst the dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and grassland patches. It is also known as the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in honour of the ornithologist par excellence of all times in India.
South India Thattekkad Bord Sanctuary is located at Latitude 76deg. 40'-76 deg.45'N and Longitude 10deg. 7'-11 deg. E. The bird sanctuary is located in Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern banks of the Periyar River. The sanctuary is on a peninsular land of 25 sq. km . At the height of 35-523m above the sea level, this sanctuary is located at Njayqapilli peak 13 km north east of Kotyhamangalam. Established in 1983 it is home for some of the rarest species of birds in the world.
The South India Thattekkad Bord Sanctuary has more than 300 recorded species of forest and water birds. Birds like gray jungle fowl, white breasted water hen, hornbill, Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, and Shrike. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has identified over 250 bird species in these dense forests and the Madras Naturalists Society has documented over 50 species of butterflies here.
It is a popular bird watching destination. Tourists can avail elephant rides and view some of the rarest birds; jeeps are also available on hire. Other animals can also be seen in the sanctuary like the leopards, bear, python, cobra etc. The park is open to visitors throughout the year. But the best season to visit is from November to February. There is a watch tower from where these birds can be viewed.
Access to Tours To Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary in
Kerala:
Air- The nearest airport is Kochi, 70km from the
sanctuary .
Rail- Aluva is the nearest railway station, 48 km
Road- The National Highway 49 passes through Kothamanagalam,
from where one has to turn off on the Pooyamkutti road.
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