10.104676.7028Kochi, Kerala

WILDLIFE

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary - A Premier Birding Destination in Kerala

Kerala's first bird sanctuary, located by the Periyar River, offering walking trails and watchtowers to spot over 300 species of resident and migratory birds.

Kochi, KeralaHalf day (3-4 hours)7:00 AM – 5:00 PM₹50No Photography

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Best Season:The ideal period to visit is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and comfortable for walking. This is also the season when many migratory birds arrive, adding to the diversity of species you can see. The summer months (April and May) are very hot and humid, making birdwatching less enjoyable. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall, which can make trails slippery and inaccessible.

Duration:Half day (3-4 hours)

Entry (Indian):₹50

Entry (Foreign):₹200

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is a dedicated area for avian life located on the northern bank of the Periyar River. It was the first bird sanctuary established in Kerala and covers an area of about 25 square kilometers. The terrain is primarily lowland evergreen forest, which provides a rich habitat for a wide variety of birds. Visitors can explore the sanctuary through well-defined walking trails that wind through the dense woods. The experience is focused on observation and quiet appreciation of nature.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

November to January, especially on weekends and public holidays, as this is the peak tourist season in Kerala.

Moderate

October, February, and March on weekdays.

Low Season

April to September, due to the extreme heat of summer and the heavy monsoon rains.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹50

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹200

Per person

Opening Hours

7:00 AM — 5:00 PM

Open all days of the week. Last entry is usually permitted until 16:00. Timings might vary slightly, so it's good to check locally if possible.

Fees are approximate and subject to change. Indian Adult: ₹50. Still Camera: ₹40. Video Camera: ₹250. These are typical charges for forest department managed sites in Kerala.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad P.O, Kothamangalam, Ernakulam District

Coordinates

10.1046, 76.7028

Nearest City

Kochi

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, located about 45 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi which takes around 1.5 hours to reach...

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Aluva (AWY), approximately 48 km away. Ernakulam Junction (ERS) in Kochi is another major railhead, about 60 km away. Taxis...

By Road

Thattekkad is well-connected by road to Kothamangalam (12 km), which is the nearest town. The sanctuary is about 60 km from Kochi city. You can drive or hire a ...

Local Transport

Once in Kothamangalam, auto-rickshaws and taxis are the primary modes of local transport to get to the sanctuary entrance. Options for app-based cab services li...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The sanctuary was formally established in 1983. Its creation was based on the recommendations of Dr. Salim Ali, India's most renowned ornithologist. In the 1930s, Dr. Ali conducted a survey in the Travancore-Cochin region and identified the Thattekkad area as exceptionally rich in avian diversity. H...

Significance

The primary significance of Thattekkad is its incredible biodiversity, especially its bird population. It is a critical habitat for many species endemic to the Western Ghats, making it an important site for conservation and ornithological research. Being the first of its kind in Kerala, it set a pre...

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