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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.
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.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
November to January, especially on weekends and public holidays, as this is the peak tourist season in Kerala.
October, February, and March on weekdays.
April to September, due to the extreme heat of summer and the heavy monsoon rains.
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.
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
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
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...
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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