Boasting of a rich variety of bird species Thattekad is famous for its bird sanctuary. Thattekad bird sanctuary has been described as the richest bird habitat on the peninsular India. Thattekad bird sanctuary is also known by the name of Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary. Located at an 8 kilometer distance from Tapovan, The Salim Ali bird sanctuary is the first sanctuary in Kerala.

The word Thattekad means flat forest. You will find low land forest located between the branches of Periyar River, the longest river in Kerala. Thattekad bird sanctuary is home to nearly 320 species of exotic and rare kind of birds. Some of the interesting watches in the sanctuary are bee-eaters, Falcon grey, Jungle fowl etc. Thattekad sanctuary has earned the likings of several nature lovers and manly bird lovers. The sanctuary houses mammal, reptiles, and amphibians also along with birds.

Trekking

For adventure lovers the nearest trek to Njayapilli peak will offer the exhilaration they seek. The peak stands majestically and is the tallest point in the vicinity. The sanctuary also houses trees of commercial value like the Teak, Rosewood, Maruthi and more. Thattekads nature rich surrounding makes it a unique and beautiful bio-diverse region to tour around.

The sanctuary sees bird species of different kinds. Both water bird and land birds visit the sanctuary and make the sanctuary a bio-diverse region. The main birds that pay a visit to the sanctuary are- Jerdons nightjar, Indian Cuckoo, Oriental Darter, Ceylon Frog mouth, cuckoos etc.

Species of Birds

The sanctuary is also famous for housing a wide species of Cuckoo. At the sanctuary because of its beautiful habitat a particular region within the sanctuary is home to different cuckoo birds and is called “Cuckoo paradise”. From the easily mistaken Drongo Cuckoo, beautiful and good voiced Indian hawk to Cuckoo that has a dark grey and heavy streaked throat. Located at about 15 kilometer distance from the sanctuary is the Edamalayar forest another destination worth exploring espcacially the natural façade, green surrounding, and breathtaking panoramic view of the natural setting.

Thattekad bird sanctuary offers an adventurous trip experience and the tour certainly is a unique experience for newlyweds. For bird lovers and ornithologists a bird watching tour is organized with comprehensive coverage of the sanctuary. You can get your tour day customized depending on the time you have in hand. Likewise Tourists can enjoy a jeep safari tour through the sanctuary, a general wildlife tour, a national park vacation,Indian elephant safari, tour of the sanctuary so on and so forth.

With tropical and very balanced climate, Thattekad can be best visited from the month September till March. It is however advised that a doctor’sconsultation is takenbefore planning a trip to Thattekad to check if you are fit as a fiddle and can hike through the rugged terrain