Information about Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary or Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located in the Ernakulam district, about 13 kms. northeast of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutty Road in Kerala. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary was established in 1983 and occupies the catchments area of the Bhoothathankettu Dam. This bird sanctuary is the only one of its kind in Kerala. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary was designed by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. He identified about 167 bird species and his student, Dr. Sugathan, identified about 207 species of birds. The Bombay Natural History Society has also identified about 253 species of birds here. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary attracts nature lovers from all over the world. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 25.16 square kms., between the tributaries of river Periyar. This bird sanctuary is located at an altitude of 35 to 523 meters above sea level. The highest point is the Njayapilli peak (523 m). This small sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers.

Vegetation in the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
The vegetation in the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary comprises of tropical evergreen forest of Vellapine, Karanjili, Palai Kunthirikam, Bhadraksham, Kanala and Kurangatti; tropical semi evergreen forest of Anjili, Kambacom; tropical deciduous forest; trees of commercial value like Teak, Rosewood, Venteak, Venga, Maruthau and patches of grasslands.

Wildlife attractions in the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Some of the major wildlife animals found in this sanctuary are the Leopard, bear and porcupine. The elephant also occasionally visit this sanctuary. Besides this some of the birds which are found in this sanctuary are Indian roller, cuckoo, common snipe, crow pheasant, jungle nightjar, kite, grey drongo, Malabar trogon, woodpecker, large pied wagtail, baya, sparrow, grey jungle fowl, Indian hill myna, robin, jungle babbler and darter. Some of the birds which are found very rare are Crimson – throated barbet, bee-eater, rose-billed rollers, sunbirds, shrike, fairy bluebird, grey-headed fishing eagle, black winged kite, night heron, grey heron, grey hornbill, Malabar shama, Malabar grey hornbill, Malayan night herons, and rusty – tailed flycatchers. There is also a rich variety of butterflies at the sanctuary.

How to reach Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Kochi (Cochin) which is about 71 kms.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located at Aluva, about 48 kms.

By Road:
The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is easily connected with Cochin and various other cities of Kerala.