Thattekad Bird Sanctuary – How to Reach, Best Time to Visit and Other Details

Located around 60 km to the northeast of Kochi and stretched over 25 sq. km, 

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful bird park in Kothamangalam, Ernakulam, Kerala. It is well located by Periyar River’s north bank.

It generally receives a tropical climate and plays an important role to attract migratory birds. This region receives around 3000mm of average rainfall. The rainfall starts here in May till July. So, you need to avoid these months to visit this park as it remains closed. It receives a pleasant climate throughout the rest of the year. You can spot the rarest birds of India due to its climate.

Thattekad was discovered as the richest habitats for birds in peninsular India by Dr. Salim Ali in 1930. In 1973, it became a bird sanctuary. The forest has been capped with a wide range of evergreen and deciduous trees and makes a safe haven for birds. So, it really attracts a huge population of bird watchers and wildlife lovers all year-round.

Here are some of the common and rarest birds found in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary –

Orange Headed Thrush

Indian Pitta

Large Billed Leaf Warbler

Indian Cuckoo

Jerdon’s Nightjar

Oriental Darter

Cormorants

Collared Scops Owl

Whiskered Terns

Ceylon Frogmouth

Yellow-Browed Bulbuls

Pompadour Green Pigeon

Best Time to Visit

As discussed above, don’t visit this park from the months of May to July as this place becomes inaccessible during the monsoons and you won’t be able to enjoy the sightings. November to February is the best time to visit the park as it is also the time of migration for most birds from foreign lands and Himalayas. Kerala receives a soothing and pleasant climate at this time. You can visit the sanctuary at this time. The sanctuary remains open 12 hours every day from 6 am to 6 pm and you can complete the visit within 4 to 5 hours. It is highly recommended to visit this park in the daytime because you can also find insects by the time you finish off. You can enjoy your trip without any stress.

Getting There

By Air – The nearest airport is located around 45 km from Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. From Kochi airport, you can book a cab to Thattekad. It takes around 1 hour to get to the destination from the airport.

By Rail – Aluva is the closest railway station which is located around 50 km. You can also take a cab to get there.

By Road – Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is located around 65 km from Kochi and can be accessed easily by road.

Things to Do

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is definitely known for bird watching. You can take an elephant ride to get insight into rare migratory birds. You would be accompanied by the well-trained elephant mahouts. You can find lots of peculiar birds on the elephant’s back.

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