The Thattekkad wildlife sanctuary is a small bird sanctuary located in the south-western stateof Kerala in India. The sanctuary is located at a distance of about 12 kilometres from Kothamangalam in the Ernakulam district. This sanctuary is known to be the first bird sanctuary of the state and is considered to be one of the richest habitats for birds in all of India. The area covered by the sanctuary is a mere 25 sq. km. However the number of birds that one can find here will surely amaze you. The location beside the Periyar River and its rich lowland forest attributes to the wide diversity of birds living here.
Flora and Fauna
The name Thattekkad can be literally translated into word “flat forest”. The vegetation here is made up of mostly lowland forests that are evergreen. The fertile soil of the sanctuary has helped the forest prosper and grow all around. There are semi-evergreen and a few species of deciduous trees growing here but the major part of the forest is covered by Tropical evergreen trees. One can also find moist evergreen vegetation growing in the forest and along the banks of the river.
In terms of fauna the sanctuary is home to mostly birds as the name suggests. However smaller mammals and rodents can be found lurking in the forest. The birds that one can find here can be of the water type and the forest type. Some of the birds that one can find here are can be migratory while some can be found all year round. Some of the most spotted birds here are the Indian Pitta, Orange headed thrush, Large billed leaf warbler, Jerdon’s nightjar, Indian Cuckoo, oriental darter, Cormorants, Whiskered Terns, Ceylon Frogmouth, Collared Scoops Owl, Yellow browed bulbuls, Pompadour Green Pigeon etc. Among the many birds found here the cuckoo is a major favorite and some of the varieties found here are Drongo cuckoo, large Hawk Cuckoo and the Indian Hawk Cuckoo etc. Other birds that can be spotted here include Bee-eater, Falcon Grey, Jungle fowl, Black winged kite, crimson throated barbet, Hornbill, white breasted water hen, night heron, rose billed roller etc.
Activities
Bird watching- As this sanctuary is renowned for the high diversity in birds; bird watching is something else here. The flatland forest makes it easier to walk through and spot the birds as compared to the hilly terrains sanctuaries. Be sure to get you binoculars so as to spot the birds that are on the
tree tops. Bird Trails- the sanctuary within itself has created several bird trails that wind around the forests and the banks of the river Periyar. A walk along these trails reveals many species of birds that you might have missed out on by yourself. Walking along these dirt trails that are covered with dry leaves seems to arouse a feeling of being one with nature and helps you unwind making your trip here a rejuvenating one.
Accommodation and Eateries
To stay in some of the best known hotels are Cloud 9 (Airport road), Maria International Holiday (Munnar road), Hornbill camp (Thattekkad), Soma Birds lagoon (Thattekkadu) and Jungle bird Homestay. To eat and dine you can try out these restaurants as they are very close to the sanctuary- Spice restaurant, Iris food court, Indian Bakery, Taj family restaurant, Halal fast food, Hotel woodland restaurant and Femijan Restaurant.
Getting In
The nearest railway station is that of Aluva which is 48 kms away and the nearest airport is that of Cochin International airport which is 44 kms away.
Best time of Visit
The best time of visit would be the months between May to July, when the birds are nesting.
