Thattekad Bird Sanctuary also known as The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. It is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk, district Ernakulam district. Situated on the northern bank of the Periyar river. The sanctuary came into notification in 1983 which was under the recommendation of Dr.Salim Ali. In 1930's Ali described Thattekad as the richest bird habitat in the land of India which can only be compared to eastern Himalayas. Major portion of the forest has been converted into cultivation and teak and mahogany plantation since then. Whatever is left gives a view of the phenomenal bird diversity of the widespread lowland forests of kerala.
The exact location of the sanctuary is latitude 76°40' to 76°45' North and Longitude 10°7' to 11° East. Total area covered by the sanctuary is 25.16 sq.km. The rainfall that this area gets within a year is 2500 mm. The type of forest is tropical semi-evergreen and deciduous. One can find mammals like elephant, leopard, sloth bear, porcupine. One can even find 250 different types of birds.
To reach the sanctuary the nearest railway station is Aluva as a distance of 48 km. The nearest airport is Kochi which is 71 km. There is another new airport at Nedumbassery which is probably closer. The sanctuary is 13 km towards north-east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti road.
Kothamangalam is well connected by roads also. Private buses are there from Ernakulam via Muvattupuzha or Perumbavoor. The buses are frequent buses from Kothamangalam to Thattekad. There was a construction of bridge across Periayar river which has been completed recently.
A watch tower inside the Sanctuary which is three storied with two beds, a toilet and a kitchen. There are few solar powered lamps but no electricity. Near the sanctuary entrance there is a bungalow called as Hornbill which is a forest department inspection bungalow. Inside the sanctuary there is a dormitory also which is ultimate for large groups. One can also get the accommodation at the PWD rest house which is near to the Bhoothathankett Dam. Accommodation can even be found at the lodges in Kothamangalam.
One can get more information about sanctuary and its booking at
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife),
Thiruvanthapuram
Kerala 695014
The Wildlife Warden, Idukki Wildlife Division,
Vellappara, Painavu P.O. Idukki District 685603
Phone 0486 232271
The Assistant Wildlife Warden,
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary,
Njayapilli P.O.,
Kothamangalam,
Kerala
Phone 0485 588302
