Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a paradise of birds snuggled in the foothills of the Western Ghats and set on the banks of Periyar river. Also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is named after the 'Bird Man of India',

Dr Salim Ali who was a famous scientist and ornithologist. It was established in the year 1983 and sprawls across an area of 25 sq. Km housing over 284 species of avifauna. The sanctuary is so rich in birds mainly because of the habitat diversity and topographical position of the area. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary offers ample opportunities for bird watching; hence the place is flocked with a lot of ornithologists.

Speciality

• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is renowned for birdwatching.
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is reckoned as the first bird sanctuary in Kerala.
• Salim Ali, a famous ornithologist rated Thattekad Bird Sanctuary as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India.
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary was later named as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

Flora and Fauna

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is set amidst dense forest and wetland. This sanctuary consist of 284 species of birds making it a rich bird habitat in India. White-breasted woodpecker, Black-headed oriole, Ashy wood swallow, Bronze-winged Jacana, Ash tail, Ashly Drongo, Bronzed drongo, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Blue Kingfisher,  Ceylon frogmouth, Crested Woodpecker, Crested Goshawk, Changeable hawk eagle, Greenish Warbler, Greater flame back woodpecker, Coucal, Dollar bird, Emerald Dove, Eurasian golden oriole, Greater racquet-tailed drongo,  Indian swiftlet, Malabar grey hornbill, Red-vented Bulbul, Malabar trogon, Oriental Darter, Red-wattled Lapwing, Racket-tailed Drongo, Scarlet Minivet, Indian Pitta, Jungle Babbler, Jungle Myna,  Malabar Parakeet, Common Myna, Black Cormorant, Whistling Duck, Red Kingfisher, Water Hen, Yellow Oriole, Little Tern, Rufous Woodpecker, Crested Eagle, Great reed warbler, Iora, Orange Minivet, Wagtail, Grey-tit and Plum-headed parakeet are the avifaunal species found at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.

Nearest Tourist Places

• Boothanthankettu: Boothanthankettu is a captivating dam site offering great opportunities for trekking.
• Kodanad Elephant Training Centre: Kodanad Elephant Training Centre is an amazing tourist destination to interact with elephants in close proximity.
• Athirapally Waterfalls: Originating from the mighty Western Ghats on the edge of the Sholayar Forest ranges, the Athirapally Waterfalls is Kerala's largest waterfall.
• Vazhachal Falls: Vazhachal Falls is a great picnic spot offering a spectacular view of water cascading in one or many meticulous steps.

Activities

Best time to visit

October to March.

Way to Reach

 By Air - Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 43.5 Km.

 By Rail - Aluva Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 44.8 Km.

 By Road -  Kothamangalam Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 12.3 Km.