Thattekad is the first bird sanctuary in Kerala, India. In 1933, during his Travancore Cochin Ornithological survey in Thettekad forest, Dr.Salim Ali recognised the avifaunal richness of the area. As recommended by Dr.Salim Ali, in 1983, an area of 25.16 Sq.km. covering forest, wetlands and rivers at Thattekad was notified as Kerala's first Tropical community bird sanctuary. It is located just 12 ms from Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Nine sq.km is for habitation and rest of 16.16 sq.km is available for sanctuary and is very rich in flora and fauna.
Explore
There are many ways to explore Thattekad. Here visitors are allowed to walk through the jungle. Visitors can also opt for a boat trip in the reservoir offering unusual point of view of the forest. Approximately twelve thousand species of birds are spotted in the world of which 1200 species of birds are found in India and 593 species of birds have been spotted in Kerala. Thattekad bird sanctuary alone has 322 kinds of birds and forty percent of them are long distance migrant birds - approx 160 - come from outside. They come from Siberia , Canada etc by crossing the Atlantic. First they land in China and then cross the high Himalayas before coming to south India. Last year they found a group of birds from Thekkady - Bar-headed goos - it is found in thousands in Himachal . Here there are only 200-300. There have also been sightings of internal migrants from Kashmir, high altitude places like Munnar etc.
The area is a part of the western Ghats. Anamudi is in the eastern side of Thettekad bird sanctuary and is the second highest hill with 8863 ft height. Distance from Thattekad to Anamudi crest is about 22 kms only. The slope from Anamudi and climate influence caused multiple flaura . Habitat diversity and topographical position of the area is the main reason to make it bird rich. Naturally migrant birds fly from west to east. Due to high altitude they are forced to land here where sufficient foods, breeding facility etc is available.
BUTTEFLY PARK MUSEUM
Butterfly Garden is one of the attraction for the visitors in the santuary. The Garden is studded with different flowers and butterflies.
Besides these winged beauties, Thettekad has all major mammals as well. It is home to one Tigress, four leopards with one cub etc.
It is also home to 28 species of frogs. In 2008, a new species of frog was spotted with its nose like tortoise and body like frog. A sliding frog is also visible. This place is home to reptiles too. It is common to spot king cobra. Different kinds of chameleons are also available .
The joys of walking through this untamed landscape include spotting orchids. Twenty seven kind of orchids are available, most of them are wild orchids.
The area is rich in flora and fauna. Each forest has its typical plants. This kind of combination is the first in the world. There are more than 1000 plants. 60% are of medicinal value. This is truly an Earth's green pharmacy.
The sanctuary is famous for fish diversity. 55 kind of fish found in Thattekad. The sanctuary is bordered by the river Periyar on the southwestern side and its tributary Pooyamkutty river on the northern side.
A minimum of 1-2 days camping is required to understand the entire area.
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| Boating in Periyar |
Jungle Night camping
Salim Ali Nature Trail
Boating in Periyar
