Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Facts and practical information
The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, covering an area of barely 25 km2, and located about 12 km from Kothamangalam, was the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. Salim Ali, one of the best known ornithologists, described this sanctuary as the richest bird habitat on peninsular India. Thattekkad literally means flat forest, and the region is a deciduous but generally moist low-land forest surrounding the Periyar River, the longest river in Kerala. ()
Kerala
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Oriental darter
The Oriental darter, often referred to as the snakebird, is a captivating water bird native to tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia. These birds bear a strong resemblance to cormorants in their method of hunting fish. With their elongated, slender necks and pointed...
Birds
Cormorant
Cormorants and shags, members of the Phalacrocoracidae family, are captivating aquatic birds encompassing about 40 different species. These birds, ranging from medium to large in size, are easily recognized by their dark plumage, long hooked bills, and webbed feet...
Birds
Orange-headed thrush
The orange-headed thrush is an enchanting bird belonging to the thrush family, often observed in the densely wooded regions of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. These birds favor shady, damp habitats and are known for their secretive nature.
Birds
Indian pitta
The Indian pitta is a strikingly colorful bird indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, inhabiting a variety of environments, including scrub jungles, deciduous forests, and dense evergreen forests. It breeds in the Himalayan forests and central-western India, migrating...
Birds
Large hawk-cuckoo
The large hawk-cuckoo is a captivating bird species found across temperate Asia, ranging from the Himalayas to East Asia. Known for their loud calls, these birds are larger than the common hawk-cuckoo and can be easily identified by a distinctive black patch on their...
Birds
Kerala