Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is Kerala’s first officially recognized bird sanctuary. Named after the late renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, the small but intensely biodiverse area lies snugly between two branches of the Periyar river and the serenity of the Anamalai hills. This bird watcher’s paradise was once a rubber plantation, but due to its abundant wildlife and in order to protect the wide range of resident and migratory birds it was declared a sanctuary in 1983.

Totaling over 300 species, Thattakkad boasts spectacular bird life. The 25 square kilometer sanctuary contains tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Thattekkad is ideal for sighting rare birds such as Ceylon Frogmouth, Wayanad Laughing Thrush and Grey-headed Bulbul.