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Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
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Situated in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District, Kerala, the Thattekad sanctuary
is spread over 25.16 sq.km area. Set up in 1983 at the instance of Dr. Salim ali,
the sanctuary boasts of 253 kinds of birds(identified by BNHS) which include the
rare frogmouth. Over 50 species of butterflies have been documented here by Madras
Naturalists Society.
The sanctuary is the catchment area of Bhoothathankett Dam. Undulating terrain,
has mixed deciduous forest with patches of grassland. The teak trees with sparse
leaves make bird watching easier even for untrained eyes. The birds commonly spotted
are, Indian roller, common snipe, crow pheasant, jungle nightjar, kite, grey drongo,
Malabar trogon, woodpecker, large pied wagtail, baya sparrow, grey jungle fowl,
Indian hill mynah, Robin, babblers and darter. If you are lucky you may spot these
rare birds too. Crimson throated barbett, bee-eaters, sunbird, shrike, fairy blue
bird, grey headed fishing eagle, black winged kite, night heron. Grey heron, Malabar
shama, Common grey hornbill and Malabar hornbill.
The sanctuary has its share of fauna too. The elephant is an occasional visitor.
Leopard, bear, porcupine, python and cobra are sighted. How to reach: Kochi, the
nearest airport is 71 km from Thattekad. The nearest railway station is Aluva, 48
kms away. Travel by road from Kochi to Kothamangalam. The sanctury is 13 km north
east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutty road. A ferry operates across the Periyar
river to take you into the sanctuary. Accommodation: Lodging facilities are available
at the PWD rest house near Bhoothathanket Dam. Private lodges are available at Kothamangalam.
For the avid bird watcher who wants to spend quiet days within the sanctuary, there
is a tower house with double bed and bath which need to be booked in advance.
How to get there:
By Air: Kochi, the nearest airport is 71 km away. The new airport at Nedumbassery
is probably closer.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Aluva at a distance of 48 km.
By Road: The sanctuary is 13 km north-east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti
road.
Accomodation:
There is a three storied watch tower inside the Sanctuary with two beds, a toilet
and a kitchen. No electricity here but there is are a few solar powered lamps. A
forest department inspection bungalow called Hornbill is located near the sanctuary
entrance. There is a dormitory just inside the sanctuary which is ideal for large
groups. Accommodation is also available at the PWD rest house near the Bhoothathankett
Dam and in lodges in Kothamangalam
For further information about the sanctuary and
for booking accommodation contact :
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
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