Thattekkad bird sanctuary is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in South India. It was established by Dr Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist in 1983. Thattekkad Sanctuary is situated in kerala in the Devikulam taluk of Idukki district. The Bombay Natural History Society has identified 253 different species of birds spread over Thattekkad sanctuaries 26 square kilometers.
The opportunity of viewing both migratory and indigenous birds nesting in the enchanting canopy of tropical semi evergreen forests is an unforgettable experience for any ornithologist. The sanctuary lies between the tributaries of the River Periyar like a peninsula. Birds like Srilankan Frogmouth, Racket tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Whitebellied Treepie, Shama, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Parakeet, Whitebellied Blue Flycatcher, Malabar Grey Hornbill, are some of the birds that can be easily seen here.
Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahogany. The dense forest is also home to nearly 28 species of mammals and about 9 species of reptiles. Thattekkad attracts nature lovers from far and wide.
Topography
As is common on the Western Ghats, the terrian is undulating and elevation ranges between 35m and 523m. The tallest point is the Njayapilli peak (523m high).
Location :- Latitude : 76° 40' - 76° 45' N, Longitude : 10° 7' - 11° E
Rainfall :- average 2,500 mm
Lake :- the sancutary is the catchment area of Bhoothanthankett dam. Maximum depth 15m.
Forest Type
Tropical evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests and tropical deciduous forests. There are patches of grasslands also.
Flora
Tropical evergreen forests harbour Vellapine, Karanjili, Palley, Kunthirikam, Bhadraksham, Kanala, Kurangatti, etc. Tropical semi evergreen forests harbour Angili, Kambacom etc. and trees of commercial value like Teak, Rose wood, Venteak, Venga, Maruthi also grow.
Fauna
The elephant is an occasional visitor. Leopard, bear, porcupine, python and cobra are sighted.
Birds
Indian roller, cuckoo, common snipe, crow pheasant, jungle nightjar, kite, grey drongo, Malabar trogon, woodpeckeer, large pied wagtail, baya sparrow, grey jungle fowl, Indian hill myna, robin bird, jungle babbler and darter.
Rare Birds
Crimson-throated barbet, bee-eater, sunbird, shrike, fairy blue-bird, grey-headed fishing eagle, blackwinged kite, night heron, grey heron, Malabar shama, common grey hornbill and Malabar hornbill.
Administration
The Wildlife Warden, who is in charge of the Idukki Wildlife Division, with headquarters at Vellappara, is responsible for the management of the sanctuary. The day-to-day administration is in the hands of the Assistant Wildlife Warden.
Tourism
The sanctuary is 13 kms North-East of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti road. The nearest railway station is Aluva, at a distance of 48 kms. Kochi, the nearest airport, is 71 kms from Thattekkad.
Accommodation
Lodging facilities are available at the PWD rest house near the dam. Private lodges are available at Kothamangalam.
Contact Address
1. TheChief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - 695 014
Phone : 322217.
2. The Wildlife Warden,
Idukki Wildlife Division, Vellappara, Painavu P.O.
Idukki District - 685 603
Phone : 271.
3. The Assistant Wild life Warden,
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary,
Njayapilli P.O., Kothamanagalam (via), Kerala.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station:- Aluva, about 48 km away. Nearest airport:- Cochin International Airport, about 44 km.
The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions.
Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south.
Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds.
Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region.
Neyyar sanctuary is nestled in the south-east corner of the Western Ghats, the Neyyar sanctuary is the drainage basin of the Neyyar river and its tributaries-Mullayar and Kallar.
