Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar river. One of the most famous landmarks in Kerala, Thattekkad bird sanctuary is home to almost 500 species of exotic birds. The thick tropical deciduous and evergreen cover is a safe haven for these winged creatures.

 

Dr Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist of India, described Thattekad in the 1930's as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas. This bird sanctuary, a peninsular land of 25 sq. km is covered with deciduous forests and plantation of rosewood, teak etc.

 

The fascinating birds that are found here are Bee-eater, Falcon Grey, Jungle Fowl, Black Winged Kite, Shrike, Crimson-throated Barbet, Ceylon Frogmoth, Sunbird, Night Heron, Blue winged parakeet, white-breasted water hen, rose-billed Roller, Hornbill, etc. This rare haven offers picturesque landscapes, and is a nature lover's paradise.