Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekad (celebrated internationally by ornithologists as the 'Richest Bird Habitat in Peninsular India', so described by legendary Indian 'Birdman' Dr. Salim Ali who discovered its incomparable avian biodiversity during the 1930s Travancore bird survey), situated in the lowland evergreen forests along the Periyar River just 55 km southwest of Munnar in Kerala, is one of the nation's most scientifically celebrated, biodiverse, and sought after wilderness bird sanctuaries.

Spanning 25 square kilometers of dense tropical evergreen and semi evergreen rainforests situated between the branching tributaries of the Periyar River near Kothamangalam, this lowland sanctuary shelters an astonishing variety of over 300 bird species, including critically endangered, endemic, and migratory forest birds that thrive in its multi layered canopy and moist riverine lowlands.

It's the home of rare and elusive avian species including the Ceylon Frogmouth, Malabar Trogon, Sri Lanka Bay Owl, Indian Pitta, Great Hornbill, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, and White bellied Treepie, thrilling guided jungle walking trails led by expert local bird trackers, an elevated treetop watchtower overlooking the Periyar River wetlands, quiet kayaking and boat safari routes along the Edamalayar reservoir backwaters, an on site interpretation center and butterfly garden maintained by the Kerala Forest Department, and an enchanting wilderness atmosphere where the dawn chorus of hundreds of wild songbirds resonates through mist shrouded jungle canopies.

It represents a rich ornithological, lowland rainforest ecology, and Western Ghats wildlife sanctuary where Periyar river hydrology, endemic bird conservation, expert birding trails, and deep rainforest biodiversity unite in Kothamangalam Thattekad forest range.

Located in Thattekad near Kothamangalam along the Periyar riverbank, it sits just 55 km southwest of Munnar, 12 km from Kothamangalam town, 44 km from Aluva Railway Station (AWY), and 42 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by tourist cabs, private cars, and regular town buses.

Dr. Salim Ali's Legacy & 300+ Avian Species

In the 1930s, Dr. Salim Ali identified Thattekad as having the highest concentration and diversity of birds in all of Peninsular India.

The sanctuary was officially established in 1983 in his honor, preserving one of the last remaining lowland evergreen forests in the Western Ghats.

Truth is, hearing the resonant calls of the Great Hornbill echoing across the river at sunrise while spotting a camouflaged Frogmouth is an unforgettable thrill.

Rare Endemics: Ceylon Frogmouth & Malabar Trogon

Ceylon Frogmouth: Thattekad is one of the premier locations worldwide to spot this rare, strictly nocturnal bird roosting camouflaged among dry leaves.

Malabar Trogon: Striking flashes of deep crimson and slate blue mark the flight of the elusive Malabar Trogon through shaded riverine understories.

Guided Birding Trails & Periyar Kayaking

Expert Bird Guides: Local naturalist guides with extraordinary acute hearing guide birdwatchers directly to active nesting sites.

Waterway Kayaking: Quiet paddle kayaking on the Periyar and Edamalayar waterways allows observation of cormorants, darters, and kingfishers from the water.

After exploring the avian wonders of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, drive up to the misty tea gardens of Munnar, visit Bhoothathankettu Dam, or tour the waterfalls of Valara and Cheeyappara.