Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also called Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is in Ernakulam district, Kerala, and is known for its forest habitat and birdlife. From Kochi, you can travel by bus to Kothamangalam and continue by local transport to the birding area; once there, plan for a half-day to full-day visit.
- Location: Ernakulam district, between branches of the Periyar River
- Sanctuary area: 25 square kilometres
- Visiting hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day
- Admission: ₹40 for adults and ₹35 for children; booking is available offline only
What to expect at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad is a 25-square-kilometre bird sanctuary between branches of the Periyar River, with more than 270 bird species reported there. Kerala Tourism identifies the Ceylon Frogmouth and Malabar Trogon among its notable birds.
Kerala Tourism describes it as Kerala’s first bird sanctuary, established in 1983. Ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali surveyed the area in 1933 and recommended it for protection. The sanctuary’s name also honours him.
Nature walks, trekking and boating are among the activities available at the sanctuary. Other facilities include a Deer Park, Butterfly Park, children’s small zoo, Animal Rehab Centre and Taxidermic Museum. Check which activities and facilities are available when planning your visit.
How do you get from Kochi to Thattekad?
One public-transport route from Kochi is to take a bus to Kothamangalam, then continue by local transport to the birding area. Kothamangalam is about 12 kilometres from the sanctuary, and Kothamangalam Bus Stand is about 12.3 km away.
If you’re arranging your Kochi stay, Park Connect, a three-star hotel, is in the city.
For other arrival points, Aluva Railway Station is about 44.7 km from the sanctuary, and Cochin International Airport is about 44.5 km away. These are distances to the sanctuary, not journey times; allow for your onward transport when planning the day.
For bus, metro and ferry options around the city, the Kochi public transport guide covers the local network.
Entry, guides and visitor access
The District Tourism Promotion Council of Ernakulam gives daily visiting hours as 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, admission as ₹40 for adults and ₹35 for children, and says booking is available offline only. Hours, fees and booking arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
An expert guide can help you recognise birds by their calls, according to Kerala Tourism. If bird identification is part of your plan, ask about guide availability when arranging your visit rather than assuming a guide will be available on arrival.
When to go and what to bring
October through March is the recommended season for migratory birds. Kerala Tourism’s bird-watching guidance suggests starting just after sunrise, when birds are more active, and allowing half a day to a full day for the outing.
Wear dull-coloured clothing and good walking shoes, as Kerala Tourism recommends for birdwatching at Thattekad. Starting early, dressing for walking and leaving enough time for the visit fit the sanctuary’s birding focus.
The seasonal timing of your Kochi trip may also shape your plans; the guide to Kochi’s December weather and event seasons covers that broader city context.
FAQs
Where is Thattekad Bird Sanctuary?
It is in Ernakulam district, Kerala, between branches of the Periyar River. Kothamangalam is about 12 kilometres away.
How much is entry to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary?
Admission is ₹40 for adults and ₹35 for children, with offline-only booking.
When is the best season for birdwatching at Thattekad?
Kerala Tourism identifies October through March as the best season for migratory birds and recommends starting just after sunrise.
How long should you allow for a visit?
Bird-watching trips are described as half-day to full-day outings. The time you need depends on how much of the sanctuary and its activities you plan to include.