Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, popularly known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is situated at the foot of Western Ghats. The sanctuary expands over a staggering 25 km on the North side of Periyar River. The forest was raised to its current status of a sanctuary in the year 1983, as this was done in line on the recommendation of Dr. Salim Ali. Hence, the sanctuary was named after Dr. Salim Ali, as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Dr. Ali used to be a scientist and ornithologist at this place. In his report on the avifauna life in the region, he described this place as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India. Later after that report in 1930, most parts of the forest diverted to be used for the planned cultivation and Teak and Mahogany Plantation. Whatever is left in the forest is now a preserved bird sanctuary, which is phenomenally the biggest bio diverse habitat in Kerala. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is now home to a large number of resident and migratory birds.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is an interesting place to visit, as it offers a plethora of activities to its visitors. The activities are connected mostly to the sanctuary itself. The most common thing to do here is bird watching. Guided tours of the sanctuary are organized by the forest authorities, which are conducted at individual as well as group levels. Trekking through the preserved forest is restricted to a particular area. The area which is allotted especially for the purpose of trekking is mesmerizing itself. While trekking through, the forests one comes across a large variety of exotic and rare birds.
Named after the legendary ornithologist Dr Salim Ali, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Ernakulam district of Kerala in south India is one of the important bird sanctuaries of India. The wildlife sanctuary, spread over an area of 25 sq km, is home to over 280 species of birds including Crimson-throated Barbet, Sunbird and Fairy Blue bird.
The sanctuary is the catchment area of Bhoothathankett Dam. Undulating terrain, has mixed deciduous forest with patches of grassland. The bird sanctuary is located near the Periyar River, in the shadow of the Western Ghats and consists of evergreen, tropical semi-green and moist deciduous forest. The literal meaning of Thattekad is flat forest.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The weather remains pleasant throughout the year at Thattekad. Though Kerala is a good destination to visit during monsoon (June-September), it is advisable that plans to visit the sanctuary are not made during the rainy season. Large part of the sanctuary becomes inaccessible because of the rains. The best season to visit is between October and April.
Papilio Paradise : Thattekkad is also heavenly abode to more than 300 species of butterfly. The place is paradise for papilio watchers as well as for bird watchers. Look at some exotic variety: Plain tiger, Malabar rose, Malabar rave, Malabar banded swallowtail, Ghats birdwing, Red Helen, Paris peacock, Buddha peacock, Tamil catseye, blue mormon and son on.
Kalypso Adventures which runs a Hornbill Camp in Thattekkad facilitates an overnight tour called Lowland Forest Tour from Kochi to Thattekkad. Butterfly spotting gets importance in the tour programme. Their telephone numbers are 0484-2310324 and 09447031032.
Animal Rehabilitation Centre : This is located in the wing of Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary. From Sanctuary gate at Shivakshetrapadi the steps lead down to the Rehabilitation Centre. The sick and aged forest animals are rehabilitated here with due care.
Deer Park : This Park too located in the wing of Thattekkad Bird Sancturary. The steps just opposite the Rehabilitation Centre lead to Deer Park. The Park houses Chital and Sambhar in open air enclosures.
Taxdermic Museum : This Museum too located in the wing of Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary as adjacent to the Deer Park. Here the magnificent varieties of denizens are neatly showcased. Among them, the 8-ft long King Cobra is the largest crowd puller.
How to reach Thattekad:
Thattekad is about 54 kms from Cochin. The drive is along Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam and takes under two hours.
No comments:
Post a Comment