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Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
 Location :
13 Kms of North-East of Kothamangalam, Kerala
Area : 25 sq. kms
Main Attractions :
Malabar Grey Hornbill, Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-Eater
Important Feature : Around Avian Species
In the dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and grassland patches is located the Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary. Home to a microcosm of India's bird population with about 500 winged species, the sanctuary was designed by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist.
This bird sanctuary, a peninsular land of 25 sq. km is covered with deciduous forests and plantation of rosewood, teak etc. Rare birds like the Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Blackwinged Kite and the Night Heron are also commonly sighted.
This rare haven offers picturesque landscapes, and is a nature lover's paradise. Bombay Natural History Society has identified 253 species here. The rivers are rich in fishlife and are shallow for most of the year. The Wild Population at the Thatekkad Bird Sanctuary Houses some 200 variety of birds including gray jungle fowl, Falcons, Hornbill, Blackbird etc. Some reptiles and animals are also seen in this area.
The important species of birds here are Indian rollers, Cuckoos, Common Snipes, Pheasants, Jungle Nightjars, Kites, Grey Drongos, Malabar Tro, Woodpeckers, Large Pied Wagtails, Baya Sparrows, Grey Jungle Fowls, Hill Mynas, Robins, Jungle Babblers, Sundries and Darters.
Rare birds such as Ceylon Frog-mouth, Rose Billed roller, Crimson-throated Barbers, Bee-eaters, Shrikes, Fairy Blue Grey-headed Fishing Eagles, Black Winged Kites, Nightherons, Grey Hoi and Malabar Hornbills can also be seen.
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).
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.
Travel Information
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
Vegetation
Tropical Evergreen Forest - Vellapine, Karanjili, Palai, Kunthirikam, Bhadraksham, Kanala, Kurangatti etc.
Wildlife Population
Mammals - Leopard, Bear, Porcupine Etc. The Elephant Is An Occasional Visitor.
Birds - Indian Roller, Cukoo, Common Snipe, Crow Pheasant, Jungle Nightjar, Kite, Grey Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Woodpecker, Large Pied Wagtail, Baya Sparrow, Grey Jungle Fowl, Indian Hill Myna, Robin, Jungle Babbler And Darter.
Reptiles - Python, Cobra etc.
How To Reach
Air: Nearest airport is at Kochi, 71 kms.
Rail: Aluva is the nearest railway station, 48 kms
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