Kerala is blessed with some of the Best Bird Sanctuaries in India. The coastal state of Kerala has 28 percent of forest cover. The Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala are home to around 507 species of birds. Not just the native species, birds migrating from far lands settle in the lush surroundings in winters. The haven for birds are intriguing to explore. Be patient as melodies of the birds will reveal their location. Keep your camera ready for undisturbed shots of nature.
Find the list of 5 best Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the best bird sanctuaries in Kerala. Set in the Kumarakom Backwaters on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds. Developed in the rubber plantation, the bird sanctuary is managed by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. House boats and motor boats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake.
History: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary was formerly known as Baker’s Estate, dates back to 1847. The bird sanctuary was developed on a rubber plantation. It was in that year that Alfred George Baker, the son of Henry Baker Sr., a missionary who came to India in the early 19th century. Alfred George Baker began expanding the wetlands near Lake Vembanad into fertile land, the Kumarakom of today. Currently, the sanctuary is managed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
Highlights:
- You can also sail through the boats on the lake to cover the birds, which can be spotted near the water.
- You can unwind while strolling through the beautiful forest area.
Things to do and nearby tourist attractions:
- Kumarakom is famous for its houseboats so you can enjoy a peaceful stay in the houseboats for a wonderful experience.
- You can visit the nearby Aruvikkuzhi Falls, which is a popular picnic spot. Here, you can enjoy photography and can enjoy the visual delights of water falling fall from a height of about 100 feet
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located near Marari beach so after spotting birds you can unwind at the beach.
- You can also enjoy shopping at the nearby local markets and buy some excellent souvenirs.
- Do not forget to try the delicious local cuisines.
- You can also visit some nearby spiritual sites such as St Mary’s Church, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, and Juma Masjid.
How to reach:
Kottayam city in Kerala is the nearest city, which is located about 15 km away from the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. You can also easily reach Cochin International Airport from Kottayam city. If you are visiting by rail, you can board a train from your home station to the Kottayam railway station in Kerala and can easily reach the sanctuary by taking a taxi. You can also take the local bus service.
Best time to visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Visit between June and August and for the Migratory birds, November to February.
Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary
Pathiramanal is a small island located in Kumarakom’s Vembanad Lake. The name of the island means “midnight sands”. It is a romantic haven and for a true birdwatcher it is paradise. About 90 local species and 50 migratory birds inhabit the surroundings. Reach the island by a cruise on the backwaters. Let nature guide you to spot the feathery species.
History: Pathiramanal is a small island also known as Anantha Padmanabhan Thoppu, which was purchased by Chevalier ACM Anthraper, from M/s Bhimji Devji Trust of Cochin and was under the private ownership of the Thaimattathil Family until the late 70s. After the enforcement of Land Reforms Acts in the State in 1979, the island came under government ownership. Later it was transferred to the Tourism Department. Now, this Island is a heaven for bird watchers.
Highlights:
- Unwind in the tranquil location of this beautiful island.
- You can also explore the island and observe the other wildlife remotely.
How to reach:
Located in the heart of Vembanad Lake, the Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary is a much loved and very popular site for nature lovers and bird watchers. If you are in Kumarakom then the best option would be by boat. It is about 1.5 km from Muhamma Boat Jetty and about 13 km from Alappuzha. A 1.5-hour (approx) motorboat ride or a 30-minute speedboat trip from Alappuzha gets you here. The nearest railway station is Alappuzha, which is about 16 km away and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 85 km north of Alappuzha.
Best time to visit Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary
October to May is perfect to visit the birders heaven.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is one of the top bird sanctuaries in Kerala. It was designed by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist in India. Spread over 25 sq km of forests, wetlands and rivers, it is a birders utopia. It is home to more than 300 species of birds. Many rare birds, as well as water birds inhabit or visit the sanctuary. Hire a guide as they point you towards some majestic sight of avians.
History: Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary which is also known as The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary became popular in the year 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali, who was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist. Dr. Salim Ali is sometimes regarded as the “Birdman of India”, and was the first Indian to conduct systematic bird surveys across India. He wrote several bird books that popularized ornithology in India. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is now spread over an area of about 25 sq. km, it houses over 500 species of birds including rare species too.
Things to do and nearby tourist attractions:
- You can visit Bhoothathankettu, which is a River dam and Hindu site built from large stones. It can be reached by trekking through the forest.
- You can also visit Palamattam Junction and enjoy good photography there and also soak in the peaceful environment.
- You can also spot other wild animals such as sloth bear, porcupines in the nearby forest area
How to reach:
Once you are in Kerala and wish to visit the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, then you have to reach the Aluva railhead, which is about 50 km away from the sanctuary. You can easily hire a taxi to reach there. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is easily accessible via road.
Best time to visit Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary:
October till February is the best season to pay a visit.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is nestled over the islands formed by the Kadalundipuzha River flowing into the Arabian Sea. The sanctuary records more than 100 species of native birds and about 60 species of migratory birds visit seasonally. There are boat facilities available for tourists to spot bird population passing through beautiful surroundings.
History: The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary gets its name from the Kadalundi River which flows into the Arabian Sea. The place has been named on this beautiful river. The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is located in the Malappuram District of the state of Kerala in India and is around 200 meters above sea level. It is home to several species of flora and fauna that attracts tourists from all over to experience the sight.
Highlights:
- You can get involved in many interesting activities like trekking, photography, and picnicking near the beautiful scenic views.
- The climate is excellent through most of the year, due to its position along the coast.
- As the area receives torrential rainfall from May to July, it is better to avoid the visits during that time.
Things to do and nearby tourist attractions: in points
- Other than bird watching, activities that keep tourists engaged are trekking, photography, boating, etc.
- Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary in Kerala has been the resting place of over a hundred species of migratory birds including herons, sandpipers, terns, cormorants, gulls, egrets, and also the brahminy kites.
- You also get to see different fishes, mussels, crabs, and turtles. Take a trip on a boat through the Kadalundi River to explore the virgin islands of Kadalundi.
- The major attractions of the sanctuary are Kingfisher, Malabar Hornbills, Woodpeckers, Darters, etc. These birds flock in large numbers here, especially in the months between November and April.
- Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is also famous for a wide variety of fish, mussels, and crabs, that can be spotted easily during a boat ride in the tranquil water of the Kadalundi River. The river also houses several species of snakes such as the cobra, Krait, and viper, crocodile, and turtles.
How to reach:
The nearest Airport to reach Kadalundi is the Karipur Airport in Kochi which is 23km away from Kozhikode. The nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station is 19km away. If you plan to travel by road, buses and cabs are easily accessible from Kozhikode.
Best time to visit Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary:
The ideal season to visit is from December to April in the early hours of the day.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is the resting ground for a large variety of migratory birds, is a paradise for birdwatchers. The mangroves of Mangalavanam are a resting place for many kinds of resident and migratory birds. Around 194 birds belonging to 32 species are spotted in the ‘green lung of Kochi’. Take a short break from the cities and recuperate in pure natural surroundings.
History: The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is known as the ‘green lung of Kochi’, as it is located in the heart of Kochi and is enriched with greenery and beautiful scenery all around. Spread over about 2.74 hectares, the sanctuary houses a depthless tidal lake surrounded by thick mangrove vegetation. The lake is connected with Kochi backwaters by a canal and is home to seven species of fishes. This place is a shelter for both endemic and migratory birds.
Highlights:
- Other than varieties of birds, spiders, and bats are the main attractions here at Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary.
- There is a high watchtower in the sanctuary that gives a splendid view of the whole sanctuary and is a major attraction for tourists.
- A free nature camp is also conducted here regularly by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department to attract visitors from different parts of the world. Taking part in this camp lets you know and understand more facts about the flora and fauna around us.
Things to do and nearby tourist attractions: in points
- At Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, one can take a trip to the beautiful mangrove forests.
- Clicking some amazing pictures of the birds and scenery will be a treat for people visiting this place.
- You can also take part in the regular free nature camps and learn more about the flora and fauna here.
- Climb up the clock tower to witness the beautiful scenic views of the sanctuary.
- The best time to visit the sanctuary is between mid-January and early March.
How to reach when you are in Kerala
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary can be easily reached from any part of India by road, train, or flight. The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is the Ernakulam South, about 4 km. Nedumbassery International Airport is about 34 km from the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. Ernakulam is located around 3 KM away from Mangalavanam so if you travel by road, you can reach Mangalavanam in just 4 minutes.
Best time to visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary:
The early summer months, especially from mid-January to early-March.
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