Also known as the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is named after the eminent ornithologist and scientist Dr. Salim Ali. Occupying a vast area of 25 square kilometers, the sanctuary is located at the foot of the majestic Western Ghats and supply shelter to a great number of species of local and migratory birds. The sanctuary is about 73.5 kilometers from Munnar and was described by Dr. Ali as the richest bird habitat in the peninsular India. Criss-crossed with different water channels, the sanctuary has paved walks that provide an excellent way to navigate within the mangrove thicket and also observe different bird species more closely.
The species found and recorded at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is spread across a wide range. The area has over 270 different avian species which include crimson throated barber, peninsular bay owl, crested serpent eagle, fairy bluebird, rose billed roller, great Indian hornbill, Sri Lanka frogmouth, red knot, jack snipe, black bittern and pied avocet etc. The sanctuary has a thick mangrove population as well as many other exotic species of flora which a dedicated nature enthusiast can find and explore.
The best time to visit Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is between October and March. This is the wintering time for a great number of migratory birds and one inevitably finds abundant species of both resident and migratory birds to watch during this time especially from the watch tower erected for the purpose.
The sanctuary is open to visitors from 6.00 AM in the morning to 6.00 PM in the evening.
