Famous Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala - Must Visit
List of important Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala, India. Kerala in South India is home to a wide variety of bird species. The following are some of the top bird sanctuaries in Kerala:
List of Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala - Travellers' Choice
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Kottayam
Located in the backwaters of Vembanad Lake in Kottayam district, this bird sanctuary is a favorite spot for migratory birds. The sanctuary is spread over 14 hectares of land where visitors can spot beautiful native and migratory birds from the Himalayas to Siberia.The sanctuary is home to almost 25,000 birds that belong to 180 species. Some of the bird species that can be spotted here include egret, heron, Siberian crane, teal, and darter. Open hours for visitors are from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm on all seven days of the week.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Kochi
Located in the heart of Kochi city, Mangalavanam is primarily a bird refuge. This small sanctuary is home to over 194 species of birds, including kingfishers, egrets, and cormorants. It is the only bird sanctuary in Kerala which is located in Mangrove forests. The word Mangal means mangroves in Portuguese. The Managalavanam is often regarded as the "green lung of Kochi". During a study conducted in 2006, 17 species of butterflies were recorded in this area and 51 different types of spiders.
Pathiramanal Island, Alappuzha
This small island on the Vembanad Lake is a bird lover's paradise. It is home to around 91 local species of birds and 50 migratory birds. Several migratory birds like the lesser whistling duck, pintail duck, common teal, purple heron, gulls, terns are spotted at the island and some people have even reported seeing the monarch flycatcher. Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat. A 1.5 hour motor boat ride or a 30 minute speedboat trip from Alappuzha gets you to this bird watcher’s paradise. The name 'Pathiramanal' means 'Sands of Night'.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Ernakulam
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is located 12 km from Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district of Kerala. The sanctuary is named after Dr. Salim Ali, a renowned Indian ornithologist who is often referred to as the "Birdman of India." Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is home to over 300 species of birds, including several endemic and endangered species.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Kozhikode
This sanctuary is located in the Kozhikode district and is home to several migratory bird species like the sandpiper, redshank, and greenshank. It is also home to resident bird species like the brahminy kite and the white-bellied sea eagle. The sanctuary is well known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs. Some species of snakes, cobras, vipers and kraits also live here.
