:: Wildlife in India :: [Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary]

About Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Siberian Crane

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, also known as Thattekkad, is situated in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The sanctuary, named after the famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, was established in the year1983. Besides being a paradise for bird watchers, the place is also home to a large number of animals and reptiles. An estimated 300 species of birds are said to be found here.

The sanctuary is open throughout the year, with the months of Nov to June being the best time to visit as it is the time of arrival for migratory birds from the north. Avoid the monsoons (July-Aug) as heavy rains often flood the place.

Flora and Fauna in Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The flora of the sanctuary largely consists of mangrove shrubbery.

veritable paradise for bird-watchers, the sanctuary plays host to exotic varieties of avian species. During the winter season, migratory birds flock to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in large numbers. Apart from birds, flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles are found in the sanctuary.

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Major Wildlife Attractions - Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The undulating terrain of the area is covered with tropical evergreen and semi evergreen forests and grasslands. Prominent among the numerous variety of trees found in the region are teak, rosewood, jungle jack, red sandalwood, Lagerstroemia microcarpa and terminalia paniculata.

Often described as a paradise for bird watchers, some of the birds found here include the peninsular bay owl, ceylon frogmouth, Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar trogon, crested serpent eagle, rose billed roller, crimson throated barbet, fairy bluebird, Malabar pied and great Indian hornbill.

The place is also home to some species of mammals and reptiles which include elephant, sambar, barking deer, bonnet macaque, giant squirrels, travancore flying squirrel, vine snake, Indian rock python, king cobra, Russell's viper and saw scaled viper.

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Other Attraction in- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Safaris:
Vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary. The best way to explore the place in on foot, where it is compulsory to take along a guide. Moreover the guide will also help increase your knowledge and identify the hundreds of species of flora and fauna.

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Best Time to Visit - Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The best time to sight The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is in the month of November to January
(The sanctuary remains open round the year).

How to Get there

Air: Kochi International Airport, Nedumbassery is the nearest airport.

Rail: Ernakulam is the nearest railhead, connected by daily trains from Delhi.

Road: To reach from Kochi, take the NH47 to Aluva. From here, follow the state highway 16 to Kothamangalam via Perumbavoor from where a state road will take you to Keerampara. Finally, take a ferry ride to the sanctuary.

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General Info / Tips

It is compulsory to hire a guide to travel inside the sanctuary. As it is, this will help you gain immense knowledge and identify the numerous species of wildlife. Guides can be hired from the assistant wildlife warden's office located near the bridge. There are no fixed charges for the guides.

The entrance to the sanctuary is 50 mts left of the Thattekkad bridge. The entry fee counter is also located near by.

Vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary. You can pay the vehicle fee and park your vehicles inside the entry gate.

Some of the park charges include Entry fee : Rs. 10 (Indians) & Rs. 100 (foreigners), Vehicle entry : Rs. 25 (light vehicles) & Rs. 150 (heavy vehicles).

Sanctuary timings are 6AM to 6PM.

Carry a pair of binocular. Carrying salt may be of help to avoid the leeches.

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Location:	Kerala, India
Nearest Access:	Nedumbassery (49 kms.)
Main Wildlife Found:	Birds, Butterflies
Coverage Area:	25.16-sq-kms