Nestled along the banks of the Periyar River in Kerala’s lush Western Ghats, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is one of South India’s most celebrated birding destinations. Often called the “Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary,” Thattekad is a paradise of tropical evergreen forests, bamboo thickets, riverine habitats, and rich endemic birdlife.
The sanctuary is especially famous for its Western Ghats endemics and is one of the finest places in India to photograph rainforest birds in dense jungle settings.
Pleasant weather
Best bird activity
Excellent photography conditions
Hot but productive for sightings
Good vocal activity
Heavy monsoon
Forest becomes extremely lush
Birding possible but difficult during rains
Malabar Trogon
Sri Lanka Frogmouth
Malabar Grey Hornbill
White-bellied Treepie
Indian Pitta
Ceylon Frogmouth
Heart-spotted Woodpecker
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher
Crimson-backed Sunbird
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
Nearest airport:
Cochin International Airport
Approximately 65 km away.
Nearest railway stations:
Aluva Railway Station
Ernakulam Junction
Easily accessible from Kochi
Good roads through scenic Kerala countryside
Approx. 2–3 hours drive from Kochi
Recommended stay options:
Jungle Bird (Highly Recommended)
Riverside homestays
Eco-resorts
Forest guesthouses
Best areas:
Thattekad village
Near Bhoothathankettu
Periyar river side properties
Staying close to the forest entrance allows access to early morning bird activity.
Binoculars
Telephoto lens
Rain protection for equipment
Extra batteries and memory cards
Light breathable clothing
Quick-dry trekking wear
Waterproof jacket during monsoon
Leech socks in rainy season
Mosquito repellent
Torch/headlamp
Reusable water bottle
Basic medicines
Power bank
Early morning forest trails are extremely productive
Overcast rainforest light favors soft photography
Bird calls are crucial for locating species
Patience is key in dense rainforest habitats
One of the best Western Ghats birding hotspots
Rich rainforest ecosystem
Excellent endemic bird diversity
Ideal for tropical forest bird photography
Accessible yet biologically rich
Bhoothathankettu Dam
Kochi
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Munnar
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Sanjay Dubri National Park Safari Guide
Jim Corbett National Park Safari Guide
Kaziranga & Manas Safari Guide
Gir National Park Safari Guide
Nagarhole & Kabini Safari Guide
Dudhwa National Park Safari Guide
Periyar Tiger Reserve Safari Guide