Bird Sanctuaries of Kerala, India

Kerala is bestowed with natural beauty with a combination of mountains, hills, rivers, lakes, backwaters and shoreline. It has contributed towards the growth of many wildlife sanctuaries. The enchanting green forest with its rich flora and fauna makes Kerala one of the much sought after wildlife destinations in India.

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kerala, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home for local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, and migratory birds like the siberian stork, Parrots, teal, larks, lycatchers, wood beetle, egret, darter, heron and teal. The sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. Earlier, it was known as Baker’s Estate.

Distance from Kottayam - 12 kms. Best time to visit - September to March

• Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, located on the northern bank of River Periyar, is one of the popular National Parks in Kerala. Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist, designed this sanctuary. It is home for birds like Indian Roller, Cukoo,Common Snipe, Crow Pheasant, Jungle Nightjar, Kite, Grey Drongo, Malabar Trogon etc.

Best time to visit - September to March

• Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Located 40 kms from Thodupuzha, just above the arch dam, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district spreading over 77sq. kms. With the picturesque lake on the three sides of the sanctuary, a majestic arch dam across two hills and oaming wild animals like elephants and gaur in herds in the semi-evergreen and deciduous forests is a great tourist attraction. It is home for birds like Jungle Fowl, Myna Laughing Thrush, Black Bulbul, Peafowl, Woodpecker, Kingfisher etc. Apart from birds, it is also home for many wild animals.

Best time to visit - September to March

• Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, located 25kms away from Calicut (Kozhikode), is haven for migratory birds like Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sand pipers, Whimbrels etc. Many of the migratory birds flock from the month of November and returns only by the end of April. A vacation trip to these sanctuaries are both enchanting and adventurous experience.

Best time to visit - September to March

• Pakshipathalam

Located in the Brahmagiri Hills, 7 km north-east of Thirunelveli and 38 kms from Mananthavady in Wayanad District. This place can be accessed only by trekking and the trekking route runs through 17 km of wilderness. Some of the rare species of Birds can be seen here from the Watch Tower of this Bird Sanctuary.

Photo courtesy: challiyan (flickr)