Tips My Travel

Place	:	Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu
Main attraction	:	Migratory Birds
Best time to visit	:	November, February
Entry Time	:	6 am to 5.30 pm

Place : Kothamangalam Taluk, Ernakulam District, Kerala Best season : November to February Main Attraction : Migratory Birds Salim Ali Bird sanctuary commonly known as Thattekkadu bird sanctuary in the village of Kuttambuzha in Kothamangalam Taluk on the northern banks of the Periyar river is at a distance of 58kms from Kochi. Around 34 species of mammals, 270 sp of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 15 species of amphigians and 47 species of fishes are reported from the sanctuary. It was once a rubber plantation and due to its specialty wildlife, Thattekkad was declared a sanctuary on August 27, 1983. The sanctuary is Kerala's first officially recognised bird sanctuary. The rare species of birds and the natural beauty itself makes Thattekkad a preferred tourist destination for bird lovers. Around 10000 tourists annually visits Thattekad.  The lush green sanctuary at an altitude of 35-523m above sea level, occupies a dense jungle area measuring 25sq.km. Dr.Salim Ali, the celebrated ornithologist of India was the main architect of this sanctuary. Described by him, Thattekkad is the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with eastern Himalayas. He discovered 167 species of birds here. It is Dr.R.Sugathan, one of the research students of Dr. Salim Ali and the Bombay Natural History Society has discovered that 327 species of birds inhabit this sanctuary. Now the sanctuary comes under Idukki Wildlife Warden and it is managed by the Kerala Forest Department.  On either side of the sanctuary is the reservoir of the Bhoothathankettu Dam. The entrance is just after the Thattekkad bridge and the entrance gate is 50m to the left. Near to this, guides can be hired from the Assistant Wildlife Warden's Office. Inside the entrance is surrounded by thick bamboo clusters. On the way, steps to the right lead down to the Animal Rehabilitation Centre. The stray sick, injured or wounded animals are rehabilitated here and will be release after it get cured. The sanctuary has a deer park, situated just opposite to the Rehabilitation Centre. Chital and Sambhar can be seen in its open premises. Besides these, Thattekkad has the Taxidermic Museum located near to the Deer Park. The museum consists a large variety of the sanctuaries habitants that were neatly showcased. Among them birds like, the powerful crested hawk eagle, the gorgeous paradise flycatcher, the tropic bird and 8-ft long King Cobra deserve mention. Facilities A Demonstration plot is also set up inside the sanctuary for medicinal plants. Besides this, a bird research centre, Interpretation center (has a detailed information about the sanctuary, birds, animals and reptiles), a three storied Bird watching chamber with winding staircase. On the either sides of the sanctuary is the reservoir of the Bhoothankettu Dam. On the other sides are the Periyar and Pooyamkutty Rivers. One can enjoy the boating through Periyar. The visitors are also provided with binoculars to enjoy the sight at close quarters.   'Kalypso Adventures' offers a facility to spot butterflies and a 7-day butterfly spotting tours through Kerala.  Phone: 0484-2310324, 2092280, 09447031032 Flora The forest of Thattekad Sanctuary is classified as thickly wooded, Semi and perennial evergreen forest mainly. It also has extensive plantations of teak, Dalbergia latfilia (Rosewood), Palanquium ellipticum, Hopea parviflora, Canarium strictum, Dalbergia latifolia, Lagerstroemia microcarpa, Evodia aiunenkanda and Terminalia paniculata, Tetrameles nudiflora , Telli etc.  There is also some deciduous species of forests that periodically shed their leaves. The undulating terrain is covered by mostly by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, and grasslands. Fauna The sanctuary is a home to 500 species of exotic birds including the rare birds like Pitts, Crimson-Throated Barbet, Bee-eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Pariah Kite etc. The Bee-eaters that weigh only 15 gm are from Siberia and the Himalayas. Pitts are from Central Asia and Siberia. A variety of koels from Iran, Iraq, Siberia and North India can be seen here. Seven types of water birds fly out from Britian, Siberia and the Himalayas. These birds come here, breed and lay eggs and finally fly back to their original homes. October is the best time to see this migratory birds. The return trips of these birds take place during April, which is the mating season.  Some of the other bird species in Thattekad are Hornbill, Dollar bird, Whistling thrust, Bluebeard, Greyhead, Fishing eagle, Black-winged kite, Night heron, Eastern grey heron, Drango, Common Crow, Sun Bird, Woodpecker, Robin, Jungle fowl, Jungle mynah, Skrykz, Owls, King fisher, Hawks, Darter etc.  The mammals found here are elephant, Deer, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Leopard, Bear, Monkey, Jungle Cat, Pig etc. Different species of reptiles likes Indian Rock Python, King Cobra, Russel's Viper, Saw scaled Viper and Crocodiles can be seen in Thattekkad. The sanctuary also boast a variety of extremely colourful butterflies. The Madras Naturalists Society has documented over 50 species of butterflies here. Some of them are Malabar rose, Southern or Western Ghats birdwing, lime butterfly, Malabar banded swallowtail, red Helen, Buddha peacock, Paris peacock, Tamil catseye, blue mormon, the Malabar raven etc. The use of vehicles are not permitted inside the sanctuary. The timings open for visitors are 8 am to 6 pm. Guide: No Fixed Charges Entry Fee : Adults - Rs 10/- For Children below 12 years and Bonafide students on tour - Rs 5/- Foreigners : Rs 100/- Fee for Video/Movie Camera : Rs 150/- Ordinary Camera : Rs 25/- How to Reach Air: Nearest Airport is Cochin 71 Kms. away Rail: Nearest Railway Station is Aluva 48 Kms. away Road : The sanctuary is 13 km north-east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti road. The route from Kothamangalam is; Kothamangalam via Perumbavoor > State roads to Keerampara (12km). From Keerampara take boat to Thattekkad Sanctuary.

Place : Mehsana distritct, Gujarat State Main attraction : Migratory Birds Best time to visit : November-February Entry Fee : 6 am to 5.30 pm

A birder’s paradise as well as a photographer's, Thol Wildlife sanctuary is actually a beautiful lake like the nearest bird sanctuary Thol. Covers an area of 7 sq km, it is located north of Ahmedabad, in Mehsana District. It was established in 1912 as an irrigation tank (storage capacity of 84,000,000 m³) and command area of 5.6 mi² and catchment area of 59 mi² when the Maharajas of Baroda ruled parts of this district. And due to its popularity amongst the bird fraternity, it earned the status of a sanctuary in November 1988. It's land surrounding the lake provide sufficient amount of food for the birds while the hydrological ecosystem takes care of the other species.  The vegetation of the Sanctuary comprises scrub forests which makes an ideal location to about 80 species of waterfowls. During winter and spring seasons, thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to this sanctuary. Some of the migratory birds includes Common Teal, Northern Pintail, White Storks, Greater Flamingoes, Greater White Pelicans, Rosy Pelicans, Herons, Common Pochard, Northern Shoveler, and Brahminy Ducks.  Flora The sanctuary boast emergent and floating aquatic plants along with some terrestrial trees and herbs which includes Desi baval, Bor, Neem, Vad, Pilu, Gando baval, Kerdo etc. Fauna High species diversity of water birds is the main attraction for an eco-tourist. Besides migratory birds, some of the resident birds are Purple Swamp hen, Indian Roller, Green Bee-eater, Purple Sunbird, Darters, Greater Coucal, Drongos, Painted Storks, Cormorants, Grey and Purple Heron, and Ibises. Timing: 6 am to 5.30 pm; Fee : Rs. 20/- from Monday to Saturday and Rs. 25/- on Sunday. How to Reach The sanctuary is about 40 kms. away from Ahmedabad.

Place:       Kanchipuram District, Tamilnadu
Main attraction:  Migratory Birds

Best time to visit: November to April
Entry Time: 6 am to 6 pm


Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary with a 30 hectre wide lake is located in the Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. 30,000 birds from various countries like Siberia, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka migrate here after the monsoon. The sanctuary is about 75 km from Chennai on National Highway 45 south of Chengalpattu.

The oldest bird sanctuary in India, it has been in existence for more than 200 years. The area was a favourite hunting reserve for the local landlords. Vedanthangal was originally protected since 1798 by the locals. In 1936, the area was notified as a sanctuary, and in 1962, the Madras Forest Act legally accorded the status of a reserve forest to Vedanthangal. Ten years later, in 1972 it was upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act.

The region attracted a variety of birds because it was dotted with small lakes that acted as feeding grounds for the birds. A grove of Barringtonia and Acacia Nilotica trees in a tank form part of the sanctuary. In addition dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests can also be seen.

Breeding birds like Great cormorant, Egrets, Grey and Purple heron, Painted stork, Open- billed stork, darter, Asian openbill, Eurasian spoonbill, While Ibis, Night Herons, Spot billed pelican, Grebes, Grey Pelican etc visit the sanctuary. The population of migratory birds included Garganey Teals, Shovellers, Pintails, Stilts, Sandpipers etc. December - January is the best season to watch these birds.

Some of the resident birds listed are White-breasted Kingfisher, Coots and Moorhen, Terns. In all 115 species of birds have been recorded in the this sanctuary. A very well-maintained sanctuary, one can watch the birds from the observation tower on the edge of the water. Binoculars affixed to these tower. One can walk along a shaded raised path along the bank of the lake to see the nesting colonies of birds. About 10,000 - 30,000 birds are estimated to arrive at the beginning of the breeding season.



Besides birds, there are mammals seen here like Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Black-naped Hare etc.

Entry Fee: Rs. 5, Camera fee Rs. 25, Video-camera fee Rs. 150 Open: Daily 6-6; Freelance Naturalist guides are also available.

How to Reach

Air: Chennai - 58 km away

Rail: Chengalpattu - 30 km away

Road: Regular buses from Chennai, Tambaram and Chengalpattu. Route from Chennai - Take NH45 to Chengalpet (35km)- Continue to Padalam Jn- Turn Right to the Sanctuary Road-. From Chengalpattu Old Bus Stand buses are available every hour to reach Vedanthangal Sanctuary (12km). The sanctuary can also be reached from Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.