Kerala is a very beautiful and popular place in India, its natural beauty is often liked by people. After reaching Kerala, you can take a boat ride in the serene lakes and see the beautiful scenery of nature on the banks of the lakes here.
There are many places that you can visit, but if you are a nature lover then you will like to see different types of bird species here. In this article, we are giving you information about such beautiful places where you can see different species of local and migratory birds.
List of the Top 10 Beautiful Bird Sanctuaries of Kerala:
1. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary has included the most famous bird sanctuary in the country, It is built on the banks of Vembanad Lake in the Kottayam district of Kerala state. It also includes some local birds like the cuckoo, waterfowl, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, etc. Apart from this, migratory birds can also be seen here, including Siberian Crane, Teal, Lark, and Flycatcher.
To see this place, you can take a boat ride here and take a walk to see different species of birds. You can reach the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary via Cochin which is situated at a distance of 80 km from Cochin Airport. The best time to visit this awesome place is from November to February.
Location: Kottayam District
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Approx. INR 50 for adults
Things to Do:
- Bird Watching: Spot migratory birds like Siberian cranes, herons, and egrets.
- Boat Rides: Take a boat ride on Vembanad Lake to observe birds in their natural habitat.
- Nature Walks: Explore the sanctuary on foot through well-maintained trails.
- Photography: Capture stunning photos of birds and the picturesque landscape.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (85 km).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam (13 km).
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Kottayam to Kumarakom.
2. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
This is the first bird sanctuary built in the state of Kerala, it is a very interesting place, this place is present among the dense forests and this forest is present on the banks of the Periyar River, for this reason, you can see aquatic birds besides forest birds in this bird sanctuary.
There is a special range of birds, which you can see by reaching here, about 300 species of birds can be seen here, in which many exotic birds along with native birds like Racket-tailed Drongo, Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Bronzed Drongo, Yellow-Brood Bulbul, Rufus Babbler, White-bellied Treepie and Malabar Gray Hornbill.
Here you can take a walking tour to explore this place in a better way so that you can see the birds in a better way and you can also go for a picnic in Bhoothathankettu Park. You can travel 45 km from Cochin airport to reach this place. You can choose the time from October to February to visit here.
Location: Ernakulam District
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Approx. INR 50 for adults
Things to Do:
- Bird Watching: Observe a variety of bird species including the Malabar trogon, Sri Lanka frogmouth, and Indian pitta.
- Guided Tours: Join guided tours for expert insights into the sanctuary’s avian population.
- Trekking: Enjoy short treks through the dense forests and riverbanks.
- Camping: Experience overnight camping within the sanctuary for an immersive experience.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (44 km).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Aluva (48 km).
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Ernakulam and Aluva to Thattekad.
3. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is present in the congested area of Kochi, it is a very peaceful place in the bustling place, which is relaxing to the mind, hence many people also call it the green lung of Kochi, the mangrove vegetation in this bird sanctuary is very dense.
This place is beautiful, it is very useful to control the pollution of the city. There are many beautiful species of birds present here which attract people towards them. Here you get to see more than 30 species of birds.
Apart from the many beautiful species of birds to see in this park, the green environment is very famous. By reaching this place, you can learn about art like fishing, apart from knowing about the historical culture of Kerala. If you are planning to visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, then let us tell you that it is located at a distance of 35 km from Kochi airport.
Location: Kochi
Best Time to Visit: January to March
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do:
- Bird Watching: Spot resident and migratory birds such as egrets, kingfishers, and Brahminy kites.
- Nature Walks: Take leisurely walks along the trails to explore the mangrove forests.
- Photography: Ideal for nature photography enthusiasts.
- Visit Observation Tower: Get a panoramic view of the sanctuary from the observation tower.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (30 km).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Town (2 km).
- By Road: Located in the heart of Kochi, easily accessible by local transport.
4. Pathiramanal Island
Kerala is famous for its natural wealth, and Pathiramanal Island is also very popular, it is located in the middle of the famous Vembanad lake of Kumarakom. You can visit this place to see different species of birds, although this place has the status of a bird sanctuary.
No, but by reaching this island, you can see more than 90 species of local birds, besides about 50 species of migratory birds are present here. Many species of mainly rare monarch flycatchers, cormorants, gulls, egrets, darters, and kingfishers are present at this place, which makes this place very special.
Here you can take a tour by taking a boat or cruise and enjoy this beautiful place. It takes two hours to reach here from Cochin airport. This place is perfect to visit between November to February.
Location: Alappuzha District, in the middle of Vembanad Lake
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do:
- Bird Watching: Observe rare migratory birds such as pintail ducks, night herons, and cormorants.
- Boat Rides: Take a boat ride to the island for a serene and scenic experience.
- Nature Walks: Walk around the island to spot various bird species.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the island and its avian inhabitants.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (85 km).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Alappuzha (13 km).
- By Road: Reach Alappuzha and take a boat from the Muhamma boat jetty to Pathiramanal Island.
5. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
It is an amazing bird sanctuary providing an amazing experience in Kerala that is spread as a group of islands. Here you can get a chance to see birds of beautiful and amazing species. Here you get to see about 60 species of family birds, which are seen in different seasons.
Apart from this, you can also enjoy fishing in Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, in addition to fish, crab, turtles, and many other species of fish seen in the water here. Here you can travel on the whole island by booking a boat and can also see the beautiful views here.
There are many places to see here, of which Lions Park is quite popular. Here you can spend the whole day with your family, besides Bepor Beach, which is very beautiful where you can enjoy the sun. The place is 145 km from Cochin Airport. The best time to travel here is between October to April.
Location: Malappuram District
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: Approx. INR 25 for adults
Things to Do:
- Bird Watching: Spot over 100 species of native and migratory birds, including sandpipers and gulls.
- Boat Rides: Enjoy boat rides on the Kadalundi River for bird watching.
- Nature Walks: Explore the sanctuary on foot to discover its diverse flora and fauna.
- Photography: Ideal for capturing beautiful bird species and river landscapes.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (25 km).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kadalundi (7 km).
- By Road: Accessible by road from Kozhikode (19 km) and Malappuram.
6. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
It is a beautiful place located in the Wayanad district of Kerala which is known as a popular bird sanctuary. This place is also called the heaven of trekkers who love birds and prefer to see different types of birds.
Here You can do a trek for about 3 hours. During this trek, you can see the amazing species of birds among beautiful plains. At this place, you get to see rare ghoslas of birds, which is not possible for everyone to see.
Bandipur National Park is quite a popular place to see this place, besides you can take a safari in the forest, along with this, you can also go to see the ancient caves present in the forest. The place is located at a distance of 245 km from Cochin Airport. If you want to roam this place then the time from November to February is best for here.
Location: Wayanad District
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Entry Fee: Varies; trekking permits required
Things to Do:
- Bird Watching: Spot rare birds like the Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri flycatcher, and laughing thrush.
- Trekking: Undertake a challenging trek through the forest to reach the sanctuary.
- Nature Exploration: Discover the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity including plants and wildlife.
- Camping: Experience camping in the forest for an adventurous stay.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (115 km).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kozhikode (105 km).
- By Road: Accessible by road from Wayanad, with trekking required to reach the sanctuary.
7. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary was established in 1984. It is located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, it is included in the most beautiful places in Kerala, which is present on the slope of the Nelliappi hills, at this place, you can see various species of birds at this place, this place can see this place world K 25 is included in a hot-spot space with biodiversity.
Here you get to see about 160 species of birds. In addition, at this place, you can see various species of faded plants which are found only here, besides you will get a chance to go trekking and bamboo rafting in MoonLight Sonata here. Is.
There are 1000-year-old temples to see at this place which reflect very beautiful artwork, you can get the privilege of seeing many types of wild animals and birds during trekking. This place is only 60 kilometers from Cochin Airport. Located at a distance you can go here between November to April.
Location: Thrissur District
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: Approx. INR 10 for adults
Things to Do:
- Bird Watching: Observe various bird species including the Malabar pied hornbill, grey junglefowl, and Indian koel.
- Trekking: Enjoy trekking trails that offer scenic views and wildlife spotting.
- Boating: Take a boat ride on the Chimmini Dam reservoir for a peaceful experience.
- Nature Walks: Explore the sanctuary’s diverse ecosystem through guided nature walks.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (50 km).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Thrissur (30 km).
- By Road: Accessible by road from Thrissur with regular buses and taxis.
8. New Amarambalam Wildlife Sanctuary
It is a new bird sanctuary in Kerala as it has recently received the status of a bird sanctuary. It is the largest bird sanctuary in Kerala which covers an area of 265.72 square kilometers. You can see the birds of amazing species. Apart from this, there are some limited tourist places here. Here you can enjoy the beautiful environment besides the very attractive species of birds.
To see here, the Mughal architectural style of the Pazhayangadi mosque can see the Teak Museum which is completely made of teak wood. This beautiful sanctuary is located 175 km from the Cochin Airport, you can decide on this journey in five hours. The month of November to March is considered the best to go here.
Location: Nilambur, Malappuram District
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Entry Fee: Varies; entry permits required
Things to Do:
- Bird Watching: Spot rare and endemic bird species like the Malabar whistling thrush and white-bellied treepie.
- Trekking: Participate in guided treks through the dense forest.
- Nature Exploration: Discover the rich biodiversity, including various plant and animal species.
- Photography: Ideal for capturing the sanctuary’s pristine natural beauty.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (90 km).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Nilambur Road (40 km).
- By Road: Accessible by road from Nilambur with regular buses and taxis.
Conclusion
With the help of this article, we learned about the beautiful bird sanctuary in Kerala. By reaching the places mentioned here, you can increase your love for your birds further and fulfill your desire to see many species of these beautiful birds. This is the most popular place in Kerala where you can enjoy the natural beauty and capture the amazing view here forever with your camera.
Kerala is a very beautiful and popular place in India, its natural beauty is often liked by people. After reaching Kerala, you can take a boat ride in the serene lakes and see the beautiful scenery of nature on the banks of the lakes here.
There are many places that you can visit, but if you are a nature lover then you will like to see different types of bird species here. In this article, we are giving you information about such beautiful places where you can see different species of local and migratory birds.
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FAQ: Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala
1. What are the famous bird sanctuaries in Kerala?
The famous bird sanctuaries in Kerala include Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, and Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary.
2. How many bird sanctuaries are there in Kerala?
There are several bird sanctuaries in Kerala, including Kumarakom, Thattekad, Kadalundi, and Pakshipathalam.
3. Which is the biggest bird sanctuary in Kerala?
The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is considered the biggest bird sanctuary in Kerala.
4. Where is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary located?
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located in the Kottayam district, along the banks of Vembanad Lake.
5. What types of birds can be found in Kerala’s bird sanctuaries?
Kerala’s bird sanctuaries host a variety of birds including water birds, migratory birds, and endemic species like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Treepie, and various species of kingfishers and woodpeckers.
6. What is the best time to visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary?
The best time to visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is from November to February when migratory birds are present.
7. Is there a bird sanctuary in Kochi?
Yes, the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is located in Kochi.
8. What is the significance of the Amarambalam Wildlife Sanctuary?
Amarambalam Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, including various species of birds and animals, making it a significant conservation area.
9. Can you name some migratory birds seen in Kerala?
Some migratory birds seen in Kerala include the Siberian Crane, Eurasian Spoonbill, and the Garganey.
10. Are there any bird sanctuaries in Lakshadweep?
Yes, Lakshadweep has bird sanctuaries where various bird species, including water birds, are found.
11. What is the state bird of Kerala?
The state bird of Kerala is the Great Hornbill, also known as the “Indian Hornbill”.
12. What are some of the common water birds found in Kerala?
Common water birds in Kerala include the Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, and various species of ducks and kingfishers.
13. Where is the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary located?
The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is located in the Malappuram district, near the Kadalundi River.
14. What makes the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary unique?
The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is unique for its diverse avian population and its reputation as one of the richest bird habitats in peninsular India.
15. Are there any specific bird-watching activities or facilities in Kerala’s bird sanctuaries?
Yes, most bird sanctuaries in Kerala offer bird-watching towers, guided tours, and educational programs to enhance the bird-watching experience.
