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BIRD
SANCTURIES
 Situated in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District, Kerala,
Thattekad bird sanctuary is spread over 25.16 sq.km area. Set up in 1983
at the instance of Dr. Salim ali, the sanctuary boasts of 253 kinds of
birds(identified by BNHS) which include the rare frogmouth. Over 50 species
of butterflies have been documented here by Madras Naturalists Society.
The sanctuary is the catchment area of Bhoothathankett Dam.
Undulating terrain, has mixed deciduous forest with patches of grassland.
The teak trees with sparse leaves make bird watching easier even for untrained
eyes. The birds commonly spotted are, Indian roller, common snipe, crow
pheasant, jungle nightjar, kite, grey drongo, Malabar trogon, woodpecker,
large pied wagtail, baya sparrow, grey jungle fowl, Indian hill mynah,
Robin, babblers and darter. If you are lucky you may spot these rare birds
too. Crimson throated barbett, bee-eaters, sunbird, shrike, fairy blue
bird, grey headed fishing eagle, black winged kite, night heron. Grey
heron, Malabar shama, Common grey hornbill and Malabar hornbill. 
The sanctuary has its share of fauna too. The elephant is an
occasional visitor. Leopard, bear, porcupine, python and cobra are sighted.
How to reach: Kochi, the nearest airport is 71 km from Thattekad. The
nearest railway station is Aluva, 48 kms away. Travel by road from Kochi
to Kothamangalam. The sanctury is 13 km north east of Kothamangalam along
the Pooyamkutty road. A ferry operates across the Periyar river to take
you into the sanctuary. Accommodation: Lodging facilities are available
at the PWD rest house near Bhoothathanket Dam. Private lodges are available
at Kothamangalam. For the avid bird watcher who wants to spend quiet days
within the sanctuary, there is a tower house with double bed and bath
which need to be booked in advance.
For advance booking and further details, contact
The Assistant Wildlife Warden, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Njayapilli
P.O, Kothamangalam(Via), Kerala. Or The Wildlife Warden, Idukki Wildlife
Division, Vellappara, Painavu P.O, Idukki Dist.,685603, Phone :271
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