Thattekad, situated in Ernakulam district, is the place where Thattekkad bird sanctuary, Kerala’s first bird sanctuary was established in 1983. It is the richest natural habitat for birds. The sanctuary covering an area of 25.16 sq.km was first discovered by world renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, who identified the rich avian wealth in this locality. Generally, it is forest zone with the characteristics of evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous forest. Plantations of teak, mahogany, rose wood and the like are also abundant here.

Thattekad is a home to more than 270 species of birds which includes rare breeds such as peninsular Bay owl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Black bazza, Bourdillouis long-eared Indian Nightjar and so on apart from the migratory birds as well as common Indian birds. Different species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish also found here.

A brief boating in Periyar will be a great experience, which will allow you to have closer look at the different bird species. Visitors can undertake self-guided trekking into the woods through the different bird trails, so that you can spot and identify the birds on your own!