SALIM ALI – the ornathologists haven
Prime Attraction: The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Salim Ali at a glance
For those with a avifauna fixation, Salim Ali – the person and the place – both need no introduction. Named after the renowned ornithologist, Sálim Moizuddin Abdul Ali (1896-1987), the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or the locally known Thattekad Sanctuary is a invaluable treasure of the Western Ghats, located in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Edging it is the glorious Periyar river, the same waterbody wherein the tigers of the Periyar Tiger Reserve come to quench their thirst.
Wildlife Adventure in Salim Ali
The ‘Birdman of India’, Salim Ali once described this place “the richest bird habitat in peninsular India”. The Thattekad Sanctuary, with an area of 25.16 sq km was established in 1983. Its mangrove swamps form an ideal hostage to a phenomenal avifauna population consisting of around 250 rare species which includes the Indian Swiftlet, Malabar Grey-Hornbill, Hawk-Eagle, Oriental Darter, Grey Heron, Bubo bubo Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Eurostopodus macrotis Great Eared-Nightjar, Celeus brachyurus Rufous Woodpecker, Snipe and so on.
The mammalian denizens include elephant, sambar, barking deer, bonnet macaques, giant squirrels, Travancore flying squirrel and the snakes foundhere are Indian rock python, the Russell’s viper and saw-scaled viper.
Reaching Salim Ali
The sanctuary is 13 km north-east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti road. The nearest railway station is Aluva at a distance of 48 km. Kochi, the nearest airport is 71 km away. Kothamangalam is well connected by privately operated buses to Ernakulam via Muvattupuzha or Perumbavoor. There are frequent buses from Kothamangalam to Thattekad.
Don’t forget to check these out....
Accommodation optionsThere is a three storied watch tower inside the Sanctuary with two beds, a toilet and a kitchen. No electricity here but there is are a few solar powered lamps. A forest department inspection bungalow called Hornbill is located near the sanctuary entrance. There is a dormitory just inside the sanctuary which is ideal for large groups. Accommodation is also available at the PWD rest house near the Bhoothathankett Dam and in lodges in Kothamangalam.
Prime Attraction: The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Salim Ali at a glance
For those with a avifauna fixation, Salim Ali – the person and the place – both need no introduction. Named after the renowned ornithologist, Sálim Moizuddin Abdul Ali (1896-1987), the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or the locally known Thattekad Sanctuary is a invaluable treasure of the Western Ghats, located in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Edging it is the glorious Periyar river, the same waterbody wherein the tigers of the Periyar Tiger Reserve come to quench their thirst.
Wildlife Adventure in Salim Ali
The ‘Birdman of India’, Salim Ali once described this place “the richest bird habitat in peninsular India”. The Thattekad Sanctuary, with an area of 25.16 sq km was established in 1983. Its mangrove swamps form an ideal hostage to a phenomenal avifauna population consisting of around 250 rare species which includes the Indian Swiftlet, Malabar Grey-Hornbill, Hawk-Eagle, Oriental Darter, Grey Heron, Bubo bubo Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Eurostopodus macrotis Great Eared-Nightjar, Celeus brachyurus Rufous Woodpecker, Snipe and so on.
The mammalian denizens include elephant, sambar, barking deer, bonnet macaques, giant squirrels, Travancore flying squirrel and the snakes foundhere are Indian rock python, the Russell’s viper and saw-scaled viper.
Reaching Salim Ali
The sanctuary is 13 km north-east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti road. The nearest railway station is Aluva at a distance of 48 km. Kochi, the nearest airport is 71 km away. Kothamangalam is well connected by privately operated buses to Ernakulam via Muvattupuzha or Perumbavoor. There are frequent buses from Kothamangalam to Thattekad.
Don’t forget to check these out....
Accommodation optionsThere is a three storied watch tower inside the Sanctuary with two beds, a toilet and a kitchen. No electricity here but there is are a few solar powered lamps. A forest department inspection bungalow called Hornbill is located near the sanctuary entrance. There is a dormitory just inside the sanctuary which is ideal for large groups. Accommodation is also available at the PWD rest house near the Bhoothathankett Dam and in lodges in Kothamangalam.
2 comments:
Hi...nice photos...keep up the gud work,...keep posting...
Hi..
Nice photos...keep posting new photos...
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