Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Kochi - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 13 km from Kothamangalam, and 62 km from Kochi, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a protected area located at Thattekkad near Kochi, Kerala. Also known as Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, it is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India, and among the major places to visit as part of Kochi tour packages.

Spread across 25 Sq. km at the foothills of Western Ghats, the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary was established in 1983 and is the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. Lies across the Periyar River, this sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist. His famous survey of Travancore in the 1930s led to the formation of this modern-day paradise for avian life. This is one of the popular places to visit near Kochi.

The sanctuary is home to about 300 species of birds including Peninsular Bay Owl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Malabar Gray Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Rose-Billed Roller, etc. It also boasts of over 28 mammal species and over 9 species of reptiles. The place offers one of the best boating options in River Periyar. A brief ride on the river might take you close to cormorants, kingfishers, and many other birds, which feed off fish and other small creatures in the water.

There is a deer park inside the sanctuary. Adjacent to the deer park, the Taxidermic Museum showcases the natives of the region. The entrance to the sanctuary lies across the bridge at Thattekkad. There are several trekking trails inside the bird sanctuary for the daily visitors such as Salim Ali Bird Trail, Black Baza Trail, and Trogon Trail. A walk through the interior of the woods will be a great experience and it also helps you in spotting and identifying those birds, which otherwise for the untrained eyes of a traveller, remain invisible. The guides can be hired at Assistant Wildlife Office near the entrance gate.

Vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary. Thattekkad is connected by private/public vehicles from Kothamangalam which is connected with Kochi by Bus.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.

Trekking: 6 AM - 9 AM & 3 PM - 6 PM

Entry: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 100 for Foreigners, Rs. 25 for Still Camera, & Rs. 150 for Video Camera

Trekking Cost: Rs. 45 per Person for Salim Ali Bird Trail, Rs. 500 per Person for Black Baza Trail, & Rs. 500 per Person for Trogon Trail