The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, ranks among India’s premier birding destinations. Nestled in the picturesque Idukki district of Kerala, this sanctuary spans approximately 25 square kilometers of lush vegetation and serene water bodies. Named after the esteemed Indian ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, who dedicated years to studying the avian life in this region, it boasts an impressive count of 275 species, both native and migratory. Kerala is uniquely positioned between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east, characterized by its evergreen landscapes that flourish due to the monsoon rains. This tropical climate supports a diverse array of birds and mammals that inhabit the sanctuary.
In November, I embarked on a four-day, three-night expedition to this remarkable area, organized by Toehold Photo Tours based in Bangalore. They facilitated accommodation, transportation, and a knowledgeable bird guide. I was accompanied by Ms. Ambica Adiga, a professional photographer serving as our Toehold Skipper, who provided expert guidance on capturing stunning photographs. Our bird guide, Mr. Vimal, was exceptionally skilled, familiar with every bird species in the area and adept at spotting them. Our stay at Eldhose Birding Lodge, a homestay, offered a delightful ambiance with abundant birdlife, excellent photography hides, and good food. However, the lodge itself was quite basic, lacking air conditioning and well-maintained facilities, which was somewhat disappointing. Nonetheless, for access to bird hides and prime birding spots, Eldhose Lodge is unmatched.
Each morning at around 6 AM, we ventured out to observe the bird activity. While the hides were not particularly attractive to many species beyond the common ones, they still provided decent photography opportunities, albeit with a limited variety of birds. This experience paled in comparison to the hides found in Central and South America or the United States.
The sanctuary area is home to approximately 275 documented bird species on eBird, including 27 endemic to the Western Ghats. We successfully identified 69 species during our visit, with 10 being endemic. Among the most striking were the Nilgiri Pigeon, Palani Laughing-Thrush, Malabar Whistling Thrush, White-bellied Sholakili, Nilgiri Pipit, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Asian Emerald Dove, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, and Malabar Grey Hornbill, all of which offered outstanding photographic opportunities.
The landscape around Thattekad features dense forests with underbrush, alongside plantations with sparse forest growth. Birdwatching in this area requires strategic visits to specific locations where birds are known to frequent. We embarked on side trips to various sites, successfully spotting four owl species (Indian Scops Owl, Mottled Wood Owl, Brown Boobook, and Jerdon’s Nightjar) during our nocturnal excursions. Additionally, we observed several endemic species and a variety of mammals, including langurs, snakes (such as the Annamalai Pit Viper and Rat Snake), Malabar Giant Squirrel, Hanuman Langur, Asiatic Elephants, and Indian Gaur.
A trip to Thattekad would be incomplete without a day trip to Munnar, particularly to Eravikulam National Park. Here, visitors can encounter species unique to the Western Ghats’ hill stations, such as the endangered Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Pipit, and the critically endangered Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat. The area is well-equipped with numerous restaurants, hotels, and homestays catering to tourists.
Overall, I had the pleasure of spotting 64 lifers during this visit. The diversity and vibrancy of bird species in this region of India are truly remarkable. For avid birdwatchers and photographers alike, this sanctuary is a must-visit destination in South India. The ideal time to explore is between December and January when both migratory and native species are present. The nearest international airport is conveniently located in Cochin, approximately a two-hour drive away. If you’re interested in visiting, feel free to reach out to me via Gmail or message me for recommendations and tips.
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