Do you fancy a bird-watching tour to Kerala? If so, we’ll tell you about the famous bird sanctuaries in Kerala where you can meet a great many local beauties, iconic species, and migration spectacles.
Kerala lures thousands of nature-loving travellers every year with its profound beauty and natural grandeur. The beautiful state boasts a massive variety of bird species, thanks to the lush green tropical forests, waterlogged paddy fields, and numerous freshwater and brackish lakes. Bird sanctuaries in Kerala are one of the popular tourist attractions for families, especially bird lovers, as they provide an ideal opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and observe the enthralling birds in their natural habitat. So, if you are someone who loves nature and birds, Kerala should be on top of your travel bucket list.
Here’s the list of Famous Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The favourite haunt of migratory birds, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the top bird-watching destinations in India. It is situated at Kumarakom, in the Kottayam district of Kerala, on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Take a boat trip through Vembanad Lake around the sanctuary and you will see Siberian Stork, Heron, Egret, Darter, and Teal that migrate from Siberia and the Himalayas. The best time to visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is between June and August. To watch migratory birds at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, November to February is the ideal time.
(click here) to know the tourist attractions of Kumarakom.
Avian Fauna of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary includes: Local birds like Kingfishers, owls, parrots, woodpeckers, and Indian darter, as well as migratory birds like Siberian cranes, various species of herons, darters, bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harriers, teals, larks and flycatchers.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary/Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
This is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India. Blessed with rich and varied birdlife, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary/Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to the internationally renowned scientist and ornithologist, Dr.Salim Ali – known as the ‘Bird Man of India‘.
(click here) to find the tourist attractions of Cochin.
It is situated in Thattekad, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. At Thattekad Bird Sanctuary you will come across many different kinds of birds, both forest birds and water birds. Bird watchers are keen to visit this sanctuary between November to February during which they can spot migratory birds as well. It is indeed one of the best places for birdwatching in Kerala.
Avian Fauna of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary/Thattekad Bird Sanctuary includes: Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Malabar Gray Hornbill, Racket-tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Yellow-Brood Bulbul, Rufus Babbler, White-Bellied Treepie, Jungle Myna, Malabar Parakeet, Common Myna, Black Cormorant, Whistling Duck, Red Kingfisher, Water Hen, Yellow Oriole, Little Tern, Rufous Woodpecker, Crested Eagle, etc.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Being the nesting ground of a large variety of migratory birds, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is an attractive destination for birdwatchers and twitchers. Well-known as the “Green lung of Kochi“, Mangalavanam is an ecologically sensitive area, situated in the middle of Kerala’s metro city, Kochi. It is also one of the best places to visit in Kerala with family and friends.
Also Read:- Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Kerala
This posh wetland is also known for its vast mangrove vegetation and offers a splendid place to relax and enjoy the greenery and nature’s beauty. The best part is that the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department conducts a free nature camp at this sanctuary that gives you a chance to explore nature to its fullest. The best season to visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is mid-January to early march.
Avian Fauna of Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary includes: Little Cormorant and Black-Crowned Night Heron, besides several other bird species.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is one of the best birding areas in Kerala that offers its visitors a unique chance of watching rare avian species. November to April is considered the ideal time to visit Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary as you can spot a lot of migratory birds here during this season.
Also Read:- Lesser Known Facts about Kerala
This picturesque sanctuary is situated in the Malappuram district of Kerala. The dense green mangrove forests and the freshwaters of the Kadalundi River that flows nearby make this sanctuary a healthy habitat for birds to thrive.
Avian Fauna of Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary includes: Brahminy Kites, Seagulls, Herons, Cormorants, Red and Greenshanks, Terns, Sandpipers, Sand Plovers, and Turnstones.
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary in Wayanad is a haven for trekkers who love birds. The steep hills, virgin forests, and charming streams together offer challenging avenues for trekking.
Also Read:- Top 10 best tourist places in Wayanad
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is home to some of the rarest avian species and is best known for the presence of `Edible Nest Swift Light‘ that makes its nest with solidified saliva and is the main ingredient of bird’s nest soup, a delicacy of Chinese cuisine. It is undoubtedly a wonderful bird-watching site in India. November to February is the best time to visit Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary.
Avian Fauna of Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary includes: Edible Nest Swift Light, Peacock, Woodpecker, Cuckoo, Babbler, Owl, and Jungle Fowl, along with many exotic species.
Pathiramanal Island
Pathiramanal Island is considered one of the best places in India to go for bird watching. This charming, picturesque island situated on the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey is home to hundreds of rare birds that migrates from different parts of the world. It’s a lush green heaven adorned with thick groves of mangroves, mango trees, and coconut palms and is surrounded by the mighty Vembanad Lake. And the Island is accessible only via boat.
(click here) to find the tourist attractions of Alleppey.
The boat trip to Pathiramanal Island is a soul-soothing experience. Owing to its rich biodiversity, it is declared the first local biodiversity heritage site of Alappuzha/Alleppey.
Avian Fauna of Pathiramanal Island includes: Rare Monarch Flycatchers, Cormorants, Gulls, Egrets, Darters, Kingfishers, and many other exotic species.
If you find yourself in Kerala for a vacation, make sure you make a stop at any of these incredible destinations to revel in the joy of bird watching.
Have you ever been to any of these Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala? If yes, share with us your wonderful experience of birdwatching in Kerala.
Kerala Tourism Holiday offers various tour packages and customized tour packages to discover the unique festivals and traditions of Kerala.
Enquire now and grab the best deals and offers.
Feel free to visit www.keralatourism.holiday and get the best deals for your itineraries.