Introduction 
Thattekkad, in Devikulam taluk, Idukki district, central Kerala. is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. It is the exotic microcosm of s bird population that brought Dr. Salim Ali to this place. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of the reknowned Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary to a large extent.

Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahagony, etc. The dense forest is also the home of nearly 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles.The globally acclaimed bird sanctuary here owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist.

Bird Sanctuary
Spread across 25 sq. km. the sanctuary lies between the tributaries of the river Periyar like a peninsula. Rare birds like the Crimson-throated Barbet, Bee eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite, Night Heron, Falcon, Grey Jungle Fowl, White-Breasted Water Hen, Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmoth, Rose-billed Roller and Blue-winged Parakeet live here. 

This sanctuary is located about 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district.The place  can be accessed by rail from Aluva, about 48 km away, and by air, from Cochin International Airport, about 44 km away. 

For more details, visit www.Ernakulam.com