"In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence", said Robert Lynd. True, the world of birds is unique and far away from our imagination. Since, we (humans) have driven them out of our (so-called) lands, we have to go in search of their lands to see them. The real fun is only in sighting birds in their free world and not in zoos. So, shall we visit God's Own Country to spot some of these colourful creatures? On the occasion of World Sparrow day 2022, we are taking you around the famous bird sanctuaries in Kerala where you can easily spot free-flying sparrows and other beautiful birds.
Little Green Bee-Eater
Photo Courtesy: Lip Kee Yap
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
No surprise if you hear numerous cuckoos singing together to their heart's content here! That means you are probably in the "Cuckoo Paradise" of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. Ofcourse, there are others like Oriental Darter (with a niche to catch fishes), Orange Headed Thrush (with a beautiful orange head and greyish-blue body), cute Collared Scop Owls, varieties of Cuckoos and many more in this beautiful Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Eranakulam. Thattekad is also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary as he has made tremendous contribution.
Black-crested Bulbul
Photo Courtesy: Lip Kee Yap
Best Time to Visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
The period from October to March is the best time to visit Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.
How to Reach Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is around 65km from Kochi and 50km from Aluva. It is around 13km from Kothamangalam. The bird sanctuary can be reached by bus from Kochi and Aluva. The nearest rail route is the Aluva Railway Station. Kochi Airport is the nearest airport.
Accommodations Near Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Jungle Bird Homestay, Soma Birds Lagoon Resort, Dollar Bird Lake Retreat and Hornbill Camp are some nearby accommodations near Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Photo Courtesy: Ashwin Kumar
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Once known as Baker's Estate, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the famous bird sanctuaries in Kerala. Bordered by the Vembanad Lake and Kavanar River, this sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers. The lush green vegetation supported by the water bodies attracts numerous migratory birds as well as indigenous species. Siberian cranes, cuckoo, egrets, pin-tailed duck, spot-billed duck, steppe eagle, etc. birds can be seen here.
Best Time to Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Water birds are mainly seen during the June to August as it is the breeding season. Whereas, the time from November to May is the best time to visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary as we can catch up with the migratory birds.
Loten's Sunbird
Photo Courtesy: Lip Kee
How to Reach Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom is around 15km from Kottayam. It is well-connected by road from places like Kochi and Kottayam. There are regular buses and trains to Kottayam. Koch Airport is the nearest airport to Kumarakom.
Accommodations Near Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Illikalam Lake Side Cottages, Cocobay Resort, Lakshmi Hotel and Resort, Manor Backwater Resort are some of the hotels you can try in Kumarakom.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Photo Courtesy: Dhruvaraj S
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary has been a delight for nature lovers and bird watchers. It is one of the beautiful destinations located on the banks of Kadalundipuzha river in Kozhikode. It is one of the rich habitats for migratory and indegenous birds. Brahminy Kites, sandpipers, herons, sandplovers, etc. are found here. No doubt it is one of the famous yet offbeat destinations in Kerala.
Top Places to Visit in Kozhikode
Best Time to Visit Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Winter is the best time to visit as you can see migratory birds and native species. So, the months from November to April is the best time to visit Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary.
Kadalundi
Photo Courtesy: Dhruvaraj S
How to Reach Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is around 21km from Kozhikode (Calicut).
Click: How to Reach Kozhikode
Accommodations Near Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Kozhikode is a popular tourist place and there are many stay options here. Hyson Hertiage, The Rabiz Resort and Spa, Hotel Asma Tower, Hotel Monad are some nice stay options in Kozhikode (Calicut).
Interiors of Mangalavanam
Photo Courtesy: Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is the beautiful green patch in the heart of Kochi. It has a mangrove vegetation with a small canal connected to the backwaters of Kochi. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary has a wide variety of migratory birds and native birds. It is one of the famous bird sanctuaries in Kerala which is in the middle of a city. Unfortunately, it is getting disturbed by the constructions around the sanctuary. However, many efforts are made to restore the virgin habitat.
Best Time to Visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
The time from January to March is the best time to visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary.
How to Reach Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is just behind the Kerala High Court in Kochi. It is well-connected to the other parts of the city.
Accommodations Near Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Baywatch Beach Homes, Fort Garden Residency, Sonnetta Residency, Green Woods Bethlehem Hotels are some of the good accommodations in Kochi.
Birds are the natural treasures; like other wildlife, they are also hit by the urbanization. In such times, these bird habitats are helping them sustain. So, it becomes our responsibility to protect the remaining habitats and also improve them. Yes, these are also tourist places but make sure you don't disturb or hurt these birds. As tourists, it is our responsibility to watch them from a distance and enjoy the sight. That is the only way we can see them and also protect them.