|
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary This sanctuary is also known as the Thatekkad National Park, India. It is located in Kerala, The God's own land in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar River. The person, after whom this sanctuary has been named, described this sanctuary as the richest bird habitat in Southern India. There are a variety of birds which migrate from many countries and land up in this sanctuary for reasons like breeding, temperature variation and etc. this sanctuary was a forest in the beginning and later t was converted into a land utilized for the cultivation of teak and mahogany plantation. This sanctuary is located in the lowlands of Kerala. Its altitude is about 35-523 m in the Nijayapilli peak. Its area extends to about 25.16 square kilometers. The annual rainfall in this region is 2500 mm and the forest type is tropical semi-evergreen and tropical deciduous. Other than 250 various species of birds, there are mammals like elephants, leopard, sloth bear and porcupine. The ways to reach this particular destination is not that difficult. The Thattekad National Park, India is 13 km north-east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti road. The railway station which is nearest is Aluva at a distance of 48 km. the nearest airport is Kochi and it is 71 km away. There is another at Nedumbassery which is comparatively closer. Kothamangalam is connected by private buses to Ernakulam via Muvattupuzha or Perumbavoor. The conveyance to Thattekad from Kothamangalam is generally through buses. Types of the Birds: There is no problem of accommodation in this bird sanctuary. There is a three storied watch tower inside the sanctuary with two beds, a toilet and a kitchen. There is no electricity here, but there are solar powered lamps and other electrical appliances which operate on the same principle. There is a forest department also inside, which is located at the entrance of the sanctuary. Other accommodations are also available at the PWD rest house near the Bhoothathankett Dam and in the lodges in Kothamangalam. For further information, the respective Forest officers can be contacted. The various types of beautiful species of birds include Collocalia unicolor Indian Swiftlet, Ocyceros griseus Malabar Grey-Hornbill, Spizaetus cirrhatus Changeable Hawk-Eagle and many more.
|
