Also referred as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is one of the finest bird reserves in the country offering an extensive and colorful variety of residential and migratory birds for bird for bird watching. The thick and dense forested area of the sanctuary is a treat to earnest bird watchers.

Tucked away in Kothamangalam taluk, Ernakulam district, this bird sanctuary beckons people to have a glimpse at the colorful variety of birds. On the recommendation of Dr. Salim Ali, the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1983. Dr. Thattekad or Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary comprises of undulating grasslands, topical evergreen and deciduous forests.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala offers shelter to over 270 species of bird. Covering an area of 25 sq km, this bird sanctuary has a rich collection of birds for avid bird-watchers. As you move further in the woods, you will see Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Rusty-tailed Flycatcher, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malayan Night Heron, Grey-headed Bulbul, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Shrikes, Ceylon Frog Moths, Grey Drongos, Indian Hill Mynas, Blue-winged Parakeets, Black-winged Kites, Crimson-Throated Barbets, Jungle Nightjars, Large-pied Wagtails and the Mottled Wood Owl.

Besides a rich variety of birds, you may also spot Leopards, Elephants, porcupines, Bears, Cobra, Pythons and many other species of animals and reptiles. This fascinating small sanctuary provides accommodation to over 28 species of animals and 9 species of reptiles. It receives 2500 mm of rainfalls annually. The nearest railhead is at a convenient distance of 48 km in Aluva. The nearest airport is in Kochi, which is 71 km away