Bird Watching

The abundance of greenery makes Kerala an avian paradise. Over 500 species of birds-both resident and migratory- can be found in the lush green tropical forests, numerous freshwater and brackish lakes and waterlogged paddy fields of the state. From the Kol lands (marshlands and open paddy fields) surrounding the town of Thrissur to the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary in Ernakulam, Kerala abounds birding sites. November to February is the best time to spot migratory birds.

Preferred destinations 

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Ernakulam
Also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary , after the internationally renowned ornithologist, Thattekkad is one of the richest bird habits on peninsular India. Spread across 25 sq.km, it is home to over 300 species of birds like the Srilankan Frogmouth, Racket-tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Whitebellied Treepie, Shama, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Parakeet, White -bellied Blue Flycatcher and Malabar Grey Hornbill.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kottayam
Spread 14 acres, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary has an interesting variety of birdlife like the Indian Darter, Little Cormorant, White Ibis as well as several species of Kingfishers, Egrets, Herons etc. Between the months of November and May, it plays host to rare migratory birds. The Vembanad lake around attracts waterfowl like pin-tailed Duck, Garganey Teal, Spot -billed Duck and birds or prey like Osprey Marsh Harrier, Steppe Eagle etc.