Thattekad Eco Rafting

About this place

Thattekkad, home to Kerala’s first bird sanctuary, offers a tranquil boating experience on the Periyar River amid a landscape celebrated for its rich avian diversity and forest ecosystems. The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, officially known as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, covers about 25 square kilometres of lowland forest between branches of the Periyar and was established in 1983 following the recommendations of renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. The sanctuary encompasses tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous and riparian forests, along with grassland patches and plantations, creating a range of habitats for birds and other wildlife. Boating on the Periyar provides a different perspective of this biodiversity-rich landscape, with the river and its surrounding vegetation offering opportunities to observe water-associated birds and other species along the banks. Kerala Tourism notes that cormorants, kingfishers and other birds that feed on fish and small aquatic creatures can be encountered during boat rides. The sanctuary itself is known for its remarkable bird diversity, with species recorded including the Malabar trogon, Indian roller, grey drongo, woodpeckers, Indian hill myna, common snipe and several species of hornbills. Rare sightings reported from the sanctuary include the Ceylon frogmouth, Malabar hornbill, grey-headed fish eagle and crimson-throated barbet. Beyond birdwatching, visitors can explore designated nature trails, including the Salim Ali Bird Trail, which passes through the forest and includes the Butterfly Garden and interpretation centre. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for nature education and wildlife observation, allowing visitors to learn more about the area's habitats and species. Early morning is particularly suitable for birdwatching, when bird activity is generally higher and calls are easier to hear. Kerala Tourism lists February to July as a favourable period for boating, while October to March is regarded as a good season for birdwatching and sanctuary visits, with monsoon conditions potentially affecting access to some areas. Boating is subject to operational and environmental conditions, and the Kerala Forest Department notes that boating is not permitted during dam opening periods. Visitors are expected to follow sanctuary regulations, avoid disturbing wildlife and maintain quiet while observing birds, making the experience as much about responsible nature appreciation as the boat ride itself.

🚆 Railway: Aluva Railway Station — approximately 48 km from Thattekkad.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport — approximately 44 km from Thattekkad.

🚌 Bus: Kothamangalam is the nearest major town, about 12 km from Thattekkad; buses from Kochi/Ernakulam to Kothamangalam can be followed by local road transport to Thattekkad.

🏨 Stay: Forest Department accommodation includes Trogon Nest Tree Hut and other nature-stay options; accredited private accommodation such as Hornbill Camp, River Edge and other homestays is also available in the Thattekkad area.

✅ Notes: Boating availability depends on operational and environmental conditions and is not permitted during dam-opening periods. Kerala Tourism lists February–July as the best period for boating and October–March as a favourable period for birdwatching. Sanctuary activities and eco-tourism packages are subject to availability and prevailing conditions; confirm current availability with the Forest Department before visiting.