Hornbills Camp at Thattekkadu

About Thattekkad in Kerala

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (also commonly known as the Thattekad Sanctuary) is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar River . The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. Ali described Thattekad in the 1930's as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India , comparable only with the eastern Himalayas . Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. It is the exotic microcosm of India 's bird population that brought Dr. Salim Ali to this place. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent.

Spread across 25 sq. km. the sanctuary lies between the tributaries of the river Periyar like a peninsula. Rare birds like the Crimson-throated Barbet, Bee eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite, Night Heron, Falcon, Grey Jungle Fowl, White-Breasted Water Hen, Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmouth, Rose-billed Roller and Blue-winged Parakeet live here.

Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahogany, etc. The dense forest is also the home of nearly 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles.

Hornbills Camp at Thattekkad

Hornbills Camp at Thattekkad, is so located, to perfectly blend into the forest, so you can enjoy your own private jungle and the spectacular view of the river Periyar. Along its banks, birds flock in their thousands and the cool ambience is the ultimate prize for the birder. Known as the Birder's Paradise , the camp and the adjoining Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is home to over 270 species of birds, including all the endemics. Mottled Wood Owl Spot-bellied Eagle Owl Malayan Night Heron, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Rusty-tailed Flycatcher, Grey-headed Bulbul, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon are some of the rarer species found here.

Besides, the camp has a lot to offer those with a taste for adventure. The Periyar is ideal for river kayaking. Trekkers are rewarded with sightings of Elephants during their unique exposure to this lowland rain forest. Staying at the camp one can indulge in a biking adventure through the spice plantations, forest tracts and quaint villages around the camp.

The Hornbills Camp is ideal for travelers in search of an adventure, who will relish the opportunity to get close to nature, and delight in the sounds of the forest.

Amenities :

• Tent with comfortable beds
• En-suite modern bathroom
• Private sit-outs
• Separate Dining / common area inside the complex
• Eco Friendly environment
• Organic food (with home grown spices)

Experiences include :

• River Kayaking
• Lowland Forest Trekking
• Birding at Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
• Plantation Visit
• Cycling in forest roads & villages
• Local Village visit
• White water rafting
• Visit nature preserves

• Rate include one day programme for a Couple which include all meals
  Kayaking in Periyar River, Cycling tour in the villages.
• Guided tour with Professional Bird Watchers can be co-ordinated upon request.