Kerala is often known for its natural scenic beauty, which attracts many visitors. It has many picturesque destinations that can make you stress-free once you visit them. Bird sanctuaries are where you can relax and watch birds fly, spreading their wings from one place to another. 

If you are planning to visit a bird sanctuary in Kerala, you must have a clear overview. In this article, learn more about the bird sanctuaries you cannot miss while visiting Kerala.

The government of Kerala has established sanctuaries for birds to provide them with a safe place. Here is a list of bird sanctuaries in Kerala which are a must-visit.

1. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kottayam

Also known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, it is the most-visited bird sanctuary in Kerala. There are 91 local and 50 migratory bird species found here. The major attractions are Siberian cranes, wood beetles, skylarks, owls, cuckoos, egrets, water hens, etc. 

Kerala Tourism Development Corporation looks after this sanctuary. You can go for a boat ride to spot birds that fly around the sanctuary. 

• Area Covered: 0.0566 square Km
• Best Time to Visit: June to August
• Average Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 70 km 
• Entry Fee: 
  • ₹100 per person for Indians 
  • ₹250 per person for foreigners
• How to Reach: The nearest railway station to this place is Kottayam Railway Station which is at a distance of about 32 km. You can take taxis or cabs from Kottayam to reach this sanctuary by road.

2. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Kothamangalam

The biggest bird sanctuary in Kerala, Thattekkad, has more than 270 species of birds and several varieties of amphibians, mammals, reptiles and fishes. Some commonly found birds include Malabar hornbill, peninsular bay, crimson-throated barbet, Ceylon frogmouth, etc. It is surrounded by tropical, moist deciduous, tropical semi-evergreen, and riparian forests. 

• Area Covered: 25 square Km
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Time to Spend:  1 to 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 71 Km 
• Entry Fee: 
  • ₹10 per person for Indians 
  • ₹100 per person for foreigners
  • Additional Fee of ₹25 for a still camera and ₹150 for a video camera
• How to Reach: You can take auto-rickshaws, buses, or taxis to reach this place. Buses are easily accessible from Kochi, which is at a distance of 60 km.

3. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Kochi

It is located in the central city of Kochi and is known for its lush green vegetation and rich fauna. A large number of birds from about 72 varied species are found here. It is a home for local and migratory birds visiting here seasonally. 

Apart from birds, there are about 51 spider species, 17 butterfly species, and six mammal species. 

• Area Covered: About 0.0274 square Km
• Best Time to Visit: January to March
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours
• Operational Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 40 Km
• Entry Fee: Free 
• How to Reach: This place is well-accessible from all major cities. You can get auto-rickshaws, buses or taxis from Cochin to reach Mangalavanam Sanctuary.

4. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Malappuram

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is filled with natural beauty, which includes hills, islands, and unique species of birds. It is a bird sanctuary in Kerala that bird watchers frequently visit. You can spot hundreds of local birds and about 60 migratory birds here. People mainly visit here to watch Kingfishers, Malabar Hornbill, woodpeckers, etc.                           

• Area Covered: About 3 square Km
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Average Time to Spend: Around 2 hours 
• Operational Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 23 Km 
• Entry Fee: ₹25 per person
• How to Reach: Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is 19 km from this sanctuary. You will get buses to reach Kadalundi. There are also options for cabs or taxis.

5. Chulanur Peafowl Sanctuary, Palakkad

Chulanur Peafowl Sanctuary is the only bird sanctuary in Kerala built for different kinds of peacocks. You can find many peacocks in the refuge early in the morning and evening. It is a perfect place to capture snapshots of varieties of peacocks and other rare birds and medicinal plants. You can visit here just after the monsoon to observe the beauties of flora and fauna.

• Area Covered: About 5 square Km
• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Average Time to Spend: 2 hours
• Operational Hours: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 55 Km 
• Entry Fee: Free
• How to Reach: Chulnar Sanctuary is at a distance of 28 km from Palakkad. Public buses and KSRTC are easily accessible from Palakkad to reach the sanctuary. The nearest railway station is Palakkad railway station, and the nearest is Coimbatore International Airport of Tamil Nadu.

6. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur

Also known as Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Chimmini is home to around 192 different species of birds. In addition to this, there are also fish, reptiles, odd butterflies, moths, and amphibians. 

Commonly found birds are the Indian rufous babbler, Loten's sunbird, Malabar whistling-thrush, white-bellied blue flycatcher, and many more. Tourists can also opt for different adventure sports like bamboo rafting, jungle craft, etc.

• Area Covered: 85.067 square Km
• Best Time to Visit: September to March 
• Average Time to Spend: 2 to 3 hours 
• Opening Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Distance from the Airport: 58 Km 
• Entry Fee: 
  • ₹10 per person for Indians 
  • ₹150 per person for foreigners
  • Additional charges of ₹50 for a still camera and ₹225 for a video camera
• How to Reach: You can take buses from the nearest Thrissur Railway Station. The nearest bus stoppages are the Amballur bus stand and Thrissur bus stand, where you can get auto-rickshaws to reach the sanctuary.

7. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kallikkad

There are about 217 avian species in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You can spot little cormorants, little green herons, kingfishers, brahminy kites, darters, and more in this bird sanctuary in Kerala. 

Boating rides are available from the dam, which lets you explore the picturesque view of the forest. You can even observe colourful birds while boating. It remains closed every Monday.

• Area Covered: 128 square Km
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Average Time to Spend: About 2 Hours 
• Operational Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Closed on Monday
• Distance from the Airport: 30 Km 
• Entry Fee: 
  • ₹250 per person for Indian adults 
  • ₹125 per child of 5 to 12 years of age, ₹5 per child below five years of age 
  • ₹300 per person for foreigners 
• How to Reach: You can get frequent buses from Katatakada to reach the sanctuary. Buses, taxis, or cars are also available from Thiruvananthapuram to the sanctuary.

If you plan to visit a bird sanctuary in Kerala, this article will guide you. This list of the top sanctuaries should be on your wishlist anytime you visit this state. The unique and rare species of birds in these sanctuaries will help you learn more about wildlife and nature.