Discover the Magic of Thattekad

Expertly guided birding tours in the heart of Kerala's dense evergreen forests. Experience rare endemics and world-class photography opportunities.

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Welcome to the Jungle

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekad is one of the richest bird habitats in peninsular India. Characterized by dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, it is a haven for both migratory and endemic bird species.

Our indigenous guides have spent their lives navigating these trails. Whether you are a professional photographer looking for the perfect golden-hour shot, or a nature lover wanting to see the legendary Ceylon Frogmouth, we tailor our treks to your exact needs.

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About Thattekad Birding

Rooted in the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, Thattekad Birding was founded with a deep passion for the wild heart of Kerala. Our team consists of indigenous local guides who have spent their lifetimes navigating the evergreen trails, canopy layers, and riverbanks of the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

We believe in sustainable, low-impact eco-tourism that respects wildlife habitats while offering bird watchers, herpers, and wildlife photographers an immersive experience. From tracking the elusive Ceylon Frogmouth to discovering rare Western Ghats endemics, our mission is to share the magic of Thattekad with ethical travelers from across the globe.

Discover Our Signature Tours

Expert Guides

Decades of generational experience navigating the deep trails of Thattekad to locate the most elusive endemics.

For Photographers

We know exactly how to position you for the perfect golden-hour shot with minimal disturbance to the wildlife.

Eco-Conscious

Committed to strict zero-trace policies to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

Popular Experiences

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What Our Guests Say

"Absolutely incredible experience. Our guide spotted the Ceylon Frogmouth within the first hour of our trek. A must-do for any serious birder visiting Kerala!"

— Sarah T., United Kingdom

"The Photographer's Special tour was perfectly paced. They understood lighting and positioning perfectly. I got the best shots of my entire trip right here."

— Mark D., Australia

"We did the village walk and light birding. It was serene, deeply educational, and completely respectful of the local wildlife. Highly recommended."

— Anil & Priya, India

From The Field

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The Ultimate Target Species Checklist

Track your sightings right from your phone. Use our interactive digital checklist while exploring the sanctuary, and download your custom PDF report!

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Thattekad Through the Year

What the forest is usually like, month by month. Conditions change from year to year, so message us for the latest before you plan your dates.

Peak season

January

Dry trails and comfortable mornings, with winter migrants and resident endemics all in the forest together.

Peak season

February

Still dry and pleasant. Clear morning light makes this a favourite month for photographers.

Late season

March

Good birding early in the month. As the heat builds, winter visitors start to thin out, so start at first light.

Hot and dry

April

Activity is concentrated at dawn and dusk and the middle of the day is quiet. Fewer visitors on the trails.

Hot, first storms

May

Pre-monsoon heat with the first thunderstorms. Early-morning and night walks work best.

Monsoon

June

The rains arrive and the forest turns green. Rivers rise, some trails can flood, and the frogs begin to call.

Monsoon

July

Peak monsoon. Birding is limited, but this is herping season, with frogs, snakes and other night-time life out. Expect leeches.

Monsoon

August

Rain continues and the forest is at its lushest. Best for our Monsoon Herping Expedition; leeches are active.

Monsoon easing

September

Showers ease towards the end of the month. The forest is lush and leeches remain on the trails.

Season opening

October

Trails dry out and the first winter visitors arrive. Showers are still possible, and leeches may linger after the rains.

Peak season

November

Peak season begins. Trails are drying, migrants are arriving and the forest is still green.

Peak season

December

Cool, dry and full of migrants. Book early for the holiday weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ideal birding season in Thattekad is between October and March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the sanctuary becomes home to a massive influx of migratory species alongside our resident endemics.

Yes, guests are required to bring their own optical and photography gear. While our guides are experts at spotting and positioning you for the perfect shot, we do not provide camera equipment or binoculars for rent at this time.

We offer tours for all fitness levels. Our "Village & Culture Walk" is very flat and relaxed, while the "Guided Sanctuary Trail" involves deeper forest trekking. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know when booking so we can customize a flat-terrain route for you.

During the dry season (Dec-March), leeches are very rare. However, if you visit right after the monsoon, they can be present. We highly recommend wearing closed-toe trekking shoes and long trousers. We also provide organic anti-leech remedies (like salt/tobacco powder) before entering the deep trails.

How to Reach Us

We run our tours in Thattekad, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Ernakulam district, Kerala, about 13 km north-east of Kothamangalam town.

By air

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest, about 45 km away, roughly 1½ hours by road.

By train

Aluva is the nearest railway station, about 48 km from Thattekad. Taxis and buses connect onward.

By road

Kochi is about 60 km away. Buses run from Ernakulam to Kothamangalam, with local buses and taxis on to Thattekad.

Meeting point

We confirm the exact meeting point and start time on WhatsApp once you book. For dawn tours we suggest arriving the evening before.

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Distances and times are approximate and vary with traffic and season.

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Policies & Legal Information

Booking, Payment & Cancellation

Every trip is quoted for your group and confirmed on receipt of full advance payment. Because we reserve guides and accommodation well in advance, especially in peak season, confirmed bookings cannot be cancelled. Please check your dates and details carefully before you pay.

Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk

Wildlife is wild and unpredictable. We do not guarantee the sighting of any specific species. Guests accept the inherent physical risks of jungle trekking (uneven terrain, weather hazards, wildlife/leech encounters) and are responsible for their own medical fitness and emergency medications.

Privacy Policy & Terms

We collect your details strictly for tour coordination and invoicing. We do not sell your data. All website content and photography is the intellectual property of Thattekad Birding. By booking, you agree to strict ethical wildlife conduct guidelines.

Cookies & third parties. Only with your consent, we use Google Analytics and Google Ads (Google) and, on some pages, Plerdy to measure visits and our advertising. Nothing loads until you accept, and you can change your choice at any time using “Cookie settings” in the footer. Enquiries sent through our forms are delivered via Web3Forms, and WhatsApp enquiries go through WhatsApp (Meta). The map loads from Google Maps only when you click it. When you send an enquiry we also note which page or advert brought you to our site, so we can see what is working. To ask what we hold about you, or to have it deleted, email info@thattekadbirding.com.

Gear & Attire

Wear dull-colored, breathable clothing and closed-toe trekking shoes. Leech socks are highly recommended post-monsoon. Bring your own binoculars and camera gear. No playback calls or flash photography on nocturnal species.

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