Salim Ali Trail
Salim Ali, often called the "Birdman of India," recommended Thattekad. Protection after surveying its bird population in the 1930s. The trail bearing his name now leads visitors. Researchers through some of the sanctuary’s richest birding habitat with local naturalist guides. Salim Ali Trail is typically explored in about 2-3 hours. The best time to visit is October to March. Nearby points of interest include Thattekad Bird Watching Tower, Bhoothathankettu Dam Viewpoint. Urulanthanni Tribal Village Settlement.
Salim Ali Trail at a Glance
Essential information about Salim Ali Trail.
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Overview
Salim Ali, often called the "Birdman of India," recommended Thattekad for protection after surveying its bird population in the 1930s, and the trail bearing his name now leads visitors and researchers through some of the sanctuary’s richest birding habitat with local naturalist guides. Salim Ali Trail is typically explored in about 2-3 hours. The best time to visit is October to March. Nearby points of interest include Thattekad Bird Watching Tower, Bhoothathankettu Dam Viewpoint, and Urulanthanni Tribal Village Settlement. Other notable highlights include spot Malabar trogon on early morning walk, riverside stretch where Salim Ali counted species, and canopy hide for hornbill and drongo views. It falls within Ernakulam district and Kerala.
Highlights
- Spot Malabar trogon on early morning walk
- Riverside stretch where Salim Ali counted species
- Canopy hide for hornbill and drongo views
- Fern-lined boardwalk over marshy stream crossing
- Listen for racket-tailed drongo’s mimic calls
- Exit path with kingfisher perch near old teak
Places That Define Salim Ali Trail
Discover the iconic attractions that make this destination unforgettable
Thattekad Bird Watching Tower (Main Hide)
A wooden watchtower overlooking a small waterhole and clearing within the sanctuary, a prime spot for spotting Malabar grey hornbills, Ceylon frogmouths, and drongos. Silent observation from here yields the best sightings during early morning.
Bhoothathankettu Dam Viewpoint
A scenic spot where the Periyar River meets a massive natural rock formation, historically used as a timber floating channel. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding evergreen forests, ideal for birdwatching.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Entrance Gate
The main gateway to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, named after the legendary ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. It marks the start of the trail and offers a small visitor information board with maps and bird checklists.
Getting There
Things To Do
Bird-watching from the Thattekkad watchtower at dusk
Climb the two-storey wooden tower near the trail’s Bhoothathankettu side to observe hornbills and parakeets returning to roost. The elevated platform also gives sweeping views of the river valley and canopy.
1 hour
Early morning boat ride on the Periyar River backwaters
Take a quiet country canoe from the nearby Kuttampuzha village along the river’s edge, where kingfishers, darters, and cormorants perch on overhanging branches. The calm water offers a different perspective from the forest trail.
1.5 hours
Short trek to the Bhoothathankettu dam viewpoint
Walk the shaded feeder path from the trail’s northern end to the historic Bhoothathankettu (demon’s fort) rock-cut dam, a local engineering marvel on the Periyar. The trail passes through riparian forest with chances to see Malabar squirrel and flying lizards.
2 hours
Evening butterfly and dragonfly walk on the grassland edge
In the late afternoon, wander the grassy clearings near the trail’s entrance where hundreds of butterflies (including the blue mormon and common jezebel) and dragonflies gather. A local guide can point out seasonal migrants and endemic insects.
1.5 hours
Guided birding walk along the Thattekkad trail
Join a forest department naturalist for a slow, early-morning walk through the moist deciduous and evergreen patches where Salim Ali once surveyed birds. Spot endemics like the Malabar grey hornbill, Ceylon frogmouth, and the rare rose-billed roller.
3 hours
Visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Interpretation Centre
Stop by the small museum and information shed near the trailhead to see historic photographs, taxidermy specimens, and maps that explain Ali’s 1930s surveys. A short film on the sanctuary’s birdlife runs on request.
45 minutes
Top Attractions
Thattekad Bird Watching Tower (Main Hide)
A wooden watchtower overlooking a small waterhole and clearing within the sanctuary, a prime spot for spotting Malabar grey hornbills, Ceylon frogmouths, and drongos. Silent observation from here yields the best sightings during early morning.
Bhoothathankettu Dam Viewpoint
A scenic spot where the Periyar River meets a massive natural rock formation, historically used as a timber floating channel. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding evergreen forests, ideal for birdwatching.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Entrance Gate
The main gateway to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, named after the legendary ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali. It marks the start of the trail and offers a small visitor information board with maps and bird checklists.
Travel Tips
Book a guide and walk in a single-file group
For senior and group travellers, hire an official Kerala Forest Department guide (available at the entry gate) who can adjust the pace and point out wildlife. Walk in a single file, with the slowest member at the front, and use hand signals instead of loud calls to avoid startling animals.
Wear grippy, closed-toe footwear
The trail has uneven wooden planks, roots, and occasional wet patches. Choose sturdy walking shoes with deep treads—not sandals or chappals—to prevent slips and ankle strain.
Start early and check the weather
Begin your walk right after the park opens (around 7-8 AM) to avoid the midday heat and humidity. Skip the trail on rainy days, as the wooden boardwalk gets slippery and can be hazardous for seniors.
Keep the trail time to under 90 minutes and exit before noon
The full loop is about 1.5 km but can take longer with stops. Plan to finish and exit the gate by 11:30 AM, as the forest gets hotter and more crowded later, and the shuttle back to the entry point can have longer waits.
Carry water and take rest breaks at the watchtowers
There are no shops inside the forest, so bring at least one litre of water per person. Use the designated rest areas and elevated watchtowers to pause, catch your breath, and enjoy bird sightings without rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carry a water bottle, insect repellent (especially for leeches), a hat or cap, and comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip. Binoculars are a must for birdwatching, and a light raincoat or poncho is useful even in dry season as the forest can be humid. Avoid carrying heavy bags, and bring a small first-aid kit if you have specific medical needs.
Early morning, between 6:30 and 9:00 AM, is the best time to see birds as they are most active and the forest is cooler. The ideal months are from November to March, when migratory birds arrive and the weather is dry and pleasant. Avoid heavy monsoon months (June to September) as trails can become slippery and leeches are common.
The trail is about 2.5 kilometres and typically takes 2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stops for birdwatching and resting. It is a flat, well-maintained path through the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, making it suitable for senior travellers who can walk comfortably for short stretches. You can also hire a local guide who will adjust the pace to your group’s needs.
There are no restrooms or food stalls inside the trail, so plan to use facilities at the sanctuary entrance or your nearby homestay before starting. Drinking water is not available along the path, so carry at least one litre per person. After the walk, you can find simple Kerala meals and tea at small eateries near the entrance or at the Thattekad village, about 5 minutes away.
Yes, it is recommended to book a guide in advance, especially for groups, as guides are mandatory for the trail to ensure safety and better birdwatching. Entry fees are around 30 rupees per person for Indian citizens and 100 rupees for foreigners, plus a guide fee of roughly 300 to 500 rupees per group. You can book through the Kerala Forest Department office at Thattekad or through local homestays.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Salim Ali Trail
Day 1
Begin your journey into the heart of Kerala’s birding paradise. After a relaxed morning arrival, you’ll take a gentle introductory walk along the main trail with a local naturalist, learning about the sanctuary’s history and its namesake, Dr. Salim Ali. The afternoon is spent on a slow, shaded exploration of the evergreen forests, focusing on the easy-to-spot birds and the lush riverside scenery, perfect for seniors who prefer a leisurely pace.
- Welcome and orientation at the sanctuary entrance, including a short film on Salim Ali’s legacy and the sanctuary’s biodiversity.
- Guided 2-hour morning walk on the main Salim Ali Trail (flat, well-maintained path) spotting Malabar hornbills, drongos, and sunbirds.
- Riverside picnic lunch near the Periyar River, followed by a gentle bird-watching session from a shaded viewing platform (no strenuous climbing).
Day 2
Today is for the more dedicated bird enthusiast, but still kept comfortable for senior travellers. You’ll take a shorter, steeper optional trail (with frequent rest stops) into the core zone, where the rarest species like the Sri Lanka frogmouth and the white-bellied treepie reside. The late afternoon is spent on a calm boat ride along the river’s edge, where you’ll see kingfishers, cormorants, and possibly otters, before returning for an early dinner.
- Early morning (6:30 AM) walk on the Bhoothathankettu side trail, with a local guide pointing out endemic birds like the crimson-throated barbet and the Malabar grey hornbill.
- Mid-morning break at the interpretation centre, with a short talk on bird migration patterns and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts.
- Late afternoon (4 PM) 90-minute canoe ride along the Periyar’s backwaters, observing water birds and the forest edge from the water.
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Tour Packages for Salim Ali Trail
Thattekad
Kerala
2 place(s) covered within Thattekad
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