Kerala ·
Thattekad
Kerala’s first designated bird sanctuary, a patch of evergreen forest on the Periyar river known for its exceptional density of resident and migratory birds. Established in 1983 on the recommendation of ornithologist Salim Ali, who called it one of the richest birding areas in peninsular India, the Thattekad sanctuary’s riverine forest is threaded by walking trails and draws birders year-round for species ranging from Malabar trogons to great hornbills, alongside a resident population of elephants near the adjoining Bhoothathankettu Dam.
Thattekad at a Glance
Why Thattekad?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Bhoothathankettu Dam and Reservoir
- Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
- Idamalayar Dam
Thattekad at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Thattekad before planning your visit.
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Explore Thattekad
Places to Visit
- Bhoothathankettu Dam and Reservoir: A scenic dam built across the Periyar River, surrounded by dense forests and hills. The name means "monster fort," and the area offers boating, picnic spots, and a peaceful nature walk along the riverbank.
- Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: A renowned tropical evergreen forest sanctuary, home to over 300 bird species including the rare Malabar grey hornbill and Sri Lanka frogmouth. Best visited early morning for birdwatching along the nature trails.
- Idamalayar Dam: Idamalayar Dam is a multipurpose concrete gravity dam located at Ennakkal between Ayyampuzha and Bhoothathankettu in Ernakulam district of Kerala on the Idamalayar, a tributary of the Periyar River in Kerala, South India. The dam however extends east as far as Malakkappara.
- Bhoothathankettu: Bhoothathankettu is a dam and tourist spot in Ernakulam district in Kerala. It is situated outside the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam and 50 km away from the main city of Kochi.
Sightseeing Places
- Bhoothathankettu Dam and Reservoir: A scenic dam built across the Periyar River, surrounded by dense forests and hills. The name means "monster fort," and the area offers boating, picnic spots, and a peaceful nature walk along the riverbank.
- Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: A renowned tropical evergreen forest sanctuary, home to over 300 bird species including the rare Malabar grey hornbill and Sri Lanka frogmouth. Best visited early morning for birdwatching along the nature trails.
- Idamalayar Dam: Idamalayar Dam is a multipurpose concrete gravity dam located at Ennakkal between Ayyampuzha and Bhoothathankettu in Ernakulam district of Kerala on the Idamalayar, a tributary of the Periyar River in Kerala, South India. The dam however extends east as far as Malakkappara.
- Bhoothathankettu: Bhoothathankettu is a dam and tourist spot in Ernakulam district in Kerala. It is situated outside the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam and 50 km away from the main city of Kochi.
Places That Define Thattekad
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Bhoothathankettu Dam and Reservoir
A scenic dam built across the Periyar River, surrounded by dense forests and hills. The name means "monster fort," and the area offers boating, picnic spots, and a peaceful nature walk along the riverbank.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
A renowned tropical evergreen forest sanctuary, home to over 300 bird species including the rare Malabar grey hornbill and Sri Lanka frogmouth. Best visited early morning for birdwatching along the nature trails.
Idamalayar Dam
Idamalayar Dam is a multipurpose concrete gravity dam located at Ennakkal between Ayyampuzha and Bhoothathankettu in Ernakulam district of Kerala on the Idamalayar, a tributary of the Periyar River in Kerala, South India. The dam however extends east as far as Malakkappara.
Bhoothathankettu
Half Day
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Explore Thattekad on Map
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Plan Thattekad Your Way
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 33 km from Thattekad.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Angamaly railway station, about 36 km from central Thattekad.
- By Road: . Inter-state private and government buses operate between neighbouring states. Usually, the journey is performed at night to escape the heat of the day.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Thattekad (Apr, May, Jun) averages 24–31°C with about 359 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Thattekad (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 23–29°C with about 464 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Thattekad (Oct, Nov) averages 22–30°C with about 248 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Thattekad (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 20–33°C with about 25 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C.
Travel Tips
- Staying safe: Kerala is considered a safe region of India, with functional police and state institutions. However, one must not do without caution.
- Getting around: Kerala is connected by many modes of transport. The flat southern side is better connected than mountainous north.
- Climate: Kerala, being close to the equator, has a tropical climate. Kerala experiences heavy rains almost throughout the year, and is one of the wettest areas on Earth.
- Heat: Daytime highs reach about 35°C in March; carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
- Rain: The wettest months are May, June, July, August, September, October and November; check road and site conditions before travelling.
Local Transport
- By train: Trains are good for long-distance travel within the state. Most trains are long-distance trains with stops at many of Kerala's stations.
- Train fares: The average fare for a 200 km distance for different classes is: First Class AC: ₹1,200 Two Tier AC: ₹617 Three Tier AC: ₹430 AC Chair Car: ₹203 Sleeper Class: ₹120 Second class seat in Express train: ₹70 Second class seat in Passenger train: ₹30
- By car: Roads remain the primary mode of transport. The primary roads are NH 47, NH 49, NH 17 and NH 212 and are all National Highways.
- By bus: There two kinds of state-owned KSRTC buses: KSRTC (Kerala) and KSRTC (Karnataka) from the neighboring state, which buses drive into Kerala. Take care, on the website of KSRTC (Kerala) many bus routes and bus departures are not shown.
- By taxi: Taxis are a good but expensive way to cover short distances. Negotiate the price before entering a taxi.
- By auto-rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws, also called autos, are a convenient mode of transport for short-distance travel. By law the auto driver must start a meter for every journey.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Thattekad trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Kerala, officially Keralam, is known as a tropical paradise of waving palms and wide, sandy beaches. The South Indian state is also known as God's own Country.
- Overview: Expect to pay above ₹700 (~US$14) for a non-air-conditioned room or more than ₹1,200 (~US$26) for one with air-conditioning. This category includes many 3-star hotels. Expect spacious rooms, English-proficient concierges, and airport or railway station pick-up and drop-off.
- Ancient History: The ancient period saw the rise and fall of the first and second Chera empires, which were the only two periods when Kerala was united under a monarch. Kerala is mentioned in the writings of many Greek, Roman, Arabic, European and Jewish travelers and merchants from the 1st millennium BCE. It was known for the spices that were grown in the lush hills of the Western Ghats. During the Middle Ages, there were three powerful kingdoms – Kolathiri/Cherakal in the far north, Samuthiri/Zamorin in Calicut (north and central), Travancore in the south.
Festivals
- Overview: Expect to pay above ₹700 (~US$14) for a non-air-conditioned room or more than ₹1,200 (~US$26) for one with air-conditioning. This category includes many 3-star hotels. Expect spacious rooms, English-proficient concierges, and airport or railway station pick-up and drop-off.
- Best Festival Time: The most comfortable months are December.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Expect to pay above ₹700 (~US$14) for a non-air-conditioned room or more than ₹1,200 (~US$26) for one with air-conditioning. This category includes many 3-star hotels. Expect spacious rooms, English-proficient concierges, and airport or railway station pick-up and drop-off.
- Accommodation: With tourism being an important source for the state's coffers, a variety of accommodation is available for various tastes and budgets. Almost all major cities have hotels ranging from tourist lodges to 5-star hotels and theme resorts.
- Best Way To Explore: Kerala is connected by many modes of transport. The flat southern side is better connected than mountainous north.
The Sacred Heart of Thattekad
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Kerala is very religiously diverse with Hindus, Muslims and Christians having a significant population throughout the state. Kerala is often regarded as one of the most diverse states in all of India.
Historical Significance
Kerala is very religiously diverse with Hindus, Muslims and Christians having a significant population throughout the state. Kerala is often regarded as one of the most diverse states in all of India.
Architectural Legacy
The culture of Kerala is composite and cosmopolitan in nature and it is an integral part of Indian culture. It is a synthesis of Aryan, Dravidian, Arab, and European cultures, developed over millennia, under influences from other parts of India and abroad.
Artistic Heritage
Kerala is blessed with natural beauty – so much so that it is (rightly) called God's Own Country by the tourism department. The state is also considered one of the safest regions in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thattekad is most comfortable in December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is March (average high 35°C) and the wettest months are May, June, July, August, September, October and November.
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 33 km away. The nearest railway station is Angamaly railway station, about 36 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Bhoothathankettu Dam and Reservoir, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and Idamalayar Dam.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 28°C to 35°C over the year, with about 3064 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Thattekad
Your Thattekad Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.