Name: Kochi
Rating: 4.1

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Kochi Overview

The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary sprawling over 2.74 hectares is situated in the heart of the lively city of Kochi. Comprising of 18-acres of Mangroves which is home to a large variety of migratory birds and densely populated species of trees and plants. In the middle of the sanctuary, there is a shallow tidal lake present which is surrounded by thick mangrove vegetation and is connected to the backwaters of Kochi via a canal.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary Highlights

1. Biodiversity

The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is home to a huge variety of birds and mangroves. It supports six species of mammals, seven species of fishes and species of amphibians. According to Birds Survey which (Read More) was conducted in 2006, it was found that the sanctuary is home to a total of 194 birds belonging to 32 different species in addition to the presence of 17 species of butterflies and 51 species of spiders from 40 genera and 16 families.

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Flora and Fauna at Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Flora
Apart from the different species of birds, the sanctuary is also home to a large variety of trees and rare species of plants including teak, mangroves such as Acanthus ilicifolius, Rhizophora mucronata, Acrostichum aureum and Avicennia officinalis. According to reports, the rarest species out of the lot are Acanthus ilicifolius and Rhizophora mucronata.

Fauna
The sanctuary supports some unique species of animals including black rat, Eurasian otter, the Indian flying fox, bandicota, the dusky palm squirrel and painted bat. The species of fishes present here include blackline rasbora, etroplus suratensis, striped panchax, anabas testudineus, orange chromide, sarotherodon mossambica, and the Malabar swamp eel.

Best Time To Visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

The ideal time to visit the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is during the early summer months ideally between mid-January and early-March since the temperature during this time is quite pleasant and pretty much enjoyable.

How To Reach Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is Ernakulam South Railway Station at a distance of 4 km. Within the city, one can commute easily via buses or by hiring an auto-rickshaw or a taxi. The bird sanctuary is located behind the building of the high court.

Attractions in Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

One of the major attractions is the beautiful watchtower which overlooks the sanctuary thereby giving a superb view to the tourists. According to a survey which was conducted in 2006, it is home to as many as 194 birds belonging to 32 different species. Back in 2004, Mangalavanam was declared as a protected area because of being home to the breeding birds and unique mangrove vegetation. The sanctuary is also known as the green lung of Ernakulum due to it being a posh wetland comprising of rare species. Get on top of the watchtower to get a beautiful view of the Bird Sanctuary.

The Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department also conducts a free nature camp at the sanctuary which is attended by tourists from different parts of the world. Administered and controlled by the Assistant Conservator of Forest and Wildlife Warden Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary of Nature Study Center Kalady, the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit with your friends and family.