Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
In the heart of Kochi in Kerala, lies the famous Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. It is one of the well-known places to visit in Kochi, and visitors flock to this place in almost all part of the year. The sanctuary is spread over an area of over 2.74 Hectares, and practically an 18 Acre area is reserved for the Mangrove trees only. In this dense sanctuary, many species of plants and trees are found. But the major attraction of this sanctuary is birds, and the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is the home to a vast number and types of migratory birds. A shallow lake is also present in this sanctuary, which has thick mangrove vegetation around it and has connections to Kochi’s backwaters with a canal.
Of all Kochi tourist places, the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary holds a special place. Any Kochi tour package will include the watchtower that is located in the sanctuary to provide a fantastic view to the visitors. The site was declared as a protected sanctuary back in 2004. As per the last stats recorded, the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary hosts almost 32 species of migratory birds. Another name for the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is the green lung of Ernakulum due to its vast and unique vegetation of mangrove trees.
At present, the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department mainly conducts the trip of this sanctuary as a part of Kochi tourism. They also conduct various nature camps which are quite hit among foreign tourists as well. The control and administration of this beautiful sanctuary are being done by the Nature Study Center Kalady’s Wildlife Warden Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary and Assistant Conservator of Forest.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary address – Mathai Manjooran Rd, Ayyappankavu, Ernakulam, Kerala 682018, Kochi, India