Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is located deep within the lush forests in the Brahmagiri hills at Mananthavady in the Wayanad district of Kerala. The bird sanctuary is 1740 m above sea level and can be reached after a pleasant trek of 6 km from Thirunelli through blessed environs.
‘Pakshipathalam’ means birds in the nether region is a cave located in the northern part of the Brahmagiri Hills. According to the legend, Garuda, ‘the King of Birds’, looks after his subjects here. The region has many natural boulders that are home to diverse avian species. The watchtower offers scenic views of the entire bird sanctuary and the beautiful surroundings.
The bird sanctuary is a popular attraction because of the presence of the Edible-nest Swiftlet. The bird’s opaque and whitish nest is made exclusively of solidified saliva and is the main ingredient of bird’s nest soup, a delicacy of Chinese cuisine. Other than that, there are cuckoo, babbler, peacock, owl, woodpecker, and jungle fowl, along with many exotic species. In addition, the place has a wide variety of herbs and trees with rich medicinal properties.
Accommodation: There is no accommodation in the bird sanctuary. Travelers must return after a day trip. It is advisable to carry equipment for bird watching expedition and hire a tourist guide for overnight camping.
Tourist Places around Pakshipathalam
Pookot Lake
The most important tourist destination in Wayanad, Pookot Lake is a natural freshwater lake nestled amidst evergreen forests and wooded slopes.
Kuruvadweep island
Located close to Pakshipathalam, Kuruvadwep is a beautiful island, stretching for 950 acres on the banks of the Kabani River, 17 km from Mananthavady.
Chembra Peak
It is the highest peak in Wayanad, rising to a height of 2100m above sea level. The route to the peak itself has a brilliant view along with a heart-shaped lake, waterfalls and lush greenery the whole way.
Best time to visit: October to January
Visiting hours: 7 am to 7 pm and on weekends and public holidays 7 am to 4 pm
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 112 km from Mananthavady.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Kozhikode, about 106km from Mananthavady.
