Kerala - Kochi   

Tourism picks up in Thattekad sanctuary

WINGED VISITORS: The Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt of bird watchers. Photo: H. Vibhu

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is fast recovering from the emotional wounds inflicted by the boat tragedy.

The sanctuary, abandoned by visitors after the tragedy, has started receiving visitors as in the past.

The last three weeks, especially the holidays, saw visitors reaching the park in large numbers, said R. Sugathan, ornithologist, attached to the sanctuary.

This is a welcome change for the sanctuary and its managers.

Sad memories are fading fast and life is surging ahead in the sanctuary.

"We expect the flow of visitors to sustain till the reopening of schools. The visitor turnout during the last three weeks was good," Dr. Sugathan said.

The intermittent summer rain has draped the sanctuary and the adjoining forest areas in energising green. At the same time, the sanctuary managers are a bit worried about the delay in obtaining the licence for the boating operations. The boat services had been suspended since the tragedy. "A large number of visitors are asking for boat service, which, we are unable to provide," he said.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, formed in 1983, is home to a large number of rare birds. Available figures put the number of birds in the sanctuary at 270.

The presence of fascinating varieties of wild animals including tiger, leopard, sloth bear, elephants and rare species of Travancore flying squirrel, dusky stripped squirrel and spiny dormouse has also been reported.

Rare birds like crimson-throated barbet, bee-eater, sunbird, fairy blue bird, black winged kite, shama, Malabar grey hornbill and broadbilled roller add to the charm of the sanctuary as one of the favourite spots of bird watchers.

Those who wish to spend time in the company of nature can go for trekking in the woods. Details about the eco-tourism programmes can be obtained from the Assistant Wildlife Warden at telephone number 0485-2588302 and from the Wildlife Warden of Idukki division from the telephone number 0486- 2232271.

K.S. Sudhi

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