Located amidst the hustle and bustle of Kochi city in Kerala, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a nature lover’s paradise. Spread over an area of 2.74 hectares, this ecologically sensitive area acts as a green lung for the city, providing a soothing experience away from the concrete jungle. The bird sanctuary is known for its thick mangrove vegetation and tranquil backwaters, which attract numerous species of birds, making it a birder’s delight and a haven for nature photographers. If you plan to visit Kerala with your friends and family, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary has to be on your list. Here, we will tell you everything you need to know about Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, its attractions, the activities you can enjoy there and many more.
All About Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
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The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary was constituted in 2004, marking the enhanced awareness and action program for urban green spaces. It is an area of ecological importance and a natural habitat for many flora and fauna, more so for avian species. Thus, its sanctuary declaration helped conserve the overall regional biodiversity and provided a haven for migratory and resident birds.
The Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is especially prized for its pristine natural environment. It abounds in thick mangrove vegetation, which forms the back contiguous part of the estuary and plays a vital role in maintaining the region’s ecological balance. A quiet backwater with a beautiful setting provides the ideal ambience for nature lovers. More vividly, the sanctuary comes alive in the early morning and late afternoon when the chirping of the birds rises to a musical symphony, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the surroundings.
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Activities At Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
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Visitors to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary can engage in various activities that bring them closer to nature. Enjoy Bird Watching, as the sanctuary currently hosts over 72 bird species, including resident, local, and migratory birds. Bird watchers could quickly identify some of these, such as the white-breasted waterhen, common redshank, and brahminy kite. Nature Walks are also identified here, and the sanctuary has well-developed trails for trekking, enabling visitors to discover more about the tropical vegetation and the species.
The sanctuary’s scenery provides excellent photo opportunities for those involved in photography since there are many birds, mangroves, and calm water to be photographed. However, for a more structured experience, most tourists can choose guided tours. Tour guides who are knowledgeable in the area inform visitors of the species found within the sanctuary.
Nearby Attractions At Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Kochi, the cultural centre of Kerala, is the home of Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. Here are some nearby attractions worth visiting:
1. Marine Drive
A beautiful walk-and-sit-out facility was constructed at a beautiful location with clear water backwaters of Kochi city. This country actually comprises a perfect site for a walking tour. Marine Drive Kochi is a fun place to visit, especially in the evenings, to relax and enjoy with loved ones. Watch the beautiful sunset, the mesmerising lights, and the bustling activity of the bots and ships.
Location: About 2 km from the Bird Sanctuary
Time required: About 10 minutes drive
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2. Fort Kochi
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Fort Kochi is an iconic monument of the city, rich in heritage and culture. It is a significant tourist destination for both the locals and tourists. The old city of Kochi is famous for its historical buildings, main sights, and active arts scene. This place is famous for Chinese Fishing Nets, St Francis Church, and the Indo-Portuguese Museum.
Location: About 37 km from the Bird Sanctuary
Time required: About 50 minutes drive
3. Mattancherry Palace
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Another historical structure that could be visited here is Mattancherry Palace or Dutch Palace. It also has some beautiful murals and provides a glimpse of history. It is a significant landmark here and a popular destination on your Kochi tour. Mattancherry Palace is part of the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Location: About 12 km from the Bird Sanctuary
Time required: About 30 minutes drive
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Local Delicacies
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Every tourist would agree that any trip is incomplete without experiencing the local food destination. There are a few must-try dishes. Try Appam and Stew, A dish taken in the morning, rice pancakes (appam) contained in a bowl and accompanied with saucy vegetables or meat. Kerala Sadya is an authentic vegetarian meal on a banana plate consisting of rice, sambar, avial and payasam, which is a sweet course.
Karimeen Pollichathu is grilled fish prepared from pearl spot fish seasoned with spices and cooked in banana leaves. It is one of the specialty dishes of Kerala. Prawn Curry is a well-prepared tasty food that uses fresh and, more so, prawns compounded in coconut sauce and spiced. Malabar Biryani is a local version of biryani derived from the Malabar region and is made by combining scented rice, scented spices, and meat.
How To Reach Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
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Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is reasonably easily accessible since it is situated amid Kochi. It has good connectivity with other parts of Kerala, too. Here are the various ways to get there.
By Air: The closest airport is the Cochin International Airport, 30 km from the sanctuary. The sanctuary is accessible by road from the airport; one can hire a taxi or take a bus.
By Train: Ernakulam North, also known as Ernakulam Town, is the nearest railway station, 2 kilometres from the sanctuary. One can easily take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from the station to the sanctuary.
By Road: Kochi’s infrastructure development has created a good network of roads. Visitors can either drive themselves or hire a taxi to reach the sanctuary. Public conveyances are also available to travel around the region.
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Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful place in terms of natural safeguards situated in the middle of Kochi that attracts tourists due to the mixed natural environment in the city. These include rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and the availability of various activities for visitors, bird lovers, and photographers to enjoy. To my mind, nothing more inspirational than the sight of a swamp and birds that can be witnessed when walking through the walking trails, capturing images of birds, or merely when still and seeing what Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary has to offer. Book your trip to Kerala now.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
At what time of the year is it more suitable for a visit to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary?
It is recommended to visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary between October and March as it is winter time and the birds are full of migratory birds.
Is there any fee chargeable for the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary?
Till the latest information available on the internet, there are no charges for entry to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. Still, it is recommended to look for any updates so that you do not plan your visit during prohibited hours.
Which species of birds are there in Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary?
Over 72 species of birds are found within the sanctuary, frequently seen birds are White-breasted Waterhen, Common Redshank, Brahminy Kite, and several herons and egret species.
Can one take guided tours to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary?
Yes Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary offers tours to its visitors. It will be a guided tour through the sanctuary. These tours prove informative to the guests in that they get to learn more about the sanctuary and the various forms of wildlife within the sanctuary.
Other attractions that are found in the region that hosts Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary include?
The whole region around the sanctuary in Kerala is quite scenic and peaceful. Some of the nearby historical and tourist points include Marine Drive, Fort Kochi and Dutch Palace in Mattancherry, Palace, and Jew Town.
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