Kerala On the western side of the Indian subcontinent is the rainward side of the western ghats, a lush green part of the country watered by every passing cloud. Here lies the quiet but beautiful Kerala , haven for a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. Thattekad, on the banks of the river Periyar, is a dense monsoon forest, not very far from the port town of Cochin. A plantation forest with teak, mahogany and fruit-bearing trees along with the natural wild tropical deciduous vegetation, it is home to nearly 350 species of birds, most notably the Malabar grey hornbill.
Elephants also live here, happy with the easily accessible ponds on the side of the river.
It is now protected as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. From Ernakulam one can take a bus to Kothamangalam, a two-hour journey. Buses to this place may not be very frequent. From Kothamangalam there are direct buses to Thattekad throughout the day, and one need not take a boat from Boothathankettu. On reaching Thattekad, the bus is ferried across the river Periyar on a contraption made by joining three small boats.