Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Mangalavanam bird sanctuary, is a small tidal wetland at the heart of Kochi. It is famous for the mangrove vegetation and congregation of breeding birds. It is often referred to as ?Green lung of Kochi?. Dense mangroves along with the peaceful atmosphere provide the effect of being in a heavenly place. It?s very near to the High Court of Kerala, but the rules are entirely different in this forest. The place is very famous for various species of plants, animals and birds.

Mangalavanam area is important from the point of environmental conservation. It is one of the important mangrove sites, now protected and developed for education, conservation and aesthetic purposes. A feeder canal connects the shallow pond at the forest to the backwaters of Kochi. The pond is covered with dense forests in its periphery. These specialized ecosystems accommodate a variety of marine and freshwater organisms as their nursery and feeding grounds. Utilization of this habitat by wetland birds for breeding is another fascinating aspect of Mangalavanam. To find such wetland birds in the middle of such a busy city is a memorable experience. Around 30 species of birds could be found here. The increasing rate of urbanization of surrounding areas has posed serious threat to this sanctuary and has degraded some of its.

Mangalavanam was declared a protected place in August, 2004. Currently the area under protection is only a small patch of greenery with a tidal wetland with an extent of 2.74 ha. But still Mangalavanam welcomes you for a day in fresh air and to spend a day away from the polluted but growing city.

Attractions

Flora

The region of the sanctuary is filled with a diverse variety of trees and plants. The area is mainly dotted with teak and mangrove trees. The associated species of mangroves that are found at this place are Acrostichum aureum, Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia and Acanthus ilicifolius. Among these, IUCN has declared Acanthus ilicifolius and Rhizophora mucranata as endangered and vulnerable species, respectively.

Fauna

Mangalavanam is mainly a bird sanctuary, as over 194 kinds of birds that belong to 32 diverse species have been recorded at this
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place, according to a survey conducted in 2006. Among these species of birds, the ones that can be easily spotted at this place are marsh sandpiper, common greenshank, white breasted waterhen, common redshank and brahminy kite.  Around 6 species of animals also inhabit this sanctuary, like Eurasian otter, three-striped palm squirrel, painted bat, house rat and flying fox. Besides these, 2 species of amphibians, like duttaphrynus melanostictus and limnonectes limnocharis along with 17 species of butterflies have also been recorded at this place.

Other Attractions

Tourists can opt to climb the watchtower of this place, in order to get the clearer views of the sanctuary and the inhabitants living over here. Free nature camps are also conducted occasionally by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife department for spreading awareness among the general visitors and the nature lovers.  There is also a shallow lake abounded with thick mangrove vegetation at the center of the sanctuary, which is inhabited by about 7 species of fishes, like Sarotherodon, Striped panchax, Etroplus suratensis, Anabas testudineus, Blackline rasbora, Orange chromide and Malabar swamp eel. This captivating lake is linked with the Cochin backwaters through a canal.

Best Time to Visit

The appropriate time to visit this place is from mid January to early March.

Accommodation

Though there is no accommodation facilities found within the sanctuary, tourists can opt to stay at the hotels and resorts located at a close distance from the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. These accommodation facilities are ranged from budget to luxury class and are priced according to the facilities provided by them.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to the place is Nedumbassery Airport, located at a distance of about 34 km. The airport is well connected with cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru etc. regular taxi services are available from the airport to the sanctuary.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to the place is Ernakulam Junction, located at a distance of just 4 km. The station conducts regular trains from places like Indore, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. Hired and local taxis are available from the station to get to the place.

By Road: The sanctuary is easily accessible by road from Cochin Bus Stand, located at a close distance. The place can also be reached by public and private buses from various other parts in Kerala.