In the heart of Kochi city, behind the High Court building, lies a greenish wetland filled with bird species and mangrove vegetation, it is Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. As this eco spot is within the busy life of Kochi, yet breathing the air of nature, it is often referred to as “the green lung of Kochi”. For the densely populated trees, mangroves, and rare birds this region was declared as a protected area in 2004. And as per the survey conducted in 2006, it is stated that Mangalavanam hosts around 194 birds belonging to 32 different species.
The bird sanctuary is surrounded by the Arabian Sea and Cochin backwaters. Right in the middle of the sanctuary, there is a shallow tidal lake that is surrounded by different types of mangrove species like Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Acanthus ilicifolius and Acrostichum aureum. This tidal lake provides water within the sanctuary for mangrove vegetation, mammals, and birds. There are seven species of fish growing inside the tidal lake which is connected to the Cochin backwaters through a small canal.
This eco dreamland has about 17 species of butterflies, flying in variant colours making the trip to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary bright and colourful. This 2.74 hectares of land spreading across Kochi, for the migratory and communal birds is a real paradise for the bird watchers. Many people visit the sanctuary just for the fun of relaxing around the chirping of birds away from the humming of metros, sirens, honking cars, etc. With the thick mangrove forests around, Mangalavanam maintains a cool temperature throughout the year. Yet early summer months like early- January to early- March are the best time to visit bird sanctuary for the perfect vision of numerous migratory birds. Enjoy this greeny wetland within the borders of Cochin City for a perfect getaway.
Contact Details
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
High Court Rd, Ayyappankavu,
Kochi, Kerala 682031
