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Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. Mangalavanam is an ecologically sensitive area situated at the centre of the Indian city of Kochi. It is situated behind the Kerala High Court building. It is a nesting ground for a large variety of migratory birds and supports many types of mangroves. The Managalavanam is often regarded as the “green lung of Kochi”, considering its role in keeping the city’s air pollution under check. The area is a roosting place for many kinds of resident and migratory birds. Mangalavanam is primarily a bird refuge. A bird survey conducted in May 2006 found that there were 194 birds belonging to 32 species. The total number of bird species recorded so far from the area is 72. An incredible green spot with an extensive variety of life and that too amid a buzzing metro! Not ready to believe? Then visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, an ecologically sensitive area situated at the centre of Kochi behind the Kerala High Court building fittingly dubbed as the ‘green lung of Kochi’. Primarily a bird refuge, the innate appeal of Mangalavanam is augmented by the Arabian Sea which borders the sanctuary and adds to it a panoramic ambience.

Mangalavanam, a nesting ground for a large variety of migratory birds, is a paradise for birdwatchers and twitchers. This green paradise is also a roosting place for resident as well as migratory birds. A survey conducted in 2006 revealed that there were 194 birds belonging to 32 species, in Mangalavanam.

Thickly imbedded with a variety of trees and plants, including teak, the sanctuary enjoys a cool temperature. Mangalavanam also supports many types of mangroves. Amid the thick greenery of Mangalavanam cascades a shallow tidal lake bordered with thick mangrove vegetation. The lake is connected to the Cochin backwaters by a canal. And down under the silent depth of this water lives seven species of fishes Anabas testudineus, Striped panchax, Orange chromide, Etroplus suratensis, Malabar swamp eel, Blackline rasbora and Sarotherodon. In the fresh air of Mangalavanam flies 17 species of butterflies, the little beauties that bedeck the sanctuary with multitudes of hues.

The best time to visit the sanctuary are the early summer months, especially from mid-January to early-March.

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For complete details about the sanctuary, exact location, kind of animals, birds & reptiles you get to see there, best season to visit, how to book a wildlife package for this sanctuary, how to reach there, which saafri gate to take, also recent sighting details for all popular sanctuaries & tiger reserves, and LOT MORE, download our app – WildTrails India – available both on Android and iOS