Bamboo hut at Thattekkad beckons nature lovers

Those who look for a bit of silence and to be free from the hustles of the city life can opt for a retreat to the bamboo hut near the Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary. The hut, an initiative by three friends- Sudheesh Thattekkad, Shalini Binu and Noby Paulose- is completely made of Bamboo, with palm leaf roofing.

There are three beds in the hut, which can accommodate 6 persons. The floor is coated with cow dung as in ancient style Kerala homes. Three bathrooms equipped with modern sanitary fittings are also there.

There is an upper deck in the hut, from where the visitors can watch the birds and animals of the adjacent bird sanctuary. 6 more persons can sleep on the upper deck. The hut is adorned with graphite lamps, kerosine lamps, mud pots, etc., which will take you back to your childhood memories.

Cooking facility is provided for those wish to cook; otherwise food will be arranged by the organizers. Security of the inmates will be ensured with a 24 hour dedicated watchman.

One who stays can wake up with the chirping of birds and saw wide range of birds and animals from the nearby sanctuary. Giant squirrel, flying squirrel, jungle cats and different kinds or birds are the common visitors to the area.

The main attraction of the property is the nocturnal bird watching. The visitors can watch the birds and wild animals in their natural habitat. Watch them, photograph them and enjoy their company.

The organizers will also arrange guided visit to the Thattekkadu sanctuary. Other than bird watching, the visitors can enjoy a boat ride in the lake.

You can enjoy the serene nature and have a peaceful stay in lovely hut for just Rs 2000 for a day, for a maximum of 12 person group. Food and entrance fees to the bird sanctuary will be extra.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is Kerala’s very first bird sanctuary. It was in 1983, the 25-sqkm area in Thattekad declared a sanctuary. Earlier, in the same year, the legendary ‘Bird Man of India’ Dr. Salim Ali had surveyed Thattekkad, and called it the richest bird habitat he had ever seen. There are 284 species of birds that have been recorded at the sanctuary.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is located to the north of the Periyar River, at the foot of the mighty Western Ghats. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and March. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, and the nearest railway station is at Aluva.