Birding at Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is one of  the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the Eastern Himalayas.   A trip through this sanctuary would certainly be a bonanza for any birder, with  over 270 species found in a relatively small area of 25 sq kms. One should see the rare Mottled Wood Owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Malayan Night Heron, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Rusty-tailed Flycatcher, Grey-headed Bulbul and the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.

(Please note that the sanctuary is closed as of now but since the birding is actually in the areas surrounding the sanctuary, this is not a real problem if one employs a knowledgeable birding guide)

Birding near Hornbill Camp

River Kayaking

The Hornbill Camp is located on the banks of the river Periyar. On the opposite bank of the river are some of the finest lowland forests of Kerala. A kayaking trip amidst this great swathes of forests is an ideal sport for those inclined to be adventurous and explore the bio-diversity within these forests. You can also kayak to some of the villages upstream to get a first hand glimpse of life in  a typical spice growing and agrarian  village of Kerala.

River kayaking at Hornbill Camp

Cycling Expeditions

The location of Hornbill Camp is ideally suited for cycling journeys to the countryside - spice growing villages, gentle mountain slopes, farms, forests at Thattekkad, the magnificent Bhoothathankettu barrage and the ever inviting local population. You can go on a full day expedition or wander around at leisure through the friendly countryside !

Cycling through the Keralan Countryside

Visit to Elephant Rescue Centre

Kodanad lies on the southern bank of Periyar to the east of Perumbavoor town – 40 minutes drive away from Hornbill Camp – once the  largest elephant-capturing centre of South India. The  elephant kraal and training centre with its rescued elephants is a big draw for those interested in close encounters of the elephant kind. The session’s highlight is undoubtedly bathing the baby elephants in the river Periyar.

Bathing elephants at Kodanad Elephant Rescue Centre

Village Walks & Plantation Visits

The quiet and beautiful countryside is ideal for walkers to discover Kerala through its off-the-beaten- track trails and the interior villages. The lush countryside and the friendly villagers are bound to make your walk rewarding. On the walks you can walk into a rubber estate, a spice plantation and numerous farms where our guide will be happy to explain the intricacies of farm life.

Walking through the quiet villages

Local Culture

Hornbill Camp is located at a culturally rich location. Temple festivals, local arts & festivals thrive here. You could become a part of the local celebration of culture while staying at the camp. A visit to the 'sacred grove' near Perumbavur is bound to impress with its message of  environmental conservation & the local beliefs.

Local Cultural Visits

White Water Rafting

From Bhoothatahnkettu near Hornbill Camp, the river Periyar is great for a day out rafting. The gradient from here for the next 14 kms makes it ideal  for white water rafting with  numerous rapids and pools. The dense forest on the sides of the river as one rafts along, is indeed a sight which will make this expedition richer & more varied from the other white water rafting locations in the country. (Minimum 12 persons are required for a run)