Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Kochi

- July 06, 2019

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

For more photos, other details and a short travel experience, click read more.

Timing: 10 am - 5pm (all days)
Entry: Free
Best time to visit: Mornings and Evenings
Location: Behind Kerala High Court, Ernakulam
Nearest Bus stop: Kerala High Court Junction Bus stop (1 km away) (Auto available)
Nearest Metro Station: Lissie Junction metro station (3 km way) (Auto available)
Catchy sights (See Photos towards the end of this post)

View of Mangroves from the watch tower
Tidal lake surrounded by mangroves with an abandoned canoe

A Short Account of My Visit to Mangalavanam

Away from the heavy traffic and concrete jungle of Kochi, you enter into a quiet area of the city. Mangalavanam, primary known for its mangroves, can be best described as the only existing collection of thick greenery amidst the hustle and bustle of the developing city. If you ever want a respite away from the noise of the city, to spend a few hours in some serene environment, this is the best place to go. As the popular myth goes, this place isn't unknown or hardly accessible. Catch an autorickshaw and you are sure to reach here. The road that leads to mangalavanam is sure to trigger the senses of a nature lover. Even at a distance from the vanam, you can find purple flowers on hanging creepers courted by bumblebees. The entry is free but you have to enter your name and phone number in a register. Though you cannot expect as much as greenery as you can expect from a usual forest, Mangalavanam offers you a totally different experience. Here you find not just bunches of leaves but a crowd of roots too. You should never miss the view of the mangroves from the top of the watch tower. The climb isn't very difficult. This is also where you meet the bumblebees. The bumblebees with blue wings flapping at a rapid pace is a mind blowing sight. You can also listen to a variety of bird sounds from this point. Another catchy sight is the tree filled with bats. No fears please! The tree is so huge that you will never find a bat flapping its wings against you. Another point of interest in this sanctuary is the tidal lake beholding an abandoned canoe. This area is rich with mangrove roots as well. Those travellers with the mind of a poet will find this spot very fascinating. However, unlike the other places, there is no clear cut paths laid out for visitors to walk. This gives you a better feel of having visited the woods though mangalavam occupies a minor part of the city.

Photos