Mangalavanam

Mangalavanam – the green lung of Cochin!

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is without any doubt the green lungs of the metro city of Cochin!

It is an incrediblybeautiful spot with a lot of greenery and fresh air! Mangalavanam is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, especially birds!Remember that such an eco-system is present amidst a bustling metro city! Hard ready to believe right? So plan your visit to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary – the heaven of Cochin situated near the High Court of Kerala.

As mentioned earlier, Mangalavanam is famously known as the 'green lungs of Kochi' and so is its role in keeping the climate of Kochi to lower levels.The Sanctuary spreads over 2.75 hectares and has a good collection of the Mangrove Growth which in turn caters for a wide variety of migratory birds.

It is primarily a bird sanctuary focused to protect and provide refuge to birds that became homeless in the process of urbanization of Cochin!

With the fine care given by the authorities, the eco-system of Mangalavanam flourished, inviting more migratory birds and catering for more rare plants! The sanctuary today is a perfect spot for bird watchers. A survey in the year of 2006 showed that Mangalavanam had around 194 birds falling into 32 different species.

Mangalavanam also has around 17 species of butterflies – some of the only found in Kerala.

While inside the sanctuary, even during a hot summer day, one can stay cool – thanks to thepresence of variety of trees and plants that helps the sanctuary maintain a pleasant temperature.

The place has a thick growth of Mangroves of Rhizophora, Acanthus, Avicennia and many other types, Teak and many other local varieties of Forest Trees.

Of the Mangrove growths in Mangalavanam,according to the IUCN, the Acanthus Mangroves is considered to be endangered and Rhizophora Mangroves are considered as a vulnerable species.

The green lung of Cochin is also home to half-a-dozen species of Mammals. The major mammals found in Mangalavanam are the Painted Bat, House Rats, Indian flying-fox, Eurasian Otter and also the three-striped palm squirrel. There are also a couple of species of Amphibians in the marshy regions of the sanctuary joined with the Cochin Backwaters. A dozen varieties of fishes and aquatic life are also present in the life at the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary!

The authorities of the sanctuary have managed to construct a watch tower in a spectacular spot of the sanctuary. The watch tower overlooksto a splendid sight of the sanctuary - it is a must do thing inside the sanctuary for tourists. In special days, the authorities in association with the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department also organizes a free nature camp in Mangalavanam to attract tourists and nature lovers from all over the world!

Mangalavanam is best to be visited during the early summer months from the mid-January to early-March.The bird sanctuary is open from morning 9a.m. to evening 6 p.m. It is about 40 k.m. drive from the Cochin International Airport.