Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is located in the border of Kozhikode and Malappuram Districts of Kerala State in Southern India. The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area in the mouth of Kadalundi River. It gets its name from the river Kadalundi in which the islands are situated. The river originates from the Western Ghats and flows through the Silent Valley National Park, Malappuram and Kozhikode Districts before draining to Arabian Sea.

Birds and animals in the sanctuary

The sanctuary is the home for more than hundred species of native birds and over 60 species of migratory birds that flock here in large numbers from November to April. The migratory birds coming to the sanctuary includes seagulls, terns, sandpipers, sand-plovers, red and greenshanks, turnstones among many other.

The sanctuary is also known for its variety of fish, mussels, and crabs. The mangrove vegetation here shelters otters and jackals. The sanctuary also houses several species of reptiles such as cobras, kraits, and vipers, crocodiles, and turtles.

 

Exploring Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary is located right next to the old Kadalundi Railway Bridge where the infamous Kadalundi train derailment happend in 2001 killing 57 people. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 3 km and there is a nearby hillock some 200 meters above sea level that offers splendid views of the sanctuary, the river mouth and the Arabian Sea.

The islands are formed mostly of sand, and flocks of birds will be resting or trying to pick their food from the ground. It is quite difficult to approach them in close proximity as they are very aware and scared of human presence. Cameras with powerful lenses or binoculars are the only option to view some of the very rare species of birds. The dense mangrove forests are another interesting feature here, they stand in the waters as if they are green forts protecting its inhabitants. Many birds makes their nests in these  mangrove forests.

 

The sanctuary is managed by the Gram Panchayath's of Kadalundi and Vallikunnu, and the visitors can take a ride on the boats provided at the sanctuary and catch glimpse of the mangrove forests as well the bird populations. 

Best time to visit, and how to reach the sanctuary?

The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is from December to April when the migratory birds flock here. In any time of the year, visiting in the early morning hours will give you a chance to see many species of birds.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is located 19 km away from Kozhikode City. There are buses from the city to Kadalundi. There is a railway station too in Kadalundi, right near the sanctuary but only few trains has stops there. The nearest major railway station is in Kozhikode.