Everything You Need To Know About Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, Wayanad

        Image Source - Google | by Thrilophia

Wayanad is one of the stopping addresses for all pedestrians. One such place in Wayanad that has captured the imagination of all trekkers, ornithologists and conservationists is the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary. Here clean forests, streams, and cliffs together offer challenging hiking trails. A 3-hour walk is probably the best way to traverse the countryside of the bird sanctuary. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is best known for its `Edible Nest Swift light. ' It is believed that the nest is made of solid saliva and is used to make bird's nest soup.

Bird Sanctuary

Image Source - Google | by Hello Travel

Inside the bird sanctuary, visitors can see a flock of birds chirping and guarding the sky, many herbs and trees with medicinal properties, and planting orchids. Within the boundaries of the bird sanctuary, there is a temple and a tower to help visitors navigate their way. It will be good to carry bird-watching equipment and hire a tour guide who will camp all night.

Also read: Top 10 places to visit in Kannur in 2022!

Pakshipathalam Trek

The Pakshipathalam trek is a hiking trail across Wayanad, Kerala, accessible only by footpath. The name is translated as "bird habitat" in Malayalam. According to its name, it is home to a few rare bird species, particularly bats. This makes for a great one-day trip to Wayanad. A bonus is that this trip can also be made from Karnataka, starting at Irpu Falls.

At an altitude of 1,740 meters, Pakshipathalam lies in the Brahmagiri mountains near the Thirunelli temple, Wayanad, in Kerala. The trek to Pakshipathalam takes you through dense jungle jungles, flowing mountains, grassy plains, slippery roads, and small rocky caves.

This birdhouse is also known as the Munikal caves in the middle of the forest. Since there are no proper roads, travelling five miles [8 km] along a forest path is quite a challenge.

Camping is not allowed here. Therefore, you will need to go back before the forest darkens. The fact that the forest is home to several wildlife and reptiles adds to the excitement of the trip.

You regularly fly across the border between Karnataka and Kerala throughout the trip. It would help if you had a permit from the DFO of North Wayanad to walk to this place. You will have to pay a permit fee. We suggest you go with the guide to get some knowledge about Pakshipathalam.

Why should you visit Pakshipathalam?

As the name suggests, Pakshipathalam is a bird sanctuary. The sheer number of bird species seen here makes the area a favourite with nature lovers and expert bird watchers. The deep caves located just north of Pakshipathalam are well-known for their magnificent diversity, and also this place offers you trekking!

Best time to visit

The perfect time to visit Pakshipathalam is from November through April.

How can you reach Pakshipathalam?

By Air: The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, approximately 23 kilometres from the city of Kozhikode.

The nearest railway station is in Kozhikode, about 106 miles from Mananthavady. 

After reaching Thiruneli, you have to go to the forest guest house, 2km from Thiruneli, using public transportation. After getting the Forest guest house, you have to take a pass which costs 200 INR per person for foreigners and 50 INR per person for Indians.