Pakshipathalam

Get your binoculars ready for an enterprising day at Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by thick evergreen forest, this place is a haven for avian species where people can spend all day spotting these beautiful birds. To make the most of the experience, tourists can undertake an exciting trek through the sanctuary and witness the flight of exotic birds.
Pakshipathalam is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. This can be accessed only by trekking from Thirunelli Temple (about 8 km one way). The 3 hours trek to Pakshipathalam takes you through moist deciduous forests, rolling hillocks, open grasslands, slippery trails, and narrow rocky caves. There is also a watch tower in this place which can be used for watching birds and animals. Night camping is not allowed on Pakshipathalam peak, so trekkers need to come back before sunset


Pakshipathalam is the abode of a large population of several species of birds. It is an ornithologist's paradise. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. The hill station of Pakshipathalam was once the meditating area for countless rishis or saints of ancient India. There is also a cave called Munikal Cave, where birds take shelter during night and early morning. The cave is also famous for the endangered species of birds known as 'Edible Nest Swift' which makes its nest with the help of its saliva. There is a small eagle shaped projection where the Garuda, the sacred vehicle of Lord Vishnu, was believed to have been landed.
To visit Pakshipathalam, special permission is needed from Forest Department at Tholpetty/Appapara
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Calicut Railway Station, about 128 km
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, about 140 km
Google map coordinates: WX6X+27 Thirunelly, Kerala