Mayiladumpara Peacock Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Grace: Also known as the Choolannur Peafowl Sanctuary, this is the only dedicated sanctuary for peacocks in Kerala. Spreading over 500 hectares, it is a dry deciduous forest that provides the perfect habitat for the national bird of India. The name Mayiladumpara literally translates to "the rock where the peacocks dance." Established in 1996, it was dedicated to the memory of the legendary ornithologist K.K. Neelakantan. The sanctuary is home to over 200 peacocks, along with hundreds of other bird species and diverse flora. Walking through the sanctuary, one can hear the distinct calls of the peacocks echoing through the trees. It is not just about birds; the area is also rich in medicinal plants and rare herbs used in traditional Ayurveda. The terrain is a mix of rocky outcrops and dense scrubland, making it an interesting place for light trekking. Nature enthusiasts flock here to witness the spectacular sight of male peacocks spreading their iridescent plumes during the mating season. The sanctuary plays a vital role in the conservation of peafowls, protecting them from poaching and habitat loss. It offers a raw, untouched experience of nature, far away from the commercial tourist circuits. Visiting during the dawn or dusk increases the chances of spotting these majestic birds in their natural glory.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 4 HoursPlace Type:
Wildlife & NatureEntry Fees:
Visitor Fees: Entry is roughly 25 INR per person; separate fees apply for cameras and vehicles.
Forest Guide: Hiring a guide for better spotting may cost an additional 100 INR to 200 INR. ...Visitor Fees: Entry is roughly 25 INR per person; separate fees apply for cameras and vehicles.
Forest Guide: Hiring a guide for better spotting may cost an additional 100 INR to 200 INR.Special Events:
World Environment Day: Special awareness programs are conducted every June 5th by the Forest Department.
Wildlife Week: Celebrated in the first week of October with educational tours and photography contests. ...World Environment Day: Special awareness programs are conducted every June 5th by the Forest Department.
Wildlife Week: Celebrated in the first week of October with educational tours and photography contests.Best Photo Spots:
Peacock Dance Frame: The best shot is the male peacock with its tail fully fanned out, usually found in clearing areas.
The Forest Canopy: Capture the golden light filtering through the trees during the early morning hours. ...Peacock Dance Frame: The best shot is the male peacock with its tail fully fanned out, usually found in clearing areas.
The Forest Canopy: Capture the golden light filtering through the trees during the early morning hours.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Bird Watching: Focus on spotting the Indian Peafowl and other birds like the Green Bee-eater and Indian Robin.
Nature Trekking: Follow the marked trails through the dry deciduous forest to experience the local flora.
Photography: Capture the vibrant colors of the peacocks, especially during their famous courtship dance.
Medicinal Plant Study: Identify the various Ayurvedic herbs that grow naturally in the sanctuary grounds.
Silent Meditation: Find a quiet spot to soak in the sounds of the forest and the calls of the wild.
Guided Tours: Engage with forest guards to learn about the behavior and conservation of peafowls. Visit K. K.
Neelakantan Memorial: Pay respec...Bird Watching: Focus on spotting the Indian Peafowl and other birds like the Green Bee-eater and Indian Robin.
Nature Trekking: Follow the marked trails through the dry deciduous forest to experience the local flora.
Photography: Capture the vibrant colors of the peacocks, especially during their famous courtship dance.
Medicinal Plant Study: Identify the various Ayurvedic herbs that grow naturally in the sanctuary grounds.
Silent Meditation: Find a quiet spot to soak in the sounds of the forest and the calls of the wild.
Guided Tours: Engage with forest guards to learn about the behavior and conservation of peafowls. Visit K. K.
Neelakantan Memorial: Pay respects at the center dedicated to the father of Kerala's bird studies.
Information
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Why Famous:
Unique Avian Haven: It is famous for being the premier destination in South India to see peacocks in their wild, natural habitat.
Biodiversity Hotspot: Known for its high concentration of medicinal herbs and rare butterfly species during the...Unique Avian Haven: It is famous for being the premier destination in South India to see peacocks in their wild, natural habitat.
Biodiversity Hotspot: Known for its high concentration of medicinal herbs and rare butterfly species during the post-monsoon months. -
Architecture:
Natural Habitat Design: The sanctuary isn't a "building" but a managed ecosystem with specific watchtowers and observation points.
Area Scope: It covers approximately 3. 42 square kilometers of protected forest land under the Alathur range. ...Natural Habitat Design: The sanctuary isn't a "building" but a managed ecosystem with specific watchtowers and observation points.
Area Scope: It covers approximately 3. 42 square kilometers of protected forest land under the Alathur range.
Ornithological Landmark: The visitor center is designed to provide information on avian biodiversity and local forest history. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Coimbatore Airport is the nearest at 85 KMS.
By Train: Palakkad Junction is 30 KMS away; Ottapalam station is also nearby.
By Road: Take the road from Palakkad towards Alathur and then proceed to Ch...By Air: Coimbatore Airport is the nearest at 85 KMS.
By Train: Palakkad Junction is 30 KMS away; Ottapalam station is also nearby.
By Road: Take the road from Palakkad towards Alathur and then proceed to Choolannur.
By Local Transport: Limited bus service; hiring a taxi or an auto from Alathur is recommended. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Best Season: September to March is the best period as the weather is pleasant and birds are active.
Mating Season: April to May is the best time to see the elaborate peacock dances.
Summer Part: Avoid visiti...Best Season: September to March is the best period as the weather is pleasant and birds are active.
Mating Season: April to May is the best time to see the elaborate peacock dances.
Summer Part: Avoid visiting between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM as birds hide in the shade. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Alathur (15 KM), 2. Killikkurussimangalam (22 KM), 3. Palakkad Fort (30 KM), 4. Kalpathy Temple (32 KM), 5. Pothundy Dam (35 KM), 6. Nelliyampathy (50 KM), 7. Dhoni Falls (40 KM), 8. Malampuzha (42 KM), 9. Mangalam Dam (30 KM), 10. Silent Valley (75 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear sturdy walking shoes and stay on the designated paths to avoid snakes.
Packing: Carry binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and plenty of drinking water.
Cash Needs: No ATMs inside; k...Health & Safety: Wear sturdy walking shoes and stay on the designated paths to avoid snakes.
Packing: Carry binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and plenty of drinking water.
Cash Needs: No ATMs inside; keep cash for entry and local tea stalls.
Quiet Conduct: Maintain absolute silence to avoid scaring the birds away; do not wear bright colors.
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