പക്ഷിപാതാളം ഗുഹ

Pakshipathalam Guha - Bird's Nest Cave

Useful Information

Location:	Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, Tholpetty, 7 kms from the Thirunelli Temple, Kalpetta, Kerala, 673121. (11.937970916303367, 75.9616449795725)
Open:	JUN to JAN daily 6-18. [2023]
Fee:	Adults INR 200, Indians INR 50. [2023]
Classification:	Talus Cave
Light:	n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours:	local guide, D=4-5 h, L=16 km.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, Tholpetty, 7 kms from the Thirunelli Temple, Kalpetta, Kerala, 673121, Tel: +91-984-703-0110.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

പക്ഷിപാതാളം ഗുഹ (Pakshipathalam Guha, Bird's Nest Cave) is located at the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary more than 1,700 m asl with virgin forests and rich birdlife. It is said to be the best place for bird-watching in Kerala. Garuda, the king of birds, protects the sanctuary and looks after the birds living here. However, both the park and the cave are more or less undeveloped, the visit is a full day trecking through forests and across hills. The hills formed piles of debris with talus caves, most of them rather small, but some of decent size. The caves are located on the northern edge of Brahmagiri hill. They are home to bats and various species of migratory birds. According to legend, the caves were used by monks in ancient times as a retreat or hermitage.

The park is visited with a guide, because it is impossible to find the trail on your own. The trek starts near Thirunelli Temple, which is 5 km to the southeast, as the crow flies. So the trip requires around 16 km of hike. There is almost no development or infrastructure, except probably the watchtower, which offers panoramic views of the nearby forests and grasslands. The trail is not steep, but it requires walking through grassy plains and rocky hills. The best time to visit is in winter, between November and January. At this time, it's cooler and not as hot as during summer. But this time ends when the monsoon begins, which is not the same date every year, but in general starts in early February. During the monsoon, the park is closed.

As this is a decent hike, we recommend comfortable trekking gear, sturdy trekking shoes, anti-leech socks, long trousers to protect the feet from various nasty stuff like grass-cuts. Even in winter hats, sungrasses and sun protection are a good idea. Bring insect repellant, water, and food. It's necessary to obtain a permission from the forest department, pay the entrance fee, organize transport, and hire a local guide. The easiest way to do all this is by booking an organized full or two day tour. Local guides can be hired from the tourism office.