Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a protected area with mangrove forests and wetlands located in Kochi. These habitats host a variety of bird species that arrive especially during migration seasons, along with butterflies and spiders.

The Kerala Forest Department established this protected site in 2004 to preserve the ecosystems within it. Since then it has become an important conservation area in an urban setting.

The name comes from Malayalam words meaning 'auspicious forest', showing how the local community values this green space in the middle of the city. People pass by on their daily routines and sometimes stop to watch the birds, connecting this small place to their everyday lives.

Visitors can explore this sanctuary through designated pathways in the urban area, best visited early in the morning when birds are more active. The site is small, so a short visit works well and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

Despite being the smallest protected site in the state, surveys have found more than 30 bird species here that depend on the mangroves and wetlands. This tiny green space plays a role in migrations that span thousands of kilometers.