In the Kozhikode district, Kerala, India is a village called Kadalundi. This coastal village is located close to Arabian Sea. This place is prominently known for its migratory birds where various migratory birds make their home during certain seasons. This place has been recently declared as bio-reserve.

Surrounded by hillock spot, the Kadalundi bird sanctuary spreads over a group of islands. In this picturesque locale the Kadalundi River flows towards the Arabian Sea. The hillock spot is at 200 meters above sea level. A wonderful view is presented from this spot of the sea and the river. The local people call this place as Kadalundi Nagaram.

This bird sanctuary is home to more than hundred different types of native birds and over sixty species of migratory birds, who come to this place in huge numbers. Birds like Whimbrels, Sandpiper, Herons, Gulls, Terns, and other birds arrive at this place every year in November and leave this place by the end of April. A visit to Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary can be a memorable experience, as you enjoy the colourful vistas of the forested land and the chirping songs of birds.

To enjoy this place to the fullest, arrive here in the early hours of the day between December and April. The climate of this place is comfortable and soothing throughout the year due to its proximity to sea. The official name of this place is Kadalundi – Vallikkunnu community reserve and is considered as the first community reserve of Kerala. The state forest department took the initiative and is managed by Kadalundi and Vallikkunnu gram panchayat. A six member managing committee for this place is appointed by the government.

Apart from birds, tourist can also see numerous varieties of fish, crab, and mussels in the sanctuary. This place is also home to different types of snakes such as viper, krait and the cobra. Tourists also get the chance to see turtles in this sanctuary.

Some notable places around Kadalundi are Chaliyam and Beypore. A big attraction is the first ever railway line between Thanor and Chaliyam. This bird sanctuary got its name from the Kadalundi river, which starts from the Western Ghats and flow into the Arabian Sea passing through the silent valley, Kozhikode and Malappuram. This beautiful river gave the name to this place.

Climate Conditions

Climate of this place is much similar to that of the State. This place has tropical climate so there is significant amount of rain during most months of the year. The only dry season is short and is not very effective. The average annual rainfall of this place is 3140 mm and the average temperature is 27.3 C.

With just 4 mm rainfall January is considered to be the driest month. July, on the other hand, receives maximum amount of rainfall with average of 840 mm. Temperature remains same throughout the year, with little variation.

How to Reach

By Air

Kadalundi bird sanctuary is just 23 km away from Kozhikode, so the closest airport to reach Kadalundi is at Kozhikode.

By Rail

Nearest railway station to reach Kadalundi is at Kozhikode which is around 19 km away.

By Road

The place can be reached easily by round from all corners of India. It is a famous tourist place and one can use guide map to come to this place.

Wildlife

Flora

This place falls in different vegetation zones so a diverse range of vegetation can be seen in and around this sanctuary. A wide area of land is covered by Eucalyptus and Teel plants. You can see some prominent varieties of trees at this place and some which are unique to this place. Some of the species include Hopea parviflora, Xyliaxylocarpa, Toona cillata, Cullenia rosayroona, Mechilus macrantha, Largestroemia lanceolata, and many more. The place is surrounded by tropical semi evergreen forest, moist evergreen forest, and hilltop evergreen forest.

Fauna

You can also see different animals at this place including gaur, wild boar, mouse deer, barking deer, sambar deer and Indian elephant. There are different varieties of snakes here, turtles and various other wildlife creatures.

Activities To do

The forest department has co-ordinated with the Kadalundi – Vallikkunnu community reserve committee to increase support to visitors and researchers who keep track on migratory birds in reaching the reserve.

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