Bird Walk at Vazhani Dam Park, Thrissur, Kerala

Name: Bird Walk at Vazhani Dam Park, Thrissur, Kerala
Start: 2026-01-17T07:00:00+05:30
End: 2026-01-17T09:00:00+05:30

About Vazhani Dam Park

Vazhani Dam Park, nestled within the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur district, is a serene and scenic destination that blends engineered landscapes with rich natural heritage. The park surrounds the tranquil Vazhani Dam reservoir, one of Kerala’s largest earth-fill dams, sitting amid lush forests and landscaped gardens that spill down to the water’s edge. This area forms part of a broader 125 sq km wildlife sanctuary established in 1958 in the catchment of the Peechi and Vazhani dams, where a mosaic of moist deciduous, semi-evergreen and riparian habitats supports an extraordinary diversity of life. Towering trees, swathes of orchids and rare medicinal plants paint the landscape in vibrant greens, while gentle walking trails, picnic lawns and boating opportunities provide visitors with both relaxation and immersion in nature’s rhythms.

Beyond its manicured lawns, Vazhani’s wild edges are a magnet for flora and fauna enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. The reservoir and surrounding forest patches attract over 100 bird species — from resident woodland doves and flycatchers to striking hornbills, herons and seasonal migrants — making it a rewarding spot for early-morning birding. Mammals such as elephants, deer and even elusive leopards roam the deeper sanctuary, while butterflies and reptiles add to the rich tapestry of life. Yet this beautiful patch of nature faces challenges: pressure from tourism, invasive plant growth, and balancing recreational use with habitat protection all require thoughtful conservation planning and community involvement to ensure that the park’s biodiversity thrives alongside visitors for generations to come.

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Common birds of Vazhani Dam Park

Vazhani Dam Park is a delight for bird lovers, where forest, water and open skies come together to support a rich and colorful avian community. The park’s mixed woodland and reservoir edges host charismatic forest birds such as Malabar Trogon, Malabar Hornbill, Grey Hornbill, Greater Flameback, Heart-spotted Woodpecker and the tiny Pygmy Woodpecker, while open areas and gardens resonate with the calls of Coppersmith Barbet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Spotted Dove and busy Tailorbirds. Raptors like the Crested Serpent Eagle and Oriental Honey Buzzard soar above the canopy, as Paradise Flycatcher, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater and swift needletails add movement and colour to the air. Near the water, Common Kingfisher and Red-wattled Lapwing are regular sights, while dusk and dawn reveal Spotted Owlette, Jungle Owlet and elusive ground dwellers like Red Spurfowl. With an impressive 184 bird species recorded, Vazhani Dam Park stands out as one of Thrissur’s rewarding birding destinations, offering rich sightings for both casual visitors and seasoned naturalists.