Choolannur Peafowl Sanctuary

Choolannur Peafowl Sanctuary is a protected bird sanctuary located in Choolannur village in Palakkad district, Kerala. Established in 1996 and spread over 3.42 square kilometres, it is the only peafowl sanctuary in Kerala. The sanctuary protects the Indian peafowl in its natural dry scrub and rocky habitat. It supports a significant population of peafowl along with other birds and small wildlife, serving as an important conservation and nature education site.

Visitors can expect a dry scrub forest and rocky hillock landscape at Mayiladumpara with open scrub, small ponds and watch towers. The main attraction is sighting Indian peafowl roaming freely, especially during early morning and late afternoon. Visitors can walk along forest trails, observe other birds, butterflies and small mammals, and use the watch tower for birdwatching and photography in a quiet, natural setting.

Established in 1996 by the Government of Kerala to conserve the Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), the national bird of India. Spread over 3.42 sq km at Mayiladumpara, it was created due to the area's naturally high peafowl population and local conservation initiatives, and remains the only peafowl sanctuary in Kerala.

The Indian peafowl is the national bird of India and holds cultural significance in local traditions. The sanctuary at Mayiladumpara reflects community respect for the bird and serves as a centre for nature education and awareness about bird conservation in Kerala.