Situated at the heart of Kochi, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is popularly called the green lung of the city. It boasts thick mangrove vegetation that provides shelter to both endemic and migratory birds. Some of the popular species you can spot are little cormorant and black-crowned night heron. Tourists can also look out for black crow that is the major predator for eggs of various birds. Besides, you can spot mammals like painted bats, bandicoot, Eurasian otter, three-striped palm squirrel and Indian flying-fox. For a bird's eye view of the sanctuary, tourists can head to a watchtower located within the premises. The sanctuary is skirted by the Arabian Sea that adds to its panoramic beauty. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from January to March.