Kol Wetlands are a winter wildfowl area of international importance and has been declared as Ramsar site. These marshlands & open paddy fields) surrounding the town of Thrissur are excellent  for birding. This wetland covering an area of 136 sq.km are spread over a wide region extending from the northern bank of Chalakudy river to the southern bank of Bharathapuzha river.

These areas are low-lying and have a central, narow strip covering a long expanse, with many pockets running into cultivated land on either side. The region is naturally subject to salt-water ingression. During monsoon, the entire region gets submerged. Most of its area is at sea level or below it and recieves an average rainfall of about 2700 mm.

The traditional farming lands of Central Kerala grow rice, coconuts and other spices. Here Red Avadavat, Streaked Weaver, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Malabar Lark, abound as do many water birds.