This sanctuary, nestled in evergreen forests, was discovered by the renowned ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali and is named after him. About 167 birds were identified by Dr. Salim Ali and 207 birds by his student, Dr. Sugathan. The sanctuary is known for the various indigenous birds like the Malabar grey-hornbill, woodpecker, rose-ringed and blue-winged parakeet, Indian rollers, cuckoos, common snipes, crow pheasants, jungle nightjars, kites, grey drongos, Malabar trongs, large pied wagtails, baya sparrows, grey jungle fowls, Indian hill mynas, robins, jungle babblers, sunbirds and darters. etc. Rare birds like the Ceylon frog-moth, Rose-billed roller, Crimson-throated barbets, bee-eaters, shrikes, fairly bluebirds, grey-headed fishing eagles, black winged kites, night herons, grey hornbills and Malabar hornbills can also be seen here. Various migratory birds migrate here during winter.