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Wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu

Mukurthi National Park & Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve are the two tiger reserves in the state. Mudumalai National Park, The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and Arignar Anna Zoological Park are popular with wildlife lovers. The mangrove forests at Pichavaram (near Chidambaram) are also eco-tourism spots of importance.

Vedanthangal bird sanctuary

Vedanthangal is the oldest bird sanctuary in the country with an area of 30 hectares. A tank having a compact grove of Barringtonia acacia nilotica trees and the dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests.

Breeding birds like the Cormorant, Egrets, Grey Heron, Open-billed Stork, Darter, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Night Herons, Grebes, and Grey Pelican visit the sanctuary each year. The population of migratory birds included Teals, Shovellers, Pintails and Sandpipers etc. Some of the resident birds listed are Coots, Terns and Moorhen. In all 115 species of birds have been recorded in this sanctuary.

How to Reach

Vedanthangal sanctuary is situated in the Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu (86 km from Chennai). Nearest Railway station Chengalpattu – 30 km away.
Best Season : November to February.
Accommodation : Forest Rest House at Vedanthangal with catering arrangements, P.W.D. Rest House at Karunguzhi.

Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary has a large population of varied wildlife such as chital, wild boar, bonnet macaque, black Buck, flamingos, teals, gulls, terns, and plover. Special attractions are the encounters with dolphins and turtles, which often come quite close to the shore. It has 17.26 sq km aera surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal swamps and forests of mangroves. Boats are available on hire.

How to Reach

Nearest airport Thiruchirappalli - 225 km away.
Nearest Railway station Thiruthuraipoondi – 42 km away.
Best season : November to February (water birds); Blackbuck and chital all the year round.
Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses at Point Calimere. Catering arrangements are provided.
Contact : The Wildlife Warden, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, 110, Public Officers Road, Nagapattinam – 611 001.

Gulf of manner Marine National Park

This is a Marine Biosphere, and it runs along with coasts of Ramanathapuram and Thuthukudi (Tuticorin) Districts. The entire Gulf of Mannar abounds in marine life and the area covers 21 islands and 623 hectares. This National Park is full of coral reefs, the dugong, turtles, dolphins and balano-glossus. The Kurusadai Islands, off Manadapam boasts of a vast expanse of shallow waters. The coral reef, flora and fauna here are in their virgin form. Dolphins create a carefree atmosphere for tourists.

Location : Mandapam – 150 km away from Madurai on the Rameshwaram route.

Mudumalai National Park

Located 20 km from Gudallur on Ooty - Mysore highway. Morning time is the best to watch animals. Masinagudi is a nice place to stay nearby.