Tamil Nadu Bird Sanctuaries – Only 5 Minutes Virtual Visit

Tamil Nadu is the southern state of India. It is a pioneer state in protected area management and development of forest resources and wildlife. Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu are the place where you will get a chance to see various types of Birds, Wildlife, and, also forest resources.

There are 15 bird sanctuaries, 15 Wildlife sanctuaries, 5 National parks, and 2 conservation reserves available in Tamil Nadu. On this list of all sanctuaries, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary, and Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary are one of the most popular bird sanctuaries.

The total protected area of the state is 7072 square km, in, the forest area of the state is 30.92%. Apart from these Protected areas, Tamil Nadu is also home to many hill stations, Historic buildings, and 3 World Heritage Sites. 

If you are a Traveller, Wildlife Enthusiast, Nature Lover, and Wildlife Photographer, you can visit these Bird Sanctuaries and other popular destinations.

Now, you may be confused, there are many sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu. Which one should I visit first? Wait, Don’t worry and not waste your time more on researching wildlife and bird sanctuaries.

Here, I have listed the best and most important bird sanctuaries of Tamil Nadu that you can visit while you are Exploring Tamil Nadu. Therefore, step away from your workstation, and plan and visit this famous bird sanctuary.

Name of The Sanctuary	Sanctuary Area (Hectares)	District Location	Started
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary	30	Kancheepuram	1998
Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary	47	Ramanathapuram	1989
Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary	129	Ramanathapuram	1994
Point Calimere Bird (Wildlife) Sanctuary	1728	Nagapattinam	1967
Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary	15367	Tiruvallur	1980
Karikili Bird Sanctuary	61	Kancheepuram	1989
Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary	104	Ramanathapuram	1989
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary	453	Ariyalur	2000
Theerthangal Bird Sanctuary	29	Ramanathapuram	2010
Sakkarakottai Tank Bird Sanctuary	230	Ramanathapuram	2012
Oussudu Lake Bird Sanctuary	331	Villupuram	2015
Vellode Bird Sanctuary	77	Erode	1997
Udayamarthandpuram Bird Sanctuary	45	Tiruvarur	1998
Vettangudi bird Sanctuary	38	Sivagangai	1977
Vaduvoor bird Sanctuary	128	Tiruvarur	1999
Melaselvanur-Kilaselvanur Birds Sanctuary	593	Ramanathapuram	1998

1. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary 

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is located in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. This Bird Sanctuary is a  hidden gem in Kanchipuram and One of the best places for getting to see Migratory and Native Birds.  Vedanthangal means ‘Hunter’s Village’ in the Tamil Language. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, this area was declared a Vedanthangal Lake Bird Sanctuary in 1988.

The Most commonly found migratory Birds are shovellers, grey pelicans, painted storks, sandpipers, spoonbills, and, on the other hand, native Birds are Egret, Graves, Moorhen, Little Egret, and Darter. You can hire Binaculers from inside the sanctuary. The Vedanthangal Lake of the sanctuary supplies 250 acres of agricultural land in the area. The Winter season is the best time to see many species of birds at the sanctuary. And, I will recommend trying to visit the sanctuary in the early morning.

• Address: Vedathangal, Madurantakam, Tamil Nadu 603314
• Timings: 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM
• Ticket Price: Rs.25 per Adult and Rs.5 per Child
• Best time to Visit: December to March Month

Location in Google Map:

2. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary is also known as “Chitrangudi Kanmoli” located in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, In Chitrangudi village, you can see different types of migratory birds such are ibis, egrets, painted storks, and many more. Also, you can see some native birds here.  ,

For the tropical dry deciduous forest, and many species of birds and Wildlife, the government declared the area a Sanctuary in 1989. The winter season. between November to February Month is the best time to visit and see the breeding f the birds in the water resources of the sanctuary.

• Address: Chithirangudi, Tamil Nadu 623704
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Ticket Price: Free
• Best time to Visit: November to February

Location in Google Map:

3. Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary

Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary is located in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. The Bird Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Tambaraparani River of the District. The Koonthankulam village is home to the approx 100000 Migratory Birds in the winter season. There is Watch Tower inside the sanctuary to see birds with the help of binoculars.

This Sanctuary is one of the largest waterfowl breeding reserves in South India. Covering an area of 1.2933 square km, Government Declares the area a Sanctuary. Keep in mind, that the Mobile Network is very poor in this area, so, you need to be conscious of this issue. Although, all is ok. You can also bring snacks to the sanctuary and enjoy more.

• Address: Koonthakulam, Tamil Nadu 627355
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Ticket Price: Very minimal and reasonable
• Best time to Visit: December to March

Location in Google Map:

4. Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary

Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary is a great place to visit when you are in Kodiakrai. Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary is located in the Kodaikadu villages of Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. The Bird sanctuary is a mixture of Wetlands and tropical dry evergreen forests.

The main attraction of the sanctuary is Marine animals, Landbirds, and Waterbirds. There are 103 species of Migratory water birds, and the number of birds touches the peak of 100000 in the winter season, which mostly comes from Siberia. Northern Asia,  and many parts of Europe. Wild horses and black deer 

The best place to see Wild horses and black deer is at home. You can hear some interesting stories about the animals from the drivers. Inside the sanctuary, Cycling is also available for a nominal fee. Though Private car inside the sanctuary is not allowed.

• Address: Kodiyakarai, Tamil Nadu 614807
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Ticket Price: Rs.20 per Indian and Rs.100 per foreigner
• Best time to Visit: October to February

Location in Google Map:

5. Pulicat bird sanctuary

Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is a protected area of the Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu. Covering an area of 759 square km, It is a great place to watch migratory birds. The sanctuary has many greater flamingos. Pulicat Lake is India’s second-largest brackish-water lake.

Inside the sanctuary, you can see large flocks of greater flamingos, Little Ringed Plover, Sanderling, and Caspian Tern on either side of the road at low tide. There is an entry ticket to the sanctuary. Maybe, for this reason, the educational center of the sanctuary is not well maintained. Overall, the sanctuary is home to many migratory and native birds in the winter season, but not in the off-season. Keep in mind, that there is no restaurant near the sanctuary, so, you need to carry your food here.

• Address: Thiruvallur District
• Timings:  8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Ticket Price: Free for Indian
• Best time to Visit: October to March

Location in Google Map:

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