Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu (Visit In 2024)

chitrangudi bird sanctuary

In this post, I will show you complete information about Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, India.

Here, you will know about,

  • Overview of  Bird Sanctuary
  • Flora and Fauna of the Sanctuary
  • Unique opening of Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge
  • And, much more interesting information

So, Let’s get started.

About Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

Chitranguri Bird Sanctuary is also known as “Chitranguri Kanmoli”. The Sanctuary is located in the Chitranguri village, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India which was officially declared in 1989. This Bird Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu is adjacent to the Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary. There are many habitats for the migratory Heron Species found in the forest of the Sanctuary. The International name of the sanctuary is Chitranguri and Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, IBA Code: IN261, Criteria: A1, A4i.

Geography of Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

Chitrangudi Bird sanctuary is located within a 15 m (49 ft) high embankment of the community irrigation tank. The crescent-shaped Kanmoi starts from a north point where a stream of water from the Gunder River flows into Kanmoi. The length of the Dam is around 4.010 km. In this water Dam, there are 5 slices that are used to supply water on Agriculture Land.

 In the Moonsson season, this water reservoir retains water for the next 3 to 5 months. But, sometimes, Excess flood water is released towards the village through a sluice gate about .5 km (0.31 mi) from the creek reservoir. Chitranguri Bird Sanctuary is a part of Chitraguri village in Mudukulathur taluk of Ramanathapuram district. An aerial view of the sanctuary gives the shape of a crescent or fishtail.

The attraction of Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

Flora

The Chitrangudi Bird sanctuary is mostly tropical dry deciduous forest. The Farm Forestry Division plants Acacia in 1979. The Sanctuary has Acacia (thorn mimosa), Prosopis juliflora, grasses Bermuda grass, and Decantium foviolatum. Most part of the sanctuary is covered with Aggressive Prosopis, hindering the growth of the Babylonians. 

The embankment of the irrigation tank and the outer part of the tank include tamarind trees, fig-trees, neem trees, Portia trees, silk trees, drumstick trees, and Palmira’s palms. Ocimum sanctum and Gloriosa superba medicinal plants also grow in this area. At present there is no area of ​​the sanctuary which is devoid of vegetation, every corner and corner being occupied by Prosopis. In addition, there are also some Medicinal Plants available here such are Osimam sanctum, Gloriosa superba, and many more.

Fauna

The Chitrangudu Bird Sanctuary is home to many migratory, especially, in winter, this sanctuary has considerable diversity in nesting and feeding behavior. It is one of the preferred habitats for deer species and migratory colonial birds in South India. As we know, the water reservoir of the Sanctuary retains water for 3 to 5 months, especially, in Hard Summer, you can see many Breeding Poputails are seen here which are spot-built pelicans, Asian open-billed storks,  gray hares, purple heron, little egrets, large egrets, pond heron.

Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge

The length of the Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge is around 2.2 km. which is connecting Rameswaram Island and the mainland and is the longest bridge in India constructed over a bay. The Bridge is also known as the Pamban Bridge. The Bridge is famous for its unique opening for passing the ship through the sea.

Ramanathaswamy Temple

There is a Ramanathaswamy Temple which has a story that legend has it that Lord Rama sent Hanuman to bring a linga to worship at a certain auspicious time. It is being worshiped as the chief deity Ramanathaswamy. Disappointed Hanuman was later comforted by Rama by placing the linga which was brought by him a little north of Ramnath.

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary Ticket Price, Timing

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary Timing:

DayTiming
Monday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Best Time To Visit Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

The Best time to visit the Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary is in the winter season, which is November to February Month. During that time, you can see the many native Animals, Birds, and also Migratory Birds breeding near the water reservoir

How to reach the Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

You can reach the Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary in 3 ways

  • Road
  • Train
  • Air
  • By Road: Rameshwaram is well connected to all major cities. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary has made Rameshwaram accessible by road from other parts of the South via NH49. There is a regular bus service from Kanyakumari, Madurai to Ramanathapuram via Trichy NH210. 
  • By Train: The nearest Railway station is Rameshwaram railway station which is around 3 km from the sanctuary. This Station is connected by several trains to major cities in Tamil Nadu such as Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and other places in South India. 
  • By Air: If you are coming from a long distance, it is recommended to take flight. The Nearest Airpot of the Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary is Madurai Airport which is around 174 km from the sanctuary. After reaching the Airport, you need to take a local Taxi or take Bus to reach the sanctuary.

Location in Google Map:

Nearest Visiting places of the Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

1. Kothandaramaswamy Temple

The Vishnu Temple, named, Kothandaramswamy Temple has located 18 km from the southern tip of Dhanushkodi Island. This temple is the only structure that survived the 1964 cyclone that washed away the rest of Dhanushkodi. This is the place where Ravana’s brother Bibishan is said to have surrendered to Rama. The temple has beautiful idols of Ram, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman, and Vishnu. 

2. Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is known as the island of the southern part. Basically, this area is almost completely washed away by the Cyclone in 1964. Though it is almost washed away, Kothandarmasami temple remains intact. A popular belief is that it was here that Ravana’s brother Bibishan surrendered to Rama. Dhanushkodi has a nice beach, where surfing is possible.

3. Devi Patinam

Devi Patinam is a coastal village in this area, which is also known as Navshabshanam. The temple near here is dedicated to the goddess who is said to have killed Mahishasur at this place. Hindus People perform religious rites here for their ancestors.

Conclusion

To sum up, Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary is also locally known by the name Chitrangudi Kanmoli. The Water Resolver of the area of the sanctuary is very popular for its uniqueness during crossing the ship. I hope you have got essential information about Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary before visiting the Sanctuary, from this article.

Now, I’d like to know from you:

How many bird sanctuaries have you already seen in Tamil Nadu?

Let me know in the comments right now.

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