Tamil Nadu

Capital: Chennai
Area: 130,050 square km.
Population: 62,110,839 (2004)

Wildlife Sanctuaries In Tamil Nadu

There are six wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, three close to the east coast and the others in the richly forested mountains on the borders of Kerala and Karnataka. Mudumalai, at the foot of the Nilgiris in the extreme north-western tip of the state, is the largest and is contiguous with Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka and Wynad Sanctuary in Kerala. The smallest is Guindy Deer Park within the metropolitan boundaries of Madras. All the sanctuaries except Guindy have accommodation and transport facilities and although it's possible to turn up at any of them without prior arrangements having been made it's advisable to book in advance. The reason for this is that rooms in sanctuary lodges and rest houses cannot be allocated to unanVedanthangal

Water Birds Sanctuary

This is one of the most spectacular breeding grounds in India. Water fowl gather here for about six months of the year from October/November to March depending on the monsoons and peaks in December and January. At the height of the breeding season it's possible to see up to 30,000 birds at one time. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon. The best way to get there is via bus from Madras to Chingleput but you will have to hire transport to take you to the Forest Rest House.

The main types of birds which come here to breed and nest include cormorants, egrets, herons, storks, ibises, spoonbills, grebes and pelicans. Many other species of migratory birds also visit the sanctuary.

Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Located on the east coast just south of the Pondicherry territory of Karaikal in Tanjore district, Point Calimere is noted for its congregation of black buck, spotted deer, wild pig and vast flocks of migratory waterfowl especially flamingoes. Every year in winter the tidal mud flats and marshes are covered with masses of birds — teals, shovellers, curlews, gulls, terns, plovers, sandpipers, shanks and herons. It's possible to see here up to 30,000 flamingoes at any one time. In the spring a different set of birds — the koels, mynas and barbets — are drawn here by the profusion of wild berries.

The best time to visit is between November and January. From April to June there is very little activity. The main rainy season is from October to December. You can get to Point Calimere either by rail on the Mayavaram-Thiruthuraipoondi section or by regular bus from either Tanjore or Mayavaram.

Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary

One of the most recently created sanctuaries, Mundanthurai is located in the mountains near the border with Kerala. The nearest railway station is at Amab-asamudram and there are regular buses from there to the sanctuary. As the name implies, this is principally a tiger sanctuary and the best time to visit is between January and September though you can visit at any time of year. The main rainy season is between October and December. Since you're most likely to see tigers in the very early morning or late evening you should stay here for the night. The Forest Department will arrange to take you around the sanctuary.

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

This is the third of the wildlife sanctuaries located in the mountains along the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. Anamalai is south of Coimbatore and can be reached either by regular bus from Coimbatore or by rail to Pollachi and then by bus to the sanctuary. The Reception Centre is located at Paramb-ikulam dam. The major attractions at Anamalai are elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, spotted deer, wild boar, bear, porcupine and civet cats. The Nilgiri tahr, commonly known as ibex, can also be seen here. Transport through the sanctuary can be arranged by the Forest Department.

Accommodation is available at three places: Forest Rest House at Topslip, six suites are available here. Varagalkr Rest House, this is located deep inside the forest and offers basic accommodation but you must take your own provisions as there are no catering facilities. Mount Stuart Rest House, two suites are available here and meals can be provided. The sanctuary can be visited at any time of the year but the best time of day to go is in the very early, morning or late evening.

Guindy Deer Park

Located within the metropolitan boundaries of Madras city, this is the only place in the world where it is still possible to see fairly large numbers of the fast-dwindling species of Indian antelope (black buck). It also has small numbers of spotted deer, civet cats, jackal, mongoose and various species of monkey. There is also a reptillium within the park.
The Deer Park is adjacent to Raj Bhavan at Guindy and you can get there either by catching a commuter train from Beach Railway Station opposite the GPO or from Egmore Railway Station and getting off at Guindy Station. There are also regular service buses from Madras to Guindy.