15 Wildlife Sanctuary In Tamilnadu, Things To Do & FAQ’s

Explore diverse Wildlife Sanctuary In Tamilnadu, featuring exotic species and lush habitats. Encounter elephants, tigers, and endemic birds amidst scenic landscapes. Immerse in nature’s wonders while supporting conservation efforts in this vibrant Indian state.

Some of India’s most beautiful wildlife is found in the lush landscapes . Tamil Nadu is home to the diverse variety of ecosystem and wildlife. The state of Tamil Nadu is home to many regions which are home to countless animals and plants, from dense forests to wide meadows, offer the opportunity to relax in the heart of nature.

Let’s start the journey towards the pristine nature of different Wildlife Sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu.

About Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has a habitat that supports many animal and plant species. There is a huge area covered with forests. These forests are spread across the plains and mountains. Dry lands are dominated by dry deciduous forests, scrublands, thick forests and mangroves, while the Western Ghats and other cold regions contain moist deciduous forests, moist evergreen forests, grasslands and coasts. 

Tamil Nadu is the cultural hub of South India and is also known for its diverse heritage. That’s why visitors get excited about wildlife safaris from these various states. The state of Tamil Nadu has area of 1,30,058 square km. About 17.6% of the land is densely forested. Visitors will find the best mix of tropical rainforest, dry and moist deciduous forests, grasslands, shoals, mangroves and thorny shrubs. Apart from plant diversity, other treasures of Tamil Nadu are tigers, elephants, deer, monkeys, bison, etc. A wildlife safari through wild forests and covering all the trails in the wilderness of Tamil Nadu is probably one of the greatest adventures ever.

Wildlife Sanctuary In Tamilnadu:

1. Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary

Cauvery Northern Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The reserve is located on the northern bank of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu and connects to the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka in the south. Cauvery Northern Wildlife Sanctuary is home to black panther, elephant, four-horned antelope, grey giant squirrel, jackal, sloth bear, etc.

2. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary or Mudumalai National park Park is located in the foothills of the Nilgiris in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu. It covers around 321 square kilometres of area. Mudumalai National Park is an extension of Bandipur National Park near Karnataka. The reserve is divided into 5 districts: Masinagudi, Theppakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota. 

There are approximately 48 tigers in the reserve. Additionally, the border is home to more than 200 bird species, including white-rumped vultures, long-beaked vultures, red-crowned vultures, mynas, parakeets and owls.

3. Calimere Point Wildlife Sanctuary

Calimere Point Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is a 21.47 square kilometer protected area located where the Palk Strait meets the Bay of Bengal at Kalimir Point. The border was established in 1967 to protect the black buck antelope. Surrounded by the sea and beautiful beaches, this reserve is famous for its many waterbirds, especially flamingos, which come here every winter.

This park is also home to many animals like chital, wild boar, bonnet macaque, blackbuck, terns, spotted deer, monitor lizards, lesser short-nosed fruit bats, the small Indian civet, and the Indian star tortoise.. Dolphins and turtles can be seen near the shore.

4. Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Annamalai Tiger Reserve, formerly known as Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, was declared in 1974 and established in 1976. It was later named Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in memory of the visit. It was founded in 1961 by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level, was declared the Annamalai Tiger Reserve in 2007 and covers an area of 958.59 square Km.

This Sanctuary is home to panthers, elephants, deer, gaur, civets, tigers, sloth bears, wild bears, wild dogs, porcupines, flying squirrels, jackals, and pangolins. There are many birds like the red treepie, whiskered bulbul, spotted dove, rocket-tailed drongo, black-headed oriole, and pigeon. This wildlife park also has a natural reservoir, called the Amaravati Reservoir, which is inhabited by crocodiles. 

5. Mukurthi National Park

Mukurthi National Park, formerly known as Nilgiri Taal National Park, is located on the western side of the Nilgiri Plateau. The entire area of Mukuti National Park was declared a forest reserve in 1886. The area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1982 and was upgraded to a national park in 1990 to protect Nilgiri Tahr  Mukurthi National Park is home to many endangered animals such as Nilgiri Tahr, Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, Nilgiri marten, Nilgiri langur and Banghot mouse. 

There are also leopards, bonnet macaques, sambar, red deer, mouse deer, otters, jungle cats, small civets, wild dogs, jackals, shrews, Malabar spiny dormice and soft-haired mice. The park is home to many bird species, from grey-headed flycatchers to laughing thrushes, black-winged kites, black-and-orange flycatchers, wood pigeons and woodcock.

6. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a popular migratory home for around 40,000 different bird species from all over the world. This area attracts birds as it has several small ponds that serve as a suitable place for birds. The border is a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife photographers. 

Floating, vast rice fields and Barrington mangroves rich in bird species make Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary a beautiful place to escape the crowds.

November to March is the best time to visit the region as this is the period when resident and migratory birds can be seen building and maintaining their nests.

7. Koonthankulam Bird sanctuary 

This bird sanctuary is protected and managed by the Koonthankulam community. The sanctuary is a major bird sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and attracts more than a million birds every year. Tourists come here to see the Painted Stork, which is the main attraction of this place. Koonthankulam is an important breeding ground for many bird species. Every year, especially in January and February, the border welcomes more than 43 species of resident and migratory birds. 

They then leave the nest in July and August, hatch their eggs and raise their chicks.Other famous migratory birds that visit the village are bar-headed goose, pintail, spotted sandpiper, green sandpiper, greenshank, white-capped stork, white stork, greater flamingo, sandpiper, teal and palavan.

8. Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was established in 1988 by merging Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary and Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary, which were established in 1962. The border covers an area of 817 square kilometres of which 459 square kilometre belongs to the core area, and the remaining 358 square kilometres belongs to the non-core area. The reserve Is home to many species of animals. 

The fauna includes approximately 150 plant species, 33 fish species, 37 amphibian species, 81 reptile species, 273 bird species and 77 animal species. Elephants, gaur, bonnets, macaques, slowoes, tigers and leopards, antelopes, cave leopards, sloth bears, pythons, barking deer, four-horned antelope, otters, crocodiles (thieves), giant flying squirrels, Sambar, hyena can be seen. , wild dog, wild boar, mouse deer, spotted deer, jackal, rabbit, porcupine and mongoose.

9. Amirthi Zoological Park

Amirthi Zoological park is famous for its waterfalls, swings and live animals. While half of the forest was opened for tourists, the other half was established as a wildlife sanctuary. A one-kilometer walk in the park offers magnificent views of Amirthi Falls, a small seasonal waterfall. During the rainy season, guests can play and swim in the pool present next to the waterfall.

Animals in the park include deer, meerkats, hedgehogs, foxes, monkeys, scarlet macaws, budgies, turtles, peacocks, crocodiles, wild cats, eagles, ducks, pigeons, wild parrots, rabbits and pythons. Many herbs and plants grow in the park. The park has a meditation hall and hotels where guests can stay.

Best Waterfals In Tamilnadu

10. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

This Zoological park covers an area of 602 hectares (1,490 acres) and is home to 2,553 species of plants and animals. As of 2012, the park’s 160 habitats are home to approximately 1,500 wildlife species, including 46 endemic species. Here you can see tigers, wolves, deer, elephants and other animals. 

The park has a Special free area where animals can roam freely. There are two bird aviary (walk-in bird cages), a butterfly house, a reptile house, an amphibian house, a primate house, a crocodile house and an aquarium.

Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the confluence of the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats, about 88 km from Coimbatore. This ensures the diversity of its flora and fauna. This sanctuary houses tigers, elephants, gaurs, deers, antelopes, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs are also found here. In terms of vegetation, the reserves are dominated by deciduous forests, along with thorny forests, tropical montane forests and riparian woodlands. Sandalwood trees are abundant here.

12. Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary

Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary was declared in 2008. Seven rivers flow through this forest, including the famous Pahrali and Thamirabarani rivers. The reserve is known as tiger reserve. However, the animals and fauna of the region are rich and diverse. The region is considered a wildlife corridor rich in biodiversity. 

There are many types of vegetation in the region. This sanctuary also inhabits many species, including reptiles such as the Indian gaur, elephant, Nilgiri Tahr sheep, sambar deer, lion-tailed macaques and Indian rock pythons. You can meet many amphibians and insects that you cannot see anywhere else.

Delhi To Ukkadam Lake Park

13. Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary

Vaduvar Bird Sanctuary is located in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, on the road from Mannargudi to Thanjavur. It covers more than 128 hectares of freshwater and is home to terns, black-headed starlings, gray herons, white-breasted kingfish and spotted doves. The nearest city, Thanjavur, is 25 km from the reserve. The reserve was established in July 1999 and is home to herons, painted storks, gray pelicans, pintails, cormorants, teals, herons, etc. 

It attracts more than 40 species of waterfowl. The reservoir is a large tank that receives water from the Mettur Dam, especially from the northeast where monsoon rains occur from August to December. Dry conditions occur from April to August.

14. Sirvilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary contains dry deciduous forest, moist mixed deciduous forest and grass. There are many giant grizzled squirrels. Other interesting species are flying squirrels, shrews, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahar, mouse deer, barking deer and many bird species. This reserve can be visited all year round. The Gray Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary at Sirvilliputhur in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu was declared a protected area in December 1989.

15. Vallandu Wildlife Sanctuary

Varanadu Sanctuary was established to protect black deers. It’s great to see them coming out of the bush and roaming freely in their natural habitat. These beautiful wild animals are kept here to protect them from external factors and to help them reproduce. This wildlife sanctuary shares it’s ecosystem with antelopes, monkeys, wild cats, macaques, jungle cats, venomous snakes, black-naped rabbits and more. The region is also a safe haven for many bird species such as owls, sparrows, crested eagles, jungle crows, peacocks and herons.

Things To Do in Wildlife Sanctuaries Of Tamil Nadu

Jungle Safari

Jungle Safari is one of the most loved activities among the tourist. This activity gives you an opportunity to witness the wildlife and animal life really closely. It gives you chance to feel the indulgence between fauna of forest.

Bird Watching

People can also enjoy the activity of bird watching in the forests of Tamil Nadu. The experience of watching beautiful birds which come from far away on the land of Tamil Nadu, really feels great.

Elephant Ride

One can also enjoy thrilling elephant ride. You will have chance to ride gigantic animal with the utmost safety. Safety of visitors is always priority of instructors and care takers.

Nature Walk

You can also take long walk in the rich wildlife. You will watch a lot of daily activities of not only animals but also minute beautiful insects, plant etc. which is lovely experience.

Final Thoughts For Wildlife Sanctuaries In Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a wildlife rich state which has got about 18% of its area covered with forests. There are many wildlife sanctuaries built in the different area of the state. Every year a lot of tourists and visitors come to see the beauty and magic of rich green vegetation and wildlife of Tamil Nadu. There are many endemic species of animals like Elvira rat, lion tailed macaque and many more.

There are multiple activities which can be enjoyed by an individual in the wildlife sanctuaries of the state. These activities give you an opportunity to witness and watch the life of the wild animals really closely. It also makes you feel their innocence. The price and timings of the activities are very flexible and easily accessible. It is complete package of enjoyment, thrill, peace and happiness which must be felt by everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) For Wildlife Sanctuaries In Tamil Nadu