Tamil Nadu Wildlife

Considered to be the haven for Blackbucks (known as Krishna Mriga in Kannada), the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary offers one of the best birds' eye view for wild life enthusiasts. The sanctuary has its origin in 1967 and is located in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Spread in 17.26 sq KM, this marvel of nature is not only an abode for the majestic Blackbucks, but also flaunts Olive Ridley turtles and dolphins along the sanctuary beach. If this is not sufficient, the north east monsoon brings along the migratory birds that includes Flamingo, Painted Storks, Pelicans and a variety of shore birds.

The late Aussie reptile scientist Steve Irwin (famous for his antiques with the fearsome crocodiles) would have loved to be around the Crocodile Bank in Tamil Nadu. Lying merely in 42 km from Chennai and ranging in an area of 3.2 hectares, this crocodile farm is home to several species of Indian and African crocodiles. The farm has been very successful with its captive breeding programme that has highlighted it on the global map.

One of the most popular hub for the bird watchers in the country, the Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary is located in Nanguneri Taluk of Tamil Nadu. Lapped in the picturesque natural background with forests all around, it is an ideal hide out for the migrating birds during January to April. Winged guests from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and even Australia flock to Kunthakula. On a fine day, one can easily spot Pelicans, Spot-bill Ducks, White Ibis, Egrets, Herons, Minivets, Flycatchers, Kingfishers, Partridges, Quails, Spotted and Brown Doves.

Peacocks are not something that can be seen so often in India. The majestic bird carries an aura about itself and proudly flaunts its status of being India's national bird. But if you pay a visit to Viralimalai Sanctuary, you would not have much to complain as it is a peacock sanctuary. Basically it is a small town near Tiruchirapalli and famous for the Murugan Temple.