Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in an area of 223 sq kms in the Tirunelveli District. Wildlife seen in the sanctuary includes Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque and common Langur, Nilgiri Tahr Kalakkadu Wild Life Sanctuary is situated in area of 223 sq kms in the Tirunelveli District, including the foothills of Western Ghats and the adjoining area. The flora ranges from forests of tropical wet ever-green to Tropical dry deciduous and thorn forest at down hills. Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque and Common Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Elephant, Tiger, Flying Squirrel, Panther, Wild Dog, Pangolin are some of the wild life seen in the sanctuary. Besides, a wide range of birds and reptiles could be seen. Trekking can be done with prior permission from the Forest (Wildlife) Department.

Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary

Kunthakulam bird sanctuary is situated 33-km south of Tirunelveli in Nanguneri taluk. Kunthakulam is a small and natural scenic village, which is covered with natural forests and ponds. During the season January to April every year more than 10 thousand birds from various countries like Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, USA, Australia migrate here and when the season is over the birds return. Every day more than 5,000 people come here and enjoy. Ariyakulam, 13-km east of Tirunelveli has another bird sanctuary.

Places to stay in Tamilnadu Accommodation is available at the moderate class hotels and lodges in Tirunelveli. Municipal Traveller's Bungalow Circuit House, P.W.D. Vannarapettai Hotel Tamil Nadu.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. This 321 sq km wide sanctuary encompasses a National Park measuring an area of 103 sq kms. This sanctuary is located where the Niligiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary has varied mixture of flat land, undulating parkland, open grassland, swamp, valleys and nullas. The Mayyar River in this region forms a series of spectacular cascades on its way 65 kms away from Udhagamandalam - Mysore highway; this sanctuary could be reached from Mysore as well. This 321 sq kms wide sanctuary encompasses a National Park measuring are of 103 sq kms. The vegetation is varied. The hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, clothed in dense mixed and moist deciduous forests, make Mudumalai (the ancient hills) a most attractive wildlife reserve. The Mysore-Ooty highway runs through the Park, following the course of the Mayyar River, which separates Mudumalai from Bandipur. The fauna includes Elephant, Gaur, Bonnet, Macaque, Common langur, Tigers and Leopards, Chital, Dhole Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking deer, Four-Hourned- Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (mugger), giant flying squirrel, Sambhar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine and Mangoose. The Birds listed in this sanctuary are peacock-our national bird, grey jungle fowl, Malabar whistling thrush, large racket-tailed dronge, the shama, the magpie-robin, spotted babbler, small green barbet, green pigeons, little brown dove, Malabar grey hornbill, bulbuls, mynahs etc. Among birds of prey, eagles, hawks, buzzards, harriers, falcons and king vulture are predominant, birdies some migratory water birds.

Mukkurthi National Park

Located on the high altitude of the Nilgiris, comprising rolling downs interspersed with temperate sholas, this park of Nilgiri Bio- sphere reserve is situated 40 kms. from Udhagamandalam. It contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar (Hamitragus - hilocrius), Sambar, Barking deer, Nilgiri marten and otter jungle cat, jackal, etc.

Avifauna consists of hillbirds viz. Laughing and whistling thrushes, woodcock, wild pigeon and black eagle, Butterflies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral, Indian Red Admiral, Indian Fritillary, Indian Cabbage white, Hedge blues and rainbow trouts can also be seen.

Trekking routes exist from Parson valley, Pykara etc. Trout fishing is recommended in the rivers and lakes of Mukurthi. Permission from Asst. director, Fisheries Department, Udhagai, must be obtained in advance for fishing.

Mundanthuri

There is nothing differentiate this santuary from that of Kalakkadu, except the absence of the Elephant and the gaur. Situated in Tirunelveli district, this 567 Sq.Km. sanctuary boasts of dry deciduous to tropical wet evergreen forests patches of pure reeds.

Animals wealth includes Tiger, Bonnet Macaque, Langurs, Slender Loris, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital and wild dog. Excellent for various species of avi-fauna and varieties of reptiles and insects. Trekking with prior permission from the Forest (wildlife) Department, can be undertaken.