Tamilnadu wildlife

The state of Tamil Nadu boasts of a rich flora and fauna. To preserve the rich natural heritage of the state many National parks and wildlife sanctuaries have been set up over a period of time. These National parks and sanctuaries not only help in the protection of the invaluable animal and plant life but also attract a large number of visitors. 

The famous Wildlife Sanctuaries are the Anamalai (Indira Gandhi) Wildlife Sanctuary, Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary, Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and The Viralimalai Sanctuary. The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and the Guindy National Park are the most visited national parks in the state. Anna Zoological Park in Chennai is one of the latest and modern zoos of India. The Snake Park and the Crocodile Bank also located in Chennai are known for their collection of reptiles.

 Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The Indira Gandhi national park is located in the Coimbatore district and spread over an area of 118 sq km. Coimbatore is the nearest airport, 80 km away while Pollachi is the nearest railhead, 35 km away from the park. The forests of the Park Range from tropical deciduous to semi-evergreen and evergreen represented by teak, rosewood and other tropical species. Elephant, tiger, lion tailed macaque, civet, leopard, sloth bear, Nilgiri languor, crocodile, gaur, python etc are the main animal life at the park. The ideal season for visiting the Indira Gandhi National Park is October to May.

 Kalakadu 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.

 The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

This Marine National Park is located in the Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram districts. Spread over 21 islands, the Marina National park covers an area of 6.25 Sq Km. Tuticorin is the nearest town and railhead while the nearest airport is at Madurai. The fauna consists of several species of birds, hare, squirrel, dugong, sea turtles dolphin etc. The ideal season for visiting the park is October to March.

 Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located amidst the beautiful Nilgiri Hills. This is the point where the Western Ghats merge with the Eastern Ghats. The relief of the sanctuary is an interesting mix of plain, swamp, undulating parkland, open grassland, valleys and streams. There is a National Park measuring 103 sq km inside the sanctuary. The Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of vegetation.