| Location :- |
90-Km Southeast Of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu |
| Also Called :- |
Kodikkarai Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Area :- |
17.26-Sqkms |
| Best Season :- |
Between November And January |
Sprawling on 17.26-sq-kms surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of
tidal swamps, dry evergreen forests of mangroves, this coastal sanctuary also
known as "Kodikkarai", is 90-km southeast of Thanjavur in a wetland which juts
out into the Palk Strait separating India and Sri Lanka. It is noted for the
vast flocks of migratory waterfowl, especially flamingos, which congregate here
every winter.
The sanctuary is vast, mostly shrub-land, shaped by the violent monsoon winds
and treated mercilessly by feral cattle, horses and the graceful buck. At
present cultivation of lobster has been started as the number of birds is
decreasing.
Fauna
Point Calimere sanctuary is bestowed with population of varied wild life such
as Chital, Wild boar, Bonnet macaque, Black Buck, Flamingos, Teals, Gulls,
Terns, Plavers and Stilts. Special attractions are close encounters with Dolphins
and Turtles, which often come quite close to the shore.
Variety Of Birds Visiting The Sanctuary
Between November and January, the tidal mud flats and marshes are covered
with Teals, Curlews, Gulls, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, Shanks, Herons and
up to 3000 Flamingoes at one time.
In the spring, a different set of birds - Koels, Mynas and Barbets are drawn
here by the profusion of wild berries. From April to June there's very little
activity; the main rainy season is between October and December.
Places to stay in Tamilnadu
There's a Forest Department Rest House with adequate rooms at Point Calimere,
though all meals will have to be arranged with the staff. It's best to make
a reservation for the rest house with the Forest Officer in Thanjavur.
How to Get There
Road:-The easiest way to get to Calimere is by bus
from Vedaranyam, which is the nearest town linked by frequent bus services
to Nagappattinam or Thanjavur