Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, Thiruvarur
The
Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary covers an area of around 0.45 sq km and is
fed by an irrigation tank that receives water from the Mettur Dam & also by
the northeast monsoon from the months of August till December. . The tank
remains dry between the months of April and August.
During
the months of February and March, purple-moorhen and openbill storks can
be seen here. Other migratory birds in the sanctuary include the white-ibis,
Indian reef heron, white-necked stork, grey-heron, coot, night heron,
purple-heron, little cormorant, spoonbill and darter.
From
September through December, the bird population inhabiting the sanctuary rises
to around 10,000 birds. The ideal season to visit this sanctuary is during the
months of November and December.
Udayamarthandapuram
Bird Sanctuary is a protected area located in Thiruvarur District in
the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
It is declared as a protected area in December 1999. It is home to a variety of
birds. Geographical position of Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary is 10°26’59’N 79°27’58’E.
Location
|
Thiruvarur District
|
Area
|
45.28 ha.
|
Forest type
|
Lily patches, Reed brakes, Aquatic
grasses, etc..
|
Avifauna found
|
Little cormorant, Coot, Darter,
Spoonbill, Indian reef heron, Grey heron, White necked stork, Little egret,
Pond heron, etc.
|
Annual rainfall
|
About 1200 mm
|
Nearest airport
|
Thanjavur – 65 kms away
|
Nearest Railway station
|
Thiruthuraipoondi – 15 kms
|
Entry fees
|
No entry fees is collected
|
Best season
|
November to February
|
Accommodation
|
Hotels at Thiruthuraipoondi – 15 kms
away.
|
Location
Udayamarthandapuram
Bird Sanctuary is located in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. The total area
of the sanctuary is 45 ha.
The
Sanctuary is basically an irrigation tank that is fed by water from Mettur dam
and by the northeast monsoon from August till December. It remains dry from
April till August.
Flora
The
Sanctuary’s diverse habitat includes lily patches, reed brakes, aquatic grass,
etc.
Fauna
Several
types of birds can be seen here from September onwards. A large number of
Purple Moorhen and Open bill storks can
be seen during the months of February and March. Many migratory birds also
visit the sanctuary like Coot, Grey Heron, Black headed Ibis, Night Heron,
Purple Heron, Little cormorant, Darter, Spoonbill, Indian Reef Heron and White
necked stork. About 10000 birds congregate here during peak season from
November- December.
A
notable aspect of the sanctuary is the large number of purple moorhen and openbill storks during
February and March. Birds start arriving sanctuary from September onwards. Bird
population peaks during November- December up to 10000 birds congregate during
peak season. A notable aspect of the Sanctuary is regular congregation of a
large number of Openbill storks during February – March.
Tourist Information
Tourists
can visit the sanctuary throughout the year. However, the best time to visit
the sanctuary in during the month of November. Two public observation towers
have been built for the tourists inside the sanctuary. There are accommodation
facilities available in PWD Rest House and private lodges in Muthupet and Thiruthuraipoondi.
The sanctuary is open to visitors throughout the year. There are two watch
towers inside the sanctuary for visitors
Entry Fee: Entry
is free for visitors
Wildlife Viewing: The
best time to visit the sanctuary is during November
The
sanctuary is open to visitors throughout the year.
Contact
Wildlife Warden,
Point Calimere WLS, Collectorate,
Nagapattinam 611 002,
District Nagapattinam,
Phone:
(04365) 253092
Accommodation
Accommodation
is available in PWD Rest House and private lodges in Muthupet (6 km). Hotels
with modern facilities are available in Thiruvarur (55 km.)
Connectivity
Udayamarthandapuram
Bird Sanctuary is well connected with all modes of transport. The nearest town
is Muthupet,
located 6 kms from the Sanctuary. The sanctuary can be reached by road from
Thiruvarur located at a distance of 40 kms and from Thanjavur at
a distance of 68 kms. The nearest railway station is Muthupet. The nearest
Airport is Trichy at
a distance of 110 Kms.
