Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Kancheepuram

Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Kancheepuram

Karikili Bird Sanctuary is located about 86 KM from Chennai in Madurantakam Taluk of Chengai Anna District, this is one of the most tranquil and beautiful place near Chennai. Spread over 61.21 ha, this comprises of two rain fed irrigation tanks. The water enriched by bird droppings results in increased yield. Beginning with the open billed storks, the birds start arriving in Sept-Oct. Karikili is a haven for ducks and waders. Pin tailed ducks, Garganey teals, common teals, Shoveller, Little Grebe or Dab chick, Herons and Egrets are the other avian visitors. 

Karikili Bird Sanctuary is a place of lush greenery which has huge number of birds. It is a conservative forest of barringtonia and acacia nilotica. Among the many getaways around Chennai is Karikili Bird Sanctuary. This small sanctuary is home to a number of avian beauties, especially migratory ones.

Karikili Bird Sanctuary is one of the famous bird sanctuaries located in Kanchipuram District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated close to the small town of Padalam and is almost 86 Kms from Chennai in Madurantakam Taluk of Chengai Anna District. Chengalpattu is the nearest town from Karikili Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is one of the most beautiful and tranquil place to visit.

KARIKILI BIRD SANCTUARY
Location	Kanchipuram District – 86 Km from Chennai in Madurantakam Taluk.
Area	61.21 ha comprises of two Rain-fed tanks. and a belt of 5 Kms width around.
Forest Type	A tank having a compact grove of Barringtonia and Acacia nilotica trees Dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests.
Animal Found	Karikili is a heaven for Ducks and Waders. These sanctuaries are famous for Cormorants, Egrets, Grey heron, Open-billed stork, Darter, spoonbill, White lbis, Night herons, Little grebes, Grey pelican etc. Many migratory birds like Garganey teals, Common teals, Shoveller, Pin tailed ducks, Stilts, Sandpipers, etc.., visit the sanctuary in winter. A variety of resident birds like Coots, Moorhen and Terns can also be seen.
Annual Rainfall	About 1200 mm
Nearest Airport	Chennai – 58 Km away
Nearest Railway Station	Chengalpattu – 30 Km away
Best Season	Birds arrive during September – October. The nesting season commences late in October and the birds are through with breeding and disperse to their feeding grounds about February. The best season is November to February.
Accommodation	Forest Rest House at Vedanthangal with catering arrangements, P.W.D. Rest House at Karunguzhi.
Other Facilities	Regular bus services from Chennai, Tambaram and Chengalpattu.
For greater details	Wildlife Warden, DMS Compound, No.256, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai-600 006 Phone No : 044-24321471

Flora

Dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests characterize the vegetation here and the two rain-fed irrigation tanks of this sanctuary help with plant growth. Interestingly, the bird droppings that fall into these tanks enhance the fertility of the soil on which their water is used.

Fauna

It is considered as place of ducks and waders. This sanctuary is well-known for the cormorants. , Egrets, Grey heron, Open-charged stork, Darter, spoonbill, White lbis, Night herons, little grebes and Grey pelican.  There are many migrated birds can be found here like Garganey blue-greens, Common blue-greens, Shoveller, Pin tailed ducks, Stilts, Sandpipers, etc. here fledgling birds like Coots, Moorhen and Terns can likewise be seen.

Activities

Bird watching in Karikili Bird Sanctuary is a sheer pleasure all year around and is best early in the morning. The first of the migratory birds, the open billed storks, arrive in early September - October. 

Quite apart from being known for its variety of ducks and waders, Karikili is an important fresh water feeding ground for migratory birds. The presence of the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in the vicinity enhances the bird watching experience at Karikili.

Other bird species that you can see here are Garganey teals, common teals, Shoveller, little grebes, dab chicks, herons, egrets, pin tailed ducks - among many others. The migration season is much denser at Karikili as compared to Vedanthangal.

Karikili is spread over an area of 61 hectares and is the perfect place to spend a few days in peace. It is barely accessible by public bus, but with Chengalpattu as the nearest town, there are other means of making your way to it. If you are around Chennai between November and February and are looking for a quiet space to which you can retreat for a couple of days – bird watching in Karikili is just the thing you need.

Season

Karikili Bird Sanctuary also serves as an ideal picnic spot. Tourists and nature lovers can enjoy their time here in the midst of the chirping noises of the birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the months from November to February. 

Accommodation

Forests Rest House at Vedanthangal, P.W.D. Rest House at Karunguzhi is available for accommodation.

Contact

Wildlife Warden, 

259 Anna Salai, DMS compound, 

Teynampet, Chennai 600 006 

Phone: 044-24321471

Connectivity

Karikili Bird Sanctuary is well connected with all modes of transport. Tourists who wish to travel by road from Chennai can take the national highway no. 45 to Chengalpattu and then head south towards Padalam junction. They can also avail the State transport buses that ply between Chennai, Tambaram and Chengalpattu. The nearest airport is located at Meenambakkam in Chennai. The nearest railway station is situated at Chengalpattu. The best option is to travel in one's own car or hire taxi from Chennai.