Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary, Thiruvarur
Vaduvoor
Bird Sanctuary is located in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. The nearest
city, Thanjavur, is located 25 kms from the sanctuary. Created in July 1999,
the Sanctuary attracts more than 40 species of water birds like Ibis, Painted
stork, Grey pelican, Pintail, Cormorant, Teals, Herons etc. The Sanctuary is a
large irrigation tank which receives water from Mettur dam especially from the
northeast monsoon from August to December. It remains dry from April to August.
Vaduvur
Bird Sanctuary in Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu is a sure-fire treat for bird
lovers. At the heart of this serene sanctuary is a large lake which lies
alongside the stunning Sri Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Vaduvur. The forest
department has created mounds along the lake shore and it’s such an amazing
spectacle to see thousands of chirping birds roosting on the trees here.
It’s a truly unforgettable sight.
Vaduvur
was located 25 Kms away from Thanjavur on
the Thanjavur - Mannargudi state highway. The irrigation tank receives water
from November to April every year which attracts a numerous foreign birds from
Europe and America. The main attraction is the fertile wetlands in the region.
There
are also numerous lakes which provide the most required variety of fishes for
the birds. The sanctuary is free for Visitors and the government has provided
basic facilities for an overnight stay. There are two towers located in the
sanctuary for the ease of visitors. More than 38 species of water birds are
found here.
Bird
migration is a seasonal phenomenon and when the temperature escalates in Europe
and in the North America, the bird’s starts seeing for a location that will be
suitable for survival. The wetlands in this region are quite suitable for the
migratory birds as it provides suitable environment for food, shelter and
reproduction.
The
farmers of this region also love the arrival of migratory birds as the
irrigation water becomes fertile once it was enriched with the excretory of the
birds. The state government had appointed officers for prevention of both
hunting and poaching. Poaching and hunting is illegal and a punishable offence.
The villagers were aware of this and a friendly environment for the shelter of
the birds prevails. The small town is a good agricultural land and rice is
grown in plenty.
The
state government has provided facilities for sightseeing and relaxation. Public
transport is also available 24X7 from both Thanjavur and Mannargudi. The entire
sanctuary was a protected area and the birds can be seen only from towers or
from the nearby location. The pleasant sound that arises from the variety of
birds is pleasant and warming.
There
is also a famous Ramar Kovil (Ram Temple) in the small town. Kothandaramaswamy
is the name of the god in the temple.
Location
|
14 Km from Mannargudi towards Thanjavur
in Thiruvarur district
|
Area
|
128.10 Ha.
|
Forest
type
|
Fresh water lake with a few trees
mainly Babul.
|
Avifauna
found
|
40 spp of birds recorded. Black-headed
Ibis, River tern, Black headed munia, Grey heron, White-breasted king fisher,
Spotted dove, etc.
|
Annual
rainfall
|
About 1400 mm.
|
Nearest
airport
|
Tiruchirapalli
|
Nearest
Railway station
|
Thanjavur 25 Km , Trichy 75 Km
|
Best
season
|
November to February
|
Accommodation
|
Hotels, Rest House at Mannargudi
|
For
greater details
|
The Wildlife Warden,
Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary
110 Public Offices Road
Nagapattinam – 611 001.
|
History
Vaduvur
Bird Sanctuary is of fairly recent vintage having opened in 1999.
Fauna
Vaduvur
Bird Sanctuary attracts over 40 different kinds of birds from grey pelicans,
pintails, spoonbills, darters and cormorants to teals, coots, and pheasant
tailed jacana, white- breasted kingfishers, herons, ibis open-billed storks and
painted stork. etc.. The sanctuary is a significant spot for migratory birds
that attracts almost 20000 birds during the month of November. The best time to
visit the sanctuary is during the months of November and December. At this time
there is maximum congregation of migratory birds. There are accommodation
facilities here for the tourists. The sanctuary also has two watch towers
inside the sanctuary that help in bird watching. The sanctuary remains open to
visitors throughout the year.
Vaduvoor
Bird Sanctuary can easily be reached through bus that ply between Trichy that
is almost 75 kms away and Thanjavur that is 25 Kms.
Early
mornings and evening hours are delightful when these graceful winged creatures
arrive by the picturesque lakeside.
Tourist Information
The
sanctuary has basic facilities for overnight halt for a limited number of
visitors. There are two watch towers inside the sanctuary for bird watching.
Available
in private hotels and lodges in Thanjavur (25 km)
Bird
watching: The best time to visit the sanctuary
is during November to December.
The sanctuary is open to visitors throughout the year.
The sanctuary is open to visitors throughout the year.
Facts
Holidays:
None
Season:
August to February
Operating
Hours: Mon-Sun: 05:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Area:
128.1 Ha
General:
Facilities: View Towers, Binoculars.
Video Camera
Fee:
Rs. 30/-
Entry Fee:
Free
Contact
Wildlife Warden,
Point Calimere WLS, Collectorate,
Nagapattinam 611 002,
District Nagapattinam,
Phone:
(04365) 253092
Connectivity
Vaduvoor
Bird Sanctuary is well connected with all modes of transports. It is 75 kms
from Trichy,
25 kms from Thanjavur. The nearest railway station is located at Thanjavur that
is 25 kms away. The nearest Airport is at Trichy that is at a distance of 75
kms.