Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, Sivagangai
Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is a 0.384 km2 (0.148 sq mi) protected area, declared in June 1977 near Thirupattur in the Sivaganga District that includes the Periya kollukudi patti, Chinna kollukudi patti, and Vettangudi patti irrigation tanks. It was declared as sanctuary in June 1977. This home draws attention in various migratory birds and species.
The
small drainage basins in the sanctuary attract over 8,000 winter migratory
birds and you can spot over 200 species of birds from Europe and North Asian
countries. Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is 51 km from Madurai on the Madurai –
Melur – Tiruppathur Road, in Sivagangai District. The closest railway stations
are Karaikudi (32 km) and Madurai (51 km). The best time to visit would be
between November and February when the weather is pleasant and you can get to
see thousands of migratory birds.
History
Vettangudi
Bird Sanctuary was declared as sanctuary in June 1977.
Location
The
Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is located at a distance of 51 Km from Madurai on
Madurai – Melur – Tiruppathur road, in Sivagangai District. The Vettangudi Bird
Sanctuary is located at 10 deg 10' N latitude and 78 deg 20' E longitude. It is
located in Vettangudi Patti & Periya Kollukudi Patti village of Tiruppathur
taluk, Sivagangai District.
Flora
The
vegetation of the tank is dominated by Prosopis; in few locations with babul
and on the bund with Tamarind.
Fauna
Vettangudi
Bird Sanctuary’s prime attraction is the thousands of migratory birds that make
their way here in winter. The sanctuary is the breeding habitat for grey
herons, white ibis, darters, night herons spoonbills and Asian open bill
storks. You can also spot many local birds here like painted stork, grey heron,
darter, common teal, spot bills, little cormorant, little egret, intermediate
egret, cattle egret, pintail and flamingos.
This area of small drainage basins attracts more than 8,000 winter migratory birds belonging to 217 species, mostly from European and North Asian countries. It has also attracted indigenous endangered species including painted stork, grey heron, darter, little cormorant, little egret, intermediate egret, cattle egret, common teal, spot bills, pintail, and flamingos.
Contact
The District Forest Officer,
18, West Wing, Ground Floor,
Master Plan Campus,
Sivagangai – 623 560
Accommodation
Accommodation
is available at PWD Rest house at Tirupathur (Ramanathapuram district). There
are accommodation facilities for the tourists. The nearest accommodation
facilities are available in Karaikudi, Tirupathur and Madurai.
Connectivity
Vettangudi
Bird sanctuary is well connected with all modes of transports.
By Road:
The
sanctuary is approachable by road. It is located 51 Kms from Madurai on Madurai
- Melur - Tirupathur road.
By Train:
Nearest
Railway Stations are Karaikudi (32 KM) and Madurai (51 KM).
By Air:
Nearest
Airport is Madurai which is located 51 Kms away.
