Ariyakulam Bird Sanctuary, Thirunelveli
Ariyakulam Bird Sanctuary is located very near
to Thirunelveli Town in Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. It is yet another
attraction which pulls many bird watchers. Both rampant and migratory birds can
be seen in this sanctuary. The people in Ariyakulam village play major role in
protecting both resident and migratory bird. The nests and fledglings of these
birds are carefully taken care of every villager. The excreta of the birds are
preserved and used as fertilizers for farms by the villagers.
Best time to visit Ariyakulam Bird Sanctuary is
from March to June when various species of birds visit the sanctuary in
large numbers from for breeding. Green sandpiper, Common Coot, Spotted
Dove, Emerald Dove, Black winged stilt and little ringed plover etc. can be
watched in this sanctuary. The sanctuary also has a significant population of
stork billed, white-throated and black-capped kingfisher, Nilgiri wood pigeons,
pied and chestnut winged cuckoo, and spot billed pelican.
Ariyakulam Bird Sanctuary is located
at about 7 Kms from Thirunelveli, 170 Kms from Madurai, 45 Kms from Thoothukudi
and 160 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at
Thirunelveli. Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram, Thoothukudi and
Madurai. Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary is situated at about 28 Kms from
Tirunelveli is another bird sanctuary that could be visited.
