Declared as a sanctuary in 1994, Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary is a protected area of around 1.2933 km2. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1994 and remains the largest breeding area for water birds in the southern part of India. A tiny village named Koothankulam in Nanguneri Taluk of Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu is located adjoining the reserve. The bird sanctuary lies at a distance of approx. 38 km from Tirunelveli. Conveniently connected by tar road, this sanctuary comprises two primary tanks, which go by the name Kadankulam and Koothankulam. Interestingly, this reserve is being taken care of by the Koothankulam village community. The local people here are highly interested in protecting the sanctuary. Therefore, they understand the relevance of making the habitat suitable for birds residing here.

It’s not rare to see birds flying to villagers’ backyards where they are properly protected since they are considered as harbingers of luck. The villagers collect silt and excreta of birds from the tank and use it as fertilizer for their crops during summer. The villagers not only protect the birds but their fledglings and nests as well. Every chick that falls off from its nest is taken to the rescue center and is treated until it is ready to fly away on its own. A strange tradition has been going around in this place for quite some time now, which is if anybody disturbs the nests, he would be punished. The punishment is to shave off their head and make them ride a donkey in front of the whole lot of people present in the village. The villagers are very sensitive towards the well-being of the birds. This is why they never celebrate Diwali here as the sound of crackers would drive them away.

A watch tower, interpretation center, dormitory and children’s park are available for people to use all round the year.

Flora, Fauna & Avian

This forest boasts of an extensive Babul plantation covering an area of 30 ha. This area is the primary breeding ground here. Another recurrent feature of this forest is the Accacia nilotica trees, which grow at the tank’s foreshore. Every year, more than 43 species of migratory and resident water birds visit this place. More than 100,000 migratory birds come to this place by December every year and return back to their northern homes by around June or July every year. During this time period, these birds also bring up their progeny. They lay eggs here, hatch them and wait for the young ones to arrive. Once they are mature enough, the family flies back. The list of migratory birds to this place include bar-headed Goose, central, common sandpiperpintail and common teal, pallavan from Siberia. The white stork comes from Central Asia and greater flamingo flies down from Northern India to this sanctuary. You will also find the Spotted Sand Piper, Green Sand Piper and white stork here. Some birds also come visiting this are during the period from January to August. These include the Little Grebe, White Ibis, large cormorant and Spotbill duck. This is also the time when one can see Pygmy Goose, Moorhen, Large Egret or the Snake Bird.

Weather

The temperature ranges from 20 °C to 40°C from March to October.

Best Time to Visit

While the Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary is open 365 days in a year, the best time to visit this place is from November to April.

Where to Stay

One can stay in the lodges and hotels located around the sanctuary here or at Municipal Traveler’s Bungalow. Moreover, there are Circuit House, P.W.D. Vannarapettai and Hotel Tamil Nadu as well.

How to Reach

Rail

The town has its own railway station that goes by the name of Tirunelveli Railway Station, which is well connected with all the major cities of India.

Air

The nearest airport from this place is Coimbatore International Airport, which connects the place to most important airports in the country and some international locations. The distance can be covered in approximately 6 hours by road.

Road

Tirunelveli is located at a distance of about 53 km from Tenkasi and 54 km from Thoothukudi. This place is well connected by Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation and also by some private services.