Set up with an idea of protecting the dwindling population of Black Bucks in India, Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area of Tamil Nadu. Vallanadu is an island hillock that boasts of the highest population of Blackbuck Antelopes in India. Located in Vallanadu Village of Srivaikundam Taluk, the place has become popular among tourists who enjoy watching wildlife in their natural habitat.

Located in the South Deccan Plateau, Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily a dry deciduous forest with a vast population of hardy vegetation. You will find flora species such as Dalbergia multiflora and Dichrostachys cinerea along with Acacias Albizia amara and the Zizyphus sp. There are also some interesting species that come about as undergrowth. These include the Azadirachta indica, Carissa carandus and Euphorbia Acalypha fruticosa.

While the sanctuary is most popular for its population of Black bucks, one can also find the spotted deer, Jungle cat, monkeys and black naped hare here. It’s also the place to spot macaques, Wild cat, mongoose, vipers and rat snakes. Avian population found here includes elegant species like peacock, heron and stork along with smaller birds such as grey partridges, quails, cuckoos and hawk eagle. It is home to more than 100 varieties of birds.

History

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is often called the scrub forest because the trees here are not allowed to grow very high. Home to evergreen and deciduous trees, they are kept short to make it easy for antelopes to graze on them. This happens because of the large grazing population as well as the consistent drought-like conditions and high levels of heat, both of which don’t allow plants to grow.

With the spread of human civilization in this area, it was important to protect their existence, which was increasingly under danger. The Antelope cervicapra or black buck as it is popularly called was endangered. This resulted in the establishment of Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary to protect them. The atmosphere of this region is suitable for the growth of these antelopes. They are able to live longer and regenerate here. The sanctuary is also home to a large variety of mammals such as jungle cats, mongooses and spotted deer. There is also a large and beautiful avian population.

In the 19th century, the plains of Tamil Nadu region used to have a large population of blackbucks. With urban development, agricultural growth and poaching, the antelope population is now concentrated in four places – Guindy National Park, Mudumalai Sanctuary, Point Calimere Sanctuary and Vallanadu.

About the Sanctuary

Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary is home to a large variety of birds and wild animals because of which it attracts a lot of tourists. They came visiting round the year to see the black buck, which is a protected species in this area. This is the southernmost place of India and it has a natural population of these antelopes. Vallanadu is essentially an isolated hillock but it is home to a large variety of animals and more than 100 varieties of birds. Primarily a scrub forest, this sanctuary lies in Thoothukudi Revenue District. It is situated towards the east of the Tirunelveli-Tuticorin highway.

Lying 16 km away from Tirunelveli Town, this sanctuary lies in Vallanadu Village. Part of the Thoothukudi District of Tamil Nadu, this sanctuary sees hot climate throughout the year. It sees very little rainfall round the year, which is another reason for the bushy growth it witnesses.

Bushy growth of the sanctuary makes it inaccessible as well. Therefore, if one wants to see the blackbuck here, it is a good idea to visit early in the morning or during evening hours. The authorities have maintained advantage points where the possibility of spotting them is high. There is a watch tower along with some temporary shelters as well.

This place has a blackbuck population of around 20-40. However, it could be a lower number because the thick acacia growth makes it difficult to come to an accurate count. However, it’s easy to see blackbucks here because they surface regularly to graze around. One can also spot a large number of interesting species of birds, some of which are the black-winged kite, curlew, lapwing, nightjar and horned owl.

Species

Most recognized as home to the blackbuck, Vallanadu also has a variety of other wildlife animals. While there are around 20-40 black bucks here, there are almost 100 varieties of birds seen in the region. The sanctuary is also home to other mammals such as mongoose, black naped Hare and the scaly ant eater (Pangolin). It is also the place to find Wild cat, vipers and rat snake. Expect to spot pretty birds here such as the peacock, heron, stork and pied-crested cuckoo. You will also see grey partridges, craws, quails and lapwings. Bigger birds such as crested hawk eagle, black winged kite and the horned owl are also seen here.

How to Reach

By Road

Vallanadu Black Buck Sanctuary is easily accessible from Tirunelveli (16 km) and Tuticorin (38 km).

By Rail

The railway station closest to Vallanadu is at Tirunelveli (16 km).

By Air

Tuticorin District has an airport and it is close to Vallanadu at a distance of 25 km.

Visitor Information

If you are planning to visit Vallanadu Black Buck Sanctuary, it’s important to note that the climate is hot around the year. The area witnesses scanty rainfall because of which it is bushy and not easily accessible. A good time to see the blackbucks is either early in the morning or during evening time.

In 2007, the government allocated Rs. 7 lakh to the sanctuary under Development of Sanctuaries scheme. The plan was to repair fencing, increase height of a watchtower by 14 metres and to provide water supply. Planting fruit-yielding tree saplings was also implemented to attract more birds to the sanctuary.

Other Attractions

When you are in Vallanadu, there are some interesting places to see around here.

1. Vallanadu Mountain Region

2. Nallamadan Swami Temple

3. Perumal Kovil Temple

4. Kallapiran Temple Theppakulam