The 10th largest Indian state by area and the 6th largest by population, Tamil Nadu is one of the best places to visit in South India. It is famous for its temples, beaches, hill stations, and historical landmarks. But at the same time, there are wondrous wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu. From a photography lens, the wildlife destinations in Tamil Nadu are the perfect retreat to witness elephants, and big cats in their natural habitat.
List of 8 Famous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu
Let Honeymoon Bug help you to don your safari hat in Tamil Nadu. Scroll on to read about the best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Tamil Nadu.
1. Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Location: Dada, Rete5, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu (Western Ghats)
Visiting Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Trip Duration: 2 to 3 days
Entry Fee (approx.): INR 30 for adults & INR 10 for children
Best Time to Visit: December to June
Situated in the Western Ghats, The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is a perfect place to spot big striped cats. The reserve covers an area of 958.59 sq. km. Anamalai Reserve came into existence in 1974, intending to preserve the deforested teak jungles and the vast number of animal species. The Sanctuary got listed under the Project Tiger Programme on 27th June 2007.
Being one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, Anamalai Tiger Reserve boasts of typical vegetation of the South Western Ghats. Here, you’ll find 2000 plant species, of which 400 are medicinal plants. The main attractions of tourists in this Sanctuary include Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, and Dhole. Today, it is known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.
2. Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Location: Servalar Rd, Papanasam R.F, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
Visiting Hours: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Trip Duration: 4 hours/half day
Entry Fee (approx.): INR 20 for adults & INR 15 for children
Best Time to Visit: October and March
Nestled in the tranquil shades of the majestic Western Ghats, the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is a perfect place to sightsee greenery and a variety of flora/fauna. This reserve was established in the year of 1988. It’s the second-largest protected area and among the best places to enjoy wildlife in Tamil Nadu. The breathtaking beauty of this forested land is spread across an area of 895 sq. km.
The Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is home to various wildlife species, including Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Indian Pangolin, and Flying Lizard. There are several bird species tourists might spot here, such as the Great Indian Hornbill, Grey Headed Bulbul, Oriental Bay Bowl, Great Pied Hornbill, Broad tailed Grass warbler.
3. Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Coromandel Coast, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu
Visiting Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Trip Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
Entry Fee (approx.): INR 20 per Indian & INR 100 per foreigner
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Located close to the Kodikkarai and Kodaikanal villages, Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary is among the top wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu. The Sanctuary is spread over a whooping area of 21.47 square km. Tourists get attracted to the place for its lush green meadows and impenetrable jungles. It’s famous for the large Flamingos and the large flocks of Waterfowl.
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary were created in 1967 with the primary goal of conserving fauna and endangered species of black antelopes. This Sanctuary has an evergreen forest that appears exotic and lush! It offers glimpses of rare wildlife species like wild boar, macaque, and black buck, & bird species like stilts, plovers, turns, and teals.
4. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
Location: Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu
Visiting Hours: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm & 01:30 pm to 05:30 pm
Trip Duration: 12 hours 11 minutes
Entry Fee (approx.): INR 10 for adults & INR 5 for children
Best Time to Visit: October to March
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park stretches over 6.23 sq. Km. Every year thousands of tourists flock here to learn about the wildlife of Tamil Nadu. This national Park preserves the rich biodiversity of the deep blue sea. It comprises 21 small Islands, which fall under Tuticorin and Ramanathapuram Districts.
Comprising 3000 wildlife species, the Mannar Marine Park boasts of affluent plant and animal life diversity. Here, you can spot 11 species of seagrass and 117 species of hard coral. The Park also has estuaries, beaches, and mudflats that make this region appear magnificent. Spread across an area of 560 sq.km., the biosphere is home to aquatic plants and endangered species, including the sea cow and six mangroves.
Suggested Itineraries for Tamil Nadu:
2 Nights 3 Days Chennai Tour Package
2 Nights 3 Days Kanyakumari Tour Package
2 Nights 3 Days Kodaikanal Tour Package
2 Nights 3 Days Madurai Tour Package
2 Nights 3 Days Pondicherry Tour Package
2 Nights 3 Days Rameshwaram Tour Package
2 Nights 3 Days Trichy Tour Package
3 Nights 4 Days Delightful Tamilnadu Tour Package
3 Nights 4 Days Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakumari Tour
3 Nights 4 Days Ooty Coimbatore Tour Package
4 Nights 5 Days South India Pilgrimage Tour
5 Nights 6 Days Ooty and Kodaikanal Trip
6 Nights 7 Days Glorious South India Pilgrimage Tour
5. Vallanadu Sanctuary
Location: Vallanadu Village, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu
Visiting Hours: Open Throughout the Year
Trip Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
Best Time to Visit: October to February
When we talk of the top Wildlife Sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, Vallanadu Sanctuary is a must-include. This Park is home to pristine natural beauty and beguiling wild creatures. The Sanctuary attracts thousands of tourists annually, covering an area of 1641 sq m. The Sanctuary was formed to protect the Blackbuck antelopes. You will be mesmerized to catch glimpses of these antelopes roaming in the shrubs freely.
The cozy and serene environment of this Sanctuary in Thoothukudi makes the rarest wildlife species enjoy their homestay. Vallanadu Sanctuary is both a safe sanctuary and a biodiversity spot helping in the proper ecological balance of the region. Apart from Blackbucks, some other compelling wild creatures here include wildcat, macaque, black-naped hare, viper, rat snake, and Jun.
6. Guindy National Park
Location Rangeguindy, Opp IIT Madras, Guindy National Park, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Visiting Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm (Tuesday closed)
Trip Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Entry Fee (approx.): INR 20 for adults & INR 5 for children
Best Time to Visit: October to May
The Guindy National Park is one of the famous National Parks in Tamil Nadu that attracts people coming to Chennai for vacations. This Park is a great picnic spot for tourists and backpackers. Spread over 2.70 square kilometers, Guindy Park is an excellent habitat of varied fauna species and tropical dry evergreen forests of the Coromandel Coast.
You will be amazed to gaze at the untouched beauty of nature and wildlife in Guindy National Park. The main attraction of the Park includes the 20 million year old species of Tyrannosaurus. It is also home to varied wildlife species such as Chital, Sloth Bear, dhole, Indian spotted chevrotain, Spotted deer, Common Palm Civet, Small Liven Civet, Bonnet Macaque, and Pangolin. Visitors can also stroll in Snake Park and Children’s Park here.
7. Mukurthi National Park
Location: Pykara, O’ Valley, Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu
Visiting Hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Trip Duration: 3 hours
Entry Fee (approx.): INR 15 for adults & INR 10 for children
Best Time to Visit: February to May & September to November
Mukurthi National Park is similar to the Himalayas regarding vegetation and climate. The Park was formerly known as the Nilgiri Tahr National Park and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. Spread across 78.46 km. This Park protects the Nilgiri Tahr. Here, you can spot endangered mammal species, including the Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, Nilgiri marten, Nilgiri langur, and Bonhote’s mouse.
Being the best Tamil Nadu nature & wildlife areas, Mukurthi National Park offers trekking and camping facilities to tourists. You can take special permission to stroll around the Upper Bhavani backwaters and experience the rich national park ecosystem. Apart from wildlife, the Park is home to bird species like Grey-headed Flycatchers, Laughing Thrush, Black-winged Kite, and Wood Pigeon.
8. Bandipur National Park
Location: Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundlupet Hwy, Bandipur, Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka
Visiting Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Trip Duration: 4 hours/half day
Entry Fee (approx.): INR 250 per head
Best Time to Visit: October to March (winter)
Bandipur National Park is one of the most visited wildlife destinations in Tamil Nadu. The Park has the second-highest Tiger population in India. Spanning an average area of 680 to 1,454 meters, this National Park forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Tourists here can spot species like white elephants, tigers, Indian Elephants, dholes, junglefowl, drongos, red headed vultures, flowerpeckers, Sambar, Sloth bear, and Chital.
The Park shares its boundary with three other National parks, i.e., Nagarahole National Park, Wayanad National Park, and Mudumalai National Park. The Park’s rich flora counts in teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian kino tree, and Indian laurel. With more than 200 distinct bird species, birdwatching is a leisure activity in Bandipur Park.
Wrapping Up
Ready to adapt to the pace of wildlife in Tamil Nadu? Make sure to explore the wildlife destinations in Tamil Nadu on your South India tour. If you need assistance in planning a well-planned Tamil Nadu tour itinerary, Honeymoon Bug is here to assist you!
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