Discovering Tamil Nadu’s National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Tamil Nadu, which is situated in the southern part of India, is famous for its biodiversity and naturally preserved environments. The state is blessed with numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that help preserve various species of flora and fauna. Moreover, Tamil Nadu is inhabited by various cities that have airports, making it easier for tourists and researchers to travel.​

1. Mudumalai National Park
Location: At the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, in the Nilgiri district.

Area: 321 square kilometers.

Flora and Fauna: The park is dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and scrub forests. It is inhabited by a number of endangered species, including:
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Mammals: Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, gaur, Indian leopard, and the critically endangered Indian white-rumped vulture.
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Birds: More than 260 species, including the Malabar trogon, grey hornbill, and crested hawk-eagle.​

Accessibility: Coimbatore International Airport, which is roughly 140 kilometers away, is the closest airport. Coimbatore consists of approximately 2.1 million inhabitants.​

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2. Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park)
Location: Situated within the Western Ghats, around Pollachi within the Coimbatore district.​

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Area: 958 square kilometers.​
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Flora and Fauna: The reserve has varied habitats ranging from dry deciduous to tropical wet evergreen forests. Some notable species are:
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Mammals: Tigers, leopards, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, and Nilgiri tahr.​
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Birds: Great Indian hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, and some endemic birds.​

Accessibility: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, making it easy to access the reserve. ​
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3. Guindy National Park
Location: At the center of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.​

Area: 2.70 square kilometers.​
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Flora and Fauna: Though it is located in an urban area, the park retains:

Mammals: Blackbucks, spotted deer, jackals, and civets.​

Birds: More than 130 species, such as the black kite, partridge, and quail.​

Accessibility: Chennai International Airport is about 12 kilometers away, serving a metropolitan population of approximately 8.6 million people.​

4. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
Location: Along the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, between Tuticorin and Dhanushkodi.

Area: 560 square kilometers, composed of 21 islands and coral reefs.​

Flora and Fauna: The park is diverse in terms of marine life, and it comprises:
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Marine Life: Sea cows (dugongs), green sea turtles, dolphins, and many species of corals.​
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Birds: Migrant birds like flamingos, herons, and plovers.​

Accessibility: The closest airport is Madurai Airport, 150 kilometers away. Madurai is inhabited by about 1.4 million people. ​
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5. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Where: In Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of southernmost Western Ghats.​

Size: 895 square kilometers.​

Vegetation and Animal Life: Varying landscapes, with the following:
Mammals: Tigers, leopard, sloth bear, Nilgiri langur.​
Birds: More than 270 birds, including great pied hornbill and Malabar whistling thrush.​

Accessibility: Tuticorin Airport, which is nearly 55 kilometers away from Tirunelveli, is the closest airport. Tirunelveli has a population of nearly 497,826.

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6. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Where: In the Chengalpattu district, nearly 75 kilometers from Chennai.
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Area: 0.30 square kilometers.

Flora and Fauna: This is an old bird sanctuary in India, drawing:

Birds: Birds like painted storks, cormorants, herons, and egrets during the migratory season.

Accessibility: Chennai International Airport is the main entry point for tourists.

7. Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary
Location: Near Vallanadu village in Thoothukudi district.

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Area: 16.41 square kilometers.
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Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary is mainly dry deciduous forests and grasslands, comprising:
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Mammals: Blackbucks, spotted deer, and jackals.
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Accessibility: Tuticorin Airport is the closest airport, serving the Thoothukudi district.