OVerview of the Sanctuary
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is the largest reserve for breeding waterbirds in South India. This bird sanctuary cum protected area is situated at a distance of around 30 kilometers from Tirunelveli town, at Koonthankulamvillage in Tamil Nadu state, India.
Around 43 species of resident, as well as migratory water birds, visit this bird sanctuary. Approximately 100,000 migratory birds come here by December and leave by June or July next year, after laying eggs and the young ones are mature enough to fly with them.
Koonthankulam village community is actively involved in the protection of the Birds Sanctuary. They take care of the fallen chicks by handing them to the rescue center.
Facilitites at the Sanctuary
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary has a tower, an interpretation center, and a children’s park. There is also a dormitory open for the public, throughout the year. There is a children’s park and interpretation center, inside the bird sanctuary.
Birds of the Sanctuary
Bar-headed goose from Siberia is one of the major migratory birds here at this bird sanctuary. Common Sandpiper, Common teal, Coot, Green sandpiper, Pintail, etc, are some of the other Siberian Migratory birds that come to this sanctuary. Besides Siberian migratory birds, birds from Central Asia and parts of North India also make this Bird Sanctuary their breeding ground.
How to Reach Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary is 67 kilometers from Nagercoil town and 70 kilometers from Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. Vallioor town, a fast-growing town on the National Highway in-between Thirunelvi and Nagercoil towns, is around 27 kilometers from the bird sanctuary at Koonthankulam.
Suchindram Theroor Birds Sanctuary, the southernmost bird sanctuary in India, is around 72 kilometers from Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary.