Description

Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is a protected coastal wildlife area located in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Established in 1967, it was originally created to conserve the endangered Blackbuck and has since become a globally recognized wetland ecosystem under the Ramsar Convention.

The sanctuary lies at the southeastern tip of India near Vedaranyam, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Palk Strait. It features a rare mix of dry evergreen forests, mangroves, salt marshes, and coastal mudflats, making it one of the most biologically diverse coastal habitats in the region.

Category Details
Name Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
Location Kodikkarai (Point Calimere), Vedaranyam Taluk, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India
Established 1967
Area 17.26 sq. km
Type Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary / Bird Sanctuary / Wetland Ecosystem
Ecosystem Mangroves, salt marshes, mudflats, dry evergreen scrub forests, coastal dunes
Famous For Blackbuck conservation, migratory birds, coastal biodiversity
Managed By Tamil Nadu Forest Department

Point of Attractions

  • Blackbuck herds in open scrub forests
  • Migratory birds including flamingos, teals, plovers, terns, and gulls
  • Mangrove ecosystems and tidal wetlands
  • Coastal mudflats rich in marine biodiversity
  • Occasional sightings of dolphins along the shoreline
  • Sea turtles near coastal stretches during nesting season
  • Ramar Padam shrine (religious and cultural landmark)
  • Scenic viewpoints of the Bay of Bengal coastline

Facilities

  • Forest Department entry check-post
  • Guided nature tours (seasonal availability)
  • Birdwatching observation points
  • Basic parking facilities near entry zones
  • Limited rest shelters and rest houses
  • Photography permitted (extra charges may apply)
  • Access roads from Vedaranyam and nearby towns
  • Limited drinking water and washroom facilities

Best in the Sanctuary

  • Best Wildlife Experience: Blackbuck grazing in open habitats
  • Best Birding Experience: Winter migratory season (Nov–Feb)
  • Best Scenic Experience: Coastal mudflats and sunrise views
  • Best Photography Spot: Flamingo congregations and wetlands
  • Best Ecosystem Highlight: Mangrove and salt marsh zones
Ticket Price

The entry ticket for Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is generally very affordable, with Indian visitors paying around ₹20 per person and foreign tourists around ₹100 per person. Additional charges may apply for vehicles, cameras, and guided tours depending on Forest Department rules.

How to Book Tickets

ickets for Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary are usually not available through advance online booking. Visitors can get entry permits directly at the sanctuary entrance or through the Forest Department check post near Vedaranyam.

For a smooth visit, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning, carry a valid ID proof, and pay the entry fee at the counter. In some cases, guided tours or special permissions (if available) can also be arranged on-site through the Tamil Nadu Forest Department office.

Note: Booking procedures may change seasonally, so it is always best to confirm locally before your visit.

FAQ

1. Where is Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary located?

It is located in Kodikkarai near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, India.

2. What is Point Calimere famous for?

It is famous for Blackbuck conservation, migratory birds like flamingos, and its coastal wetland ecosystem.

3. What animals can be seen in the sanctuary?

Visitors can spot Blackbuck, wild boar, bonnet macaque, spotted deer, dolphins (occasionally), and sea turtles.

4. Which birds are commonly seen here?

Flamingos, teals, plovers, terns, gulls, sandpipers, and many migratory waterbirds are commonly seen.

5. What is the best time to visit Point Calimere?

The best time is from November to February, when migratory birds arrive and the weather is pleasant.

Location
Category Details
Name Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
Local Name Kodikkarai Wildlife Area
Village Kodikkarai (Point Calimere)
Taluk Vedaranyam Taluk
District Nagapattinam
State Tamil Nadu
Country India
Geographic Setting Southeastern coast of India, near Bay of Bengal
Nearby Town Vedaranyam (approx. 11 km)
Region Type Coastal wetlands, mangroves, mudflats, scrub forest
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