The Koonthankulam Bird sanctuary was declared as a sanctuary in 1994. It is situated in the village of Koonthankulam in the district of Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. This is the largest breeding surface for water birds in south India.
This sanctuary is not only visited by the usual birds of the region, but also by migratory birds which form the major attraction here.
These birds that fly down here have been, for five generations, protected by the villagers as they consider the birds to be bringers of luck. These villagers have cared for chicks when they fell out of their nests and punished anyone harming or disturbing the birds.
The painted stork is the major attraction in this sanctuary. More than 43 different species of water birds visit this sanctuary from the region and around the globe. After nesting, hatching and taking care of their young ones, they vacate their nest during the months of July to August and fly over to European countries.
Places to Visit :
Nellaiappar temple, Thamirabharani River and Papanasam.
Things To Do:
- Do not make loud noises
- Do not throw about litter and use only the bins allocated for garbage to dispose of litter.
- Always carry with you a first aid kit
- Maintain a safe distance from the birds and do not disturb them
- Observe instructions from guides and follow them accordingly