Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is an important tourist spot located in Mudukulathur Ramanathapuram District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was declared a bird sanctuary in the year 1989. The climate here ranges from 22.3°C to 37.8°C. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 66.66 ha and is adjacent to Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary area is located within the community tank embankments. Its water holding channel measures almost 15 meters from the bottom of the embankment. The sanctuary is known for the considerable growth of Babul trees.
Flora and Fauna of Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary
Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. The main type of vegetation found here can be classified generally as that of Tropical Dry Deciduous type. The most important tree found here is Babul (Acacia nilotica). Apart from this there are other trees like Prosopis juliflora and grasses such as Cynodon dactylon and Eremopogan faveolatus. The sanctuary is being now slowly enclosed by Prosopis. The tank bund and the area outside the tank have Neem, Ficus Spp., Thespesia Populnea, Albizzia amara, Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer), Tamarindus indica and Moringa oleifera.
The sanctuary also offers ideal habitat for several winter migratory birds. Some of them include Painted stork, White ibis, Black ibis, little egret, Great egret. These birds can be mainly seen here during the months between October and February. The Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary has with considerable diversity in nesting and feeding behaviours. Heronry species, a colonial bird can be seen here in huge numbers. The sanctuary is visited by almost 170 species of birds. The wetland here is irregular in depth and holds water for 3 to 5 months when the rain is normal.
Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is visited by many tourists and nature lovers. It is also an ideal picnic spot where the visitors can enjoy their time in the midst of the chirping noises of the birds. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the months from November to February. The sanctuary is well connected with all modes of transport.
The sanctuary can be reached by road from Mudukulathur 8 kms and Madurai 117 kms. The Nearest Railway is located at Paramakudi at a distance of 15 kms. The nearest airport is situated at Madurai that is 110 kms away.
