About the Place

Viralimalai Bird Sanctuary is a picturesque haven of serenity, famous for its vibrant population of peacocks. Located in the quaint town of Viralimalai, 30 km from Tiruchirapalli and 40 km from Pudukkottai, this sanctuary is particularly well-known for its Murugan temple and the abundance of peacocks. The sanctuary is home to various species of peacocks, including the stunning Palawan Peacock Pheasant, and serves as a vital conservation area for these majestic birds. The sanctuary is also a place of religious significance, with the Murugan temple attracting devotees from all over. Visitors to Viralimalai are enchanted by the sight of peacocks freely roaming the grounds, making it a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Summary of all the key points for Viralimalai Bird Sanctuary:

Category	Details
Location	Viralimalai, 30 km from Tiruchirappalli, 40 km from Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu
Famous For	Murugan Temple and Peacock Sanctuary, home to 6 species of peacocks
Best Time to Visit	November to February
Climate/Weather	Max: 38.7°C, Min: 29.6°C, Tropical Climate
History	Linked with the history of early Chola temples, early human habitation signs on hillock
Interesting Things to Do	– Watching peacocks in their natural habitat – Visiting the Murugan Temple – Exploring wildlife sanctuary
Interesting Places to Visit Nearby	– Murugan Temple – Kodumbalur – Pullamangai – Rock Fort Temple (Tiruchirapalli) – Sri Ranganathaswami Temple (Srirangam)
Nearest Visiting Places	– Sittanavasal – Rock Fort Temple – Jambukeshwara Temple – Sri Ranganathaswami Temple
How to Reach	– Nearest Railway Station: Tiruchirapalli Junction (30 km) – Nearest Airport: Tiruchirapalli Airport (30 km) – Road Transport: Regular buses from Tiruchirapalli
Accommodation/Hotels	– Hotel Sangam (Tiruchirappalli) – Ramyas Hotels Pvt Ltd – Hotel Femina Tiruchirappalli – Hotel Grand Gardenia – Jenny’s Residency
Nearest Petrol Pump	– Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Salai Road, Tiruchirapalli – Petrol Pump, N Andar Street, Devathanam, Thiruchirapalli
Police Station	– Gandhi Market Police Station, Tiruchirappalli – Srirangam Police Station
Nearest Hospital	– American Hospital, Sangillyandapuram, Tiruchirapalli – Hindu Mission Hospital, Tiruchirappalli – Maruti Hospital, Tiruchirappalli

Location Information

• Address: Viralimalai Peacock Sanctuary, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India
• District: Tiruchirapalli
• Nearest City: Pudukkottai (40 km), Tiruchirapalli (30 km)

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Viralimalai Bird Sanctuary is between November and February. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and visitors can witness the peacocks in full splendor, as they display their vibrant plumage.

Climate/Weather

• Maximum Temperature: 38.7°C
• Minimum Temperature: 29.6°C The area experiences a hot tropical climate with moderate rainfall, making it essential to plan your visit during the cooler months.

History

Viralimalai’s history is intertwined with both its wildlife and religious significance. The area surrounding the hillock shows signs of early human habitation, and the Murugan temple has been a revered religious site for centuries. The sanctuary’s forests have been preserved for generations, contributing to the area’s biodiversity.

Interesting Things to Do

• Peacock Watching: The sanctuary is home to a large population of wild peacocks. Watch these magnificent birds roam freely and witness their stunning courtship dance where they spread their colorful feathers. It’s an incredible sight, especially during the monsoon season.
• Trekking to Murugan Temple: Take a trek to the famous Viralimalai Murugan Temple situated atop the hill. The journey offers scenic views, and the temple itself is a peaceful and spiritually enriching spot.
• Nature Photography: Capture the scenic beauty of the sanctuary and the vibrant peacocks in their natural habitat. The lush greenery, combined with the colorful wildlife, offers fantastic opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
• Picnicking: Enjoy a quiet picnic surrounded by nature. The serene and undisturbed environment makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed day out with family or friends.
• Explore Nearby Heritage Sites: Extend your visit by exploring nearby attractions like the ancient Kodumbalur Temples or Pullamangai, where you can delve into Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage and enjoy architectural marvels from the Chola period.

Interesting Places to Visit

• Viralimalai Murugan Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is a major pilgrimage site. Situated atop a hill, the temple offers a peaceful atmosphere and provides a panoramic view of the surrounding sanctuary. The trek to the temple is an added adventure.
• Kodumbalur Temples: Located about 36 km from Viralimalai, Kodumbalur is famous for its ancient Chola temples, especially the Muvar Koil. These temples are architectural marvels from the 10th century and showcase the glorious Chola dynasty’s contribution to temple art.
• Pullamangai Brahmapureeswarar Temple: This temple is about 50 km from Viralimalai and is known for its stunning Chola sculptures and serene ambiance. The exquisite artwork, especially the figures of dancing ganas, is a treat for history and art lovers.
• Rock Fort Temple (Tiruchirappalli): About 30 km from Viralimalai, this iconic rock-cut temple complex includes Manikka Vinayakar Temple and Ucchi Pillayar Koyil. A climb to the top rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the city.
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam): Situated 35 km from Viralimalai, this is one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it’s an architectural marvel and an important pilgrimage destination.

How to Reach

• Nearest Railway Station: Tiruchirapalli Junction, well-connected to Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, and other major cities.
• Nearest Airport: Tiruchirapalli Airport (30 km).
• Road Transport: Buses are available from Tiruchirapalli and Pudukkottai. Visitors can also hire taxis or take private vehicles.

Nearest Visiting Places

• Viralimalai Murugan Temple (0 km): This ancient temple is located within Viralimalai itself and is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple is set on a hilltop, offering both spiritual significance and scenic beauty.
• Sittanavasal Caves (58 km): Famous for its ancient Jain fresco paintings and stone inscriptions dating back to the 9th century, this site offers a glimpse into Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage.
• Rock Fort Temple (Tiruchirappalli) (30 km): This landmark temple complex includes Manikka Vinayakar Temple and Uchchi Pillayar Koyil, offering panoramic views of Tiruchirappalli from the top.
• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) (35 km): One of the largest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Srirangam is a major pilgrimage site known for its stunning architecture.
• Jambukeshwara Temple (33 km): A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Jambukeshwara Temple is known for its serene ambiance and intricate carvings.

Nearest Petrol Pump

• Indian Oil Petrol Pump: Salai Road, Woraiyur, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu.
• Petrol Pump: N Andar Street, Devathanam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

• Hotel Sangam Tiruchirappalli
  • Location: Collector Office Road, Tiruchirappalli
  • Distance: Approximately 30 km from Viralimalai
  • Facilities: Luxurious rooms, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, multi-cuisine restaurant
  • Contact: +91 431 2414700
• Ramyas Hotels Pvt Ltd
  • Location: Williams Road, Tiruchirappalli
  • Distance: 30 km from Viralimalai
  • Facilities: Comfortable rooms, restaurants, bar, business center
  • Contact: +91 431 2415128
• Hotel Femina Tiruchirappalli
  • Location: Williams Road, Tiruchirappalli
  • Distance: 31 km from Viralimalai
  • Facilities: Spacious rooms, banquet facilities, on-site dining, fitness center
  • Contact: +91 431 2414502
• Hotel Grand Gardenia
  • Location: Collector Office Road, Tiruchirappalli
  • Distance: 32 km from Viralimalai
  • Facilities: Rooftop dining, modern rooms, free breakfast, business center
  • Contact: +91 431 2411551
• Jenny’s Residency
  • Location: McDonald’s Road, Tiruchirappalli
  • Distance: 34 km from Viralimalai
  • Facilities: Well-appointed rooms, fine dining, conference rooms
  • Contact: +91 431 2414414

Things to Carry

• Camera for capturing wildlife and scenery.
• Comfortable walking shoes for temple visits and sanctuary exploration.
• Water bottles to stay hydrated during the warm weather.

Tips & Suggestions

• Visit early in the morning to catch the peacocks in their most active state.
• Respect the wildlife and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could scare the birds.
• Follow local guidelines and maintain cleanliness in the sanctuary.

Help Line/Phone Number

• Police Station: Gandhi Market Police Station, Tiruchirapalli.
• Nearest Hospital: American Hospital, Sangillyandapuram, Tiruchirapalli; Hindu Mission Hospital, Anna Nagar, Tiruchirapalli.

Image Gallery of Viralimalai Bird Sanctuary-Bird Sanctuary

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