Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

About:

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary locally known as "Chitrangudi Kanmoli" is a .4763 km2 (0.2 sq mi) Protected area declared in 1989 and a part of Chitrangudi village, Mudukulathur Taluk, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is adjacent to Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary. It is notable as a nesting site for several migratory Heron species that roost in the prominent growth of Babul trees there. International name: Chitragudi and Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary,

The sanctuary area is within the 15 m high embankments of the community irrigation tank. The total length of the embankment is 4.010 km The crescent-shaped Kanmoi starts at a northern point where an aqueduct from the Gundar river flows into the Kanmoi. There are five sluices that drain water to the agricultural lands. The wetland is irregular in depth and retains water for 3 to 5 months if rain is normal. Excess flood water is let out towards Chitrangudi village through a sluice gate about .5 km from the inlet aqueduct.

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary is otherwise known as “Chitrangudi Kanmoli” and is located at 9o19’N and 78o28’ E . It is a part of Chitrangudi village of Mudukulathur taluk, Ramanathapuram district. An aerial view of the sanctuary gives out a crescent or fish tail shape. The Kanmoi starts at a northern point where a channel from the Gundar flows into the Kanmoi through an aqua duct. Total length of the embankment is 4.010 kms. There are 5 sluices that drain water to the agricultural lands. Excess water is let out during flood conditions through a sluice gate about 0.5 km from the inlet aqua duct towards Chitrangudi village

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Flora:
The sanctuary vegetation can be classified generally as that of tropical dry deciduous type. It is dominated by Babul (Acacia nilotica) along with Prosopis Juliflora and grasses such as Cynodon dactylon and Eremopogan faveolatus. The tank bund and the area outside the tank are having Tamarindus indica, Ficus Spp, Neem (Azadirachta indica), Thespesia Populnea, Albizzia amara, Moringa oleifera and Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer). The plantation of Acacia nilotica was raised in 1979 by Farm forestry division’. Presently there is no area in the sanctuary which is devoid of vegetation, every nook and corner is occupied by Prosopis. Cascuta creepers are also growing widely in the sanctuary and many a times retarding the growth of Prosopis. In addition the medicinal plants such as Ocimum sanctum, Gloriosa superba are also found in the area.

Fauna:
The sanctuary offers ideal habitat for winter migratory birds with considerable diversity in nesting and feeding behaviours. It is one of the preferred nesting sites for heronry species and colonial birds migrating to South India . The feathered visitors flock the sanctuary from October to February. The wetland is irregular in depth and retains water for 3 to 5 months if rain is normal. Breeding population consists of Spot billed Pelican, Open billed stork, Liitle egret, Large egret, Grey hreon, Purple heron, Pond heron .

Ramanathaswamy Temple:
The legend says that Hunuman was sent by Lord Rama to bring a temple_tower1.jpg (205360 bytes)Lingam to worship at an appointed auspicious hour. As Human’s arrival was delayed, Sita moulded a lingam for Rama’s timely worship. It is the main deity being worshiped as Ramanathaswamy. Disappointed Hunuman was later consoled by Rama by installing the Lingam which was brought by him a little north of Ramanatha, and decreed that the Hunuman’s lingam should have precedence over the Ramanatha in all honours.

Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge:
The 2.2 km. length bridge connecting the Rameswaram Island and the mainland is the longest bridge in India constructed over a bay. It is also called as Pamban Bridge. Similarly the railway bridge connecting the island is noted for its unique opening to pass the ships through the sea.

Mandapam & Pamban:
Lying on the Ramanathapuram Rameswaram National Highway and just 19 kms before Rameswaram lies this sleepy coastal village of Mandapam . Prior to the 1914 train service linking the mainland with Rameswaram, boats were the only mode of transport to ship the pilgrims on their journey to Rameswaram. It is possible to take a boat for a cruise through the mangrove marshes to Kurusadai Island.

Villoondi Theertham:
Villoondi literally translated stands for ‘buried bow’. It is quite well known that Lord Ram always carried a bow. According to legend, at this sacred spot, located around 7 kilometers from the main temple on the way to Pamban, is this puranic place, significant because it was at this place where Lord Ram is said to have quenched the thirst of Sita by dipping the bow into the sea water. Even to this day, tourists throng this place to see where potable water is available within the vicinity of sea water.

Agnitheertham:
The calm shallow water-spread of the sea, present hardly 100 meters in front of the temple gopuram is considered as sacred. A dip in the Agnitheertham is considered to remove the sins of the pilgrims. The other theerthams (holy water tanks) in and around the temple are also important for Pilgrims.

Jadayu Theertham:
Jadayu, King of the Birds, who fought in vain with Ravana, the demon to save Sita, is said to have fallen down here as his wings were severed. Sand dunes surround the temple and the pond. The water in the pond is as sweet as that of a tender coconut.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Badrakali Amman Temple:
A kilometer away from the main sanctum sanctorum is the Badrakali Amman Temple with Devi Durga as its chief deity. It is very popular among Devi Durga’s worshippers hailing mainly from West Bengal & Kolkatta. This temple is en-route the Gandhamathana Parvatham.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple:
Kothandaramaswamy Temple This Vishnu shrine is located 18 kms away on the southern tip of the island called Dhanushkodi.This temple is the only structure that survived the 1964 cyclone which washed away the rest of Dhanushkodi.It can be reached by road from Rameswaram and buses ply to this place. It was the place where Vibishana the brother of Ravana is said to have surrendered to Rama.The temple has beautiful idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vishnu. On the very tip of Dhanushkodi is a sacred pool – a lovely bathing ghat.

The Gandhamadana Parvatham (Hillock):
The Gandhamadana Parvatham (Hillock) It is in the north –west of the island and the most elevated point of the island. It is a two-storied structure with a ruined fort. Hanuman is said to have leapt from this point across the sea to reach Lanka.The feet of Rama is in the centre of the lower storey. It is also known as Ekantha Rameswaram and contains handsome idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.Here; Rama is seen raising one of his arms. From this elevated place, one can have an excellent view of the whole island.

Coral Reefs:
The coral reefs of Rameswaram are another attraction mainly for marine biologists, who throng these islands for research and observation.

Dhanushkodi:
The southernmost tip of the island is called Dhanushkodi. It was completely washed away by a cyclone in 1964. But the Kothandaramasamy Temple here remains intact. It is 18 KMs way from Rameswaram can be reached by road. A popular belief is that, it is where Vibishana a brother of Ravana surrendered before Rama. Dhanushkodi has a fine beach, where Sea surfing is possible.

Devi patinam:
A coastal village is also known as Navashabashanam.It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Navagraha here. The temple near by here, is dedicated to Devi, who is said to have killed the demon Mahishasura at this spot. Hindus perform religious rites for their forefathers here.

Erwadi:
The tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Syed Aulia, who came from Arabia via Cannanore is about 800 years old. Pilgrims from far off countries like Srilanka, Malaysia and Singapore are visiting this tomb. Santhanakoodu Festival is celebrated in February-March attracts thousands of pilgrims.

Satchi Hanuman Temple:
This is where Hanuman said to have delivered the good news of sita's well being to Rama with an evidance choodamanai(Jewel) of Sita.

Five Faced Hanuman Temple:
Hanuman is adorned with senthooram here. The stone said to have used to construct the floating bridge Sethu Bandanam could be seen here.

Thiruvetriyur:
The Patham Priya Koil is situated in Thiruvetriyur in R.S. Mangalam Block of the district. The temple is spread over a vast area and has a large Tank and pilgrims flock here in hundreds every day for blessings and to pay obeisance.

Sethu karai:
A place of Puranic importance, Sethu karai (meaning the Sethu Coast) is an important pilgrim centre having religious significance owing to the belief that Lord Ram is said to have constructed a bridge from here over the sea waters to reach Sri Lanka . It is a hallowed place for Hindus as they conduct their religious rites in this place and is situated around 68 kilometers from Rameswaram and is near Erwadi Dharga.

Oiyur:
Oriyur is one of the most revered pilgrim centers for Christians the world over as it is home to the martyrdom of St. John De Britto, a Portugese Jesuit better known as ‘Arul Anandar’. It was in this place that the saint was beheaded in 1693 and the sand dune is said to have turned red, believed to be stained by the blood of the saint. Here, one can see a magnificent shrine with its Portugese façade that contains a captivating statue of Arul Anandar offering his neck in humble submission to the executioner.

Sea world aquarium:
Just opposite the Rameswaram Bus Stand, one can catch a quick glimpse of an assortment of underwater creatures in their near natural habitat in the ‘Sea World Aquarium’ – the only one of its kind in the state, and probably in the country too, filled with such varied marine life forms including exotic species such as Octopus, Snake fish, Parrot fish, Sea lizard, Sea squid, Cow fish, Lion fish, Rabbit fish, Fire fish, Butter fish, Clown fish, Crabs, Lobsters, Prawns, Sea Lotus, Beach Tamet, Star Fishes, Sea Horses and Sharks. This is quite an eye-opener for young tourists & kids and lovers of marine life.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Hare Rama Hare Krishna:15/24, Ramar Padham Road,Thittakudi St, Rameswaram,Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:04573 223500

Hotel Shanmuga Paradise:Opp temple,no.10/98, Middle St,Rameswaram,Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:04573 222945

Maharaja Hotel:Near The Temple,No.7,Middle Street,Rameshwaram,Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:04573 221271

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Pioneer Hospitals:NH 49,Ramanathapuram,Tamil Nadu,Ph:04567 221317

Keelakarai Govt. Hospital:Keelakarai,Ramanathapuram,Tamil Nadu,India

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary