Home » Bird Sanctuary in Tamilnadu  »  Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary

Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary

Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary

About:

Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary or Kunthankulam is a protected area declared as a sanctuary in 1994. It adjoins the tiny village of Koonthankulam in Nanguneri Taluk of Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India. It's just 38 km away from Tirunelveli a bustling town on the banks of the Tambaraparani River. It's composed of Koonthankulam and Kadankulam irrigation tanks, conveniently linked by tar road.

When we talk about bird sanctuaries in India, Koonthankulam or Kunthankulam bird sanctuary is one of the top listed sanctuaries! Known for its immense beauty and enriched wildlife, Kunthankulam is really a great place to tour.

Koonthankulam bird sanctuary is spread in a vast area. Around 1.29 square kilometer of dense forest makes up the overall area of Koonthankulam. The temperature is temperate throughout the year, and gets little warm in summers. However, rainfall is quite similar to the south Indian climatic conditions during the monsoons.

This unique sanctuary is actively protected and managed by the Koonthakulam village community. The local people take a keen interest in protecting this sanctuary and they live together in total symbiotic harmony.

Birds coming to villagers backyards are protected vehemently and regarded as harbingers of luck. The excreta of birds and silt from the tanks is collected by villagers in summer and applied as fertilizer to their fields. All villagers protect the birds, their nests and fledgelings. Fallen chicks are taken care of in the rescue centre till they are able to fly on their own. Anyone disturbing the nests are punished by shaving their head, or making a public procession on a donkey. The Indian festival Diwali is not celebrated here because the sound of crackers would drive away the winged visitors.

Location info:
Address:Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary,Kunthankulam,Tamil Nadu, India
District:Kunthankulam
Nearest City:Kunthankulam
Best time to visit: November to February

Climate/Weather:

Tirunelveli has a tropical climate with the temperature in the coastal areas cooler than the interior parts by a couple of degree Celsius in summer and vice versa in winters. April and May are the hottest months with average maximum temperature hovering around 42 degree Celsius. With the onset of the southwest monsoon by the beginning of June, there is some drop in temperature. By about the middle of October, both day and night temperatures decrease appreciably.

Winter sets in the month of November and persists till the end of January. The average maximum temperature hovers around 30 degree Celsius. The minimum temperature in these months sometimes goes down to 17-18 degree Celsius. The relative humidity in general remains between 55 and 65 percent except during monsoons where as the average rainfall is around 800 millimeters per annum.

History:
The puranic version goes that one Vedasarma, a staunch devotee of Shiva, on his pilgrimage from the North to the South was invited by Lord Shiva in his dream to his abode on the banks of the sacred river Tamiraparani. The delighted devotee came to 'Sindupoondhurai' on the banks of the river and stayed there with his family. Once there was a famine which forced Vedasarma to collect paddy by way of begging and continuing his daily prayers. One day he spread out the paddy to dry under the Sun before the Lord, and went for his ablutions in Tamiraparani.

Interesting things to do:
 

Interesting things to Visit:

fauna:
Whether it is flora or fauna, Koonthankulam owns great variety in species for every one of them. The sanctuary is popular for its migratory birds that flew here in winter seasons. After laying their eggs and bringing up their young ones here, the migratory birds fly back to their respective habitats. People from far come here to see this magical phenomenon that exclusively happens at Koonthankulam.

District Science Centre:
The Thirunelveli District Science Centre is showcasing scientific applications adding a new dimension to science teaching through a process of discovery. Inspiring creative talents, the centre has 3 permanent galleries on ocean, a semi permanent gallery on popular science and a six acre science park where numerous exhibits help create awareness and try to satisfy the jest for knowledge. It is equipped with a planetarium, an animatarium and an observatory. The District Science Centre also
organizes Mobile Science Exhibition, Film Show, Temporary Exhibitions, Science Drama and Science Fair.

Courtallam:
A picturesque health resort near Thirunelveli, here the western ghats form the beauteous backdrop. Courtallam is known for its gorgeous waterfall that divides itself into further eight forceful falls and is perfect for bathing all day through. The water is said to have therapeutic qualities and cures rheumatic joints, chronic headache and nerve disorder on regular use.

Swamy Nellaiappar-Kanthimathi Ambal Temple:
The Swamy Nellaiappar-Kanthimathi Ambal Temple's musical pillars in Mani Mandapam produce sweet sound when struck. The thousand pillared Somavara Mandapam, Vasantha Mandapam and the beautiful carvings in Tamra Sabha dates back to 700 AD.

Other Places of Tourist interest:

  1. Krishnapuram Sculptures
  2. Pulithevan Palace
  3. Sankaranainarkoi
  4. Mancholai
  5. Kappal Matha Church
  6. Pottalpudur Dargha
  7. Two Tier bridge
  8. Cathedral Church

Mobile range info:
 

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:The Tirunelveli Junction railway station is an extremely busy and important railway junction in Tamilnadu. It connects Tirunelveli to all the major cities in India and Tamilnadu such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Trichy, Tanjore and Kanyakumari. Various express and super fast trains pass through Tirunelveli.
Nearest Airport:Tirunelveli is Tuticorin airport that is located at a distance of 28 kilometers from the downtown Tirunelveli. Tuticorin airport sees very less flights but Trivandrum airport that is around 150 kilometers in Kerala has regular flights for various cities in India as well as South and West Asia.
Road Transport:Tirunelveli is well connected by road. The city is located on the National Highway no. 7. It is well connected to all the major cities of Peninsular India by National as well as state highways. The Tamilnadu Transport Corporation operates buses to Chennai, Bangalore, Salem, Coimbatore, Nagapattinam, Erode and Tirupati originating from Tirunelveli.

Nearest Visiting places:

Ottapidaram:
This is the birth place of V.O Chidambaram, freedom fighter. His maiden venture in navigation against the East India Company caused his imprisonment. That is why he is popularly called as "Kappalottiya Thamizhan". His home has now become a memorial.

Tenkasi:
The name itself implies that this town is Kasi (Varanasi) of the South. The flagstaff of the temple is noteworthy for its sculptural beauty and 400 years old.

Papanasam :
This holy place is on the western ghat of Pothigai Hills. Legend has it that it was close to the Papanasam Falls, on the banks of the Tamiraparani river that as Siva and Parvati appeared before Agasthiya, the falls came to be known as the "Agasthiya falls". To commemorate the visit of the divine couple. The Agasthya temple was built there.

Sankarankovil:
Sankarankovil is a unique temple dedicated to Sankaranarayana who is combined manifestation of Siva and Vishnu. There are two other shrines dedicated to Siva and Parvathi. Twice in a year sun rays fall on the pedestal.

Suchindram Temple:
A small sleepy village Suchindram, located 12 kms from Kanyakumari, is profusely rich in art, culture and architectural heritage. The major spotlight of the place is the famous Sthanumalayan Temple, commonly known as Suchindram temple, which is notably marked for its artistic treasures. The temple is dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful 134ft tall gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from valuable artifacts of different periods.

Baywatch Water Amusement Park:
Baywatch Water Amusement Park The interesting water park has many different types of rides available like the Bumping Car, Crazy Chairs, Giant Wheel, Milky Way, and Multiple Splash. It’s open every day of the year and it has many different attractions for adults and children including its world famous wax museum that is the counterpart of Wax Museum at London.

Portuguese Church:
Portuguese Church The church with its beautiful archaic structure is a major monument of Christian influence. The massive towering spires and stained glass window panes contribute to the overall grandeur of the Church. The simplicity of the interiors is a sharp contrast to the ornate Gothic exteriors. A walk down to the fishing jetty behind the church is quite interesting especially if the boats have just come in with their catch.

Vattakottai Fort:
Vattakottai Fort It is one of the many forts erected a symbol of military history of India. This small yet charming circular fort on the seashore, 6 kms away from Kanyakumari is an 18th century fort. So, only the ramparts and a few broken down structures of this granite fort have withstood the ravages of time. The isolated beach lined with coconut groves and dense vegetation overlooking the blue waters makes it an idyllic hideaway.

Muttom Beach:
The famous beach at Muttom is located about 16 kms from Nagercoil and 32 kms from Kanyakumari as well. Muttom is famous for its beautiful landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beachside. The sun set viewpoint at Muttom is very famous and one of the most Panoramic view points in the district. Another attraction of Muttom is the century old lighthouse built by the British. People come and see all these with full interest.

Sanguthurai Beach:
Sanguthurai is a beautiful beach resort and is very convenient for the local population of Nagarcoil. It is only about 10 kms from the city. Unfortunately no infrastructure facilities were available in this beach. The district administration has now sanctioned a project for putting up of a children`s park, seating facility, open huts or Kudils with Terracotta roofs and lighting facility at the beach. These facilities are expected to increase the tourism in the beach site. The entire work has been completed. It is also proposed to put up a few shops for Women Self Help Groups at the site. These will provide eatables for the tourists at the beach side. All these give a colourful impression to the tourists.

Chothavilai Beach:
This beach is located at the distance of about 10 Kms from Kanyakumari. This is one of the best natural beaches of the district. The beach has shallow water and High sand dunes on the background. The tourists can reach the beach through the newly laid coastal road, which is a very beautiful drive along the sea-coast. People enjoy the place very much as they visit this with of joy.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump:Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,India

HP Petrol Pump:Kadayam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Tri Sea Hotel:Near Seashore,Kovalam Road, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:04652 246586

Sea View Hotel:E Car St,Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:04652 247841

Uday Samudra Beach Hotel:G V Raja Road Samudra Beach,Kovalam,Tamil Nadu,IndiaPh:0471 2485766

Things to carry:
 

Tips & Suggestions:
 

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Kalakkad Police Station:Kalakkad, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,India

Kadayam Police Station:Kadayam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,India

Nearest Hospital:

CSI Jayaraj Annapackiam Mission Hospitai,Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,India

Karthik Hospital:Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,India
Society/Community Phone Number

Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary
Ottapidaram:
This is the birth place of V.O Chidambaram, freedom fighter. His maiden venture in navigation against the East India Company caused his imprisonment. That is why he is popularly called as "Kappalottiya Thamizhan". His home has now become a memorial..................more
Tenkasi:
The name itself implies that this town is Kasi (Varanasi) of the South. The flagstaff of the temple is noteworthy for its sculptural beauty and 400 years old......................more
Papanasam:
This holy place is on the western ghat of Pothigai Hills. Legend has it that it was close to the Papanasam Falls, on the banks of the Tamiraparani river that as Siva and Parvati appeared before Agasthiya, the falls came to be known as the "Agasthiya falls". To commemorate the visit of the divine couple. The Agasthya temple was built there.........................more
Sankarankovil:
Sankarankovil is a unique temple dedicated to Sankaranarayana who is combined manifestation of Siva and Vishnu. There are two other shrines dedicated to Siva and Parvathi. Twice in a year sun rays fall on the pedestal........................more
Suchindram Temple:
A small sleepy village Suchindram, located 12 kms from Kanyakumari, is profusely rich in art, culture and architectural heritage. The major spotlight of the place is the famous Sthanumalayan Temple, commonly known as Suchindram temple, which is notably marked for its artistic treasures. The temple is dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful 134ft tall gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from valuable artifacts of different periods.......................more
Baywatch Water Amusement Park:
Baywatch Water Amusement Park The interesting water park has many different types of rides available like the Bumping Car, Crazy Chairs, Giant Wheel, Milky Way, and Multiple Splash. It's open every day of the year and it has many different attractions for adults and children including its world famous wax museum that is the counterpart of Wax Museum at London.....................more
Portuguese Church:
Portuguese Church The church with its beautiful archaic structure is a major monument of Christian influence. The massive towering spires and stained glass window panes contribute to the overall grandeur of the Church. The simplicity of the interiors is a sharp contrast to the ornate Gothic exteriors. A walk down to the fishing jetty behind the church is quite interesting especially if the boats have just come in with their catch....................more
Vattakottai Fort:
Vattakottai Fort It is one of the many forts erected a symbol of military history of India. This small yet charming circular fort on the seashore, 6 kms away from Kanyakumari is an 18th century fort. So, only the ramparts and a few broken down structures of this granite fort have withstood the ravages of time. The isolated beach lined with coconut groves and dense vegetation overlooking the blue waters makes it an idyllic hideaway....................more
Muttom Beach:
The famous beach at Muttom is located about 16 kms from Nagercoil and 32 kms from Kanyakumari as well. Muttom is famous for its beautiful landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beachside. The sun set viewpoint at Muttom is very famous and one of the most Panoramic view points in the district. Another attraction of Muttom is the century old lighthouse built by the British. People come and see all these with full interest....................more
Sanguthurai Beach:
Sanguthurai is a beautiful beach resort and is very convenient for the local population of Nagarcoil. It is only about 10 kms from the city. Unfortunately no infrastructure facilities were available in this beach. The district administration has now sanctioned a project for putting up of a children`s park, seating facility, open huts or Kudils with Terracotta roofs and lighting facility at the beach. These facilities are expected to increase the tourism in the beach site. The entire work has been completed. It is also proposed to put up a few shops for Women Self Help Groups at the site. These will provide eatables for the tourists at the beach side. All these give a colourful impression to the tourists.....................more
Chothavilai Beach:
This beach is located at the distance of about 10 Kms from Kanyakumari. This is one of the best natural beaches of the district. The beach has shallow water and High sand dunes on the background. The tourists can reach the beach through the newly laid coastal road, which is a very beautiful drive along the sea-coast. People enjoy the place very much as they visit this with of joy.....................more