Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

About Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

During a stay at Thiruvarur, I was directed by the locals to Kodikkarai (Point Calimer). However, my mom said, “Let’s go to Muthuppettai Mangroves”. Hmm… Why notWhy to dump myself in Kodikkarai where everyone else does the same, when a lovely secret place is available. A road less travelled, that is Muthupettai (Muthupet) Mangroves. Now when I opted this, came the other option as well, from the locals, Udayamarthandapuram, a bird sanctuary.Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary is located in Tiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu and is about 15 km from Thiruthuraipoondi.

The route from Thiruvarur, took me to Udayamarthandapuram first. Taking a rented car, we started off. After crossing Thiruththuraippoondi, I started to look out for the forest range officer. Well, a visit to this Bird Sanctuary requires a prior permission from the forest range officer. So, we reached Udayamarthandapuram and crossed it as well. Hmm… Ok, let me be clear. The forest range officer’s office is near the Muthupet Busstand and Muthupet Bus stand is beyond the turn that has to be taken to reach Udayamarthandapuram. Like many other places like, this place also irritated me with its two bus stands - The old bus stand and the new bus stand. I was told that his office is near the bus stand without specifying new or old.

After a little bit of search, I found the officer and got the permission both for Udayamarthandapuram and Muthupet. The person in charge at the sanctuary premises was informed about our arrival. Then, a small drive back in the route we came and few more twists and turns and ahoy, here was Udayamarthandapuram! .Spread over 45 hectares, this sanctuary is home to little cormorant, darter, spoonbill, Indian reef heron, grey heron, white necked stork, little egret and pond heron.

Udayamarthandapuram was a typical village with a road just wide enough to fit a car perfectly, with roosters and hens and goats roaming all over, with village women doing their daily chores, with small eco friendly hut houses. Then there was a hoarding welcoming the visitors of the feathered companions, and there was a grill gate. As such the place didn’t look much like a sanctuary. We were then invited by the person in-charge there and were given binoculars. Then he took us inside, the place was just awesome.

After a 10km drive, we reached Muthupettai. I don’t know why, but it reminded me of MCC, Chennai. It was pretty similar, with the sun’s rays shying away. There was again this person in-charge and I met him. He wanted me to write a letter stating who we were and why where we there. I found it silly, still those were government requirement. So, I wrote on a sheet of paper borrowed from him, about who we were and that we were tourists and wanted a boat to have a trip of the mangrove. It was only later I found that, this place was very sensitive and had some religious clashes earlier. So everyone has to go through this process.

Then the officer found a boatman for us. He said the motorboat trip would be 650 bucks, and I was astonished. Then I made up my mind. I had come all the way from Thiruvarur and rented a car and there’s no point missing out on the boat ride. I paid him half. He informed me to buy few eatables, and question marks flew atop my head. Why, to reject this local person’s advice..??? With no shop in sight, I bought a dozen bananas. We then took off. It was like any other ride on a river. And after some time, I could feel the sea. The water became turbulent and the depth was hell. It was no more like a river, it was like sea, just sea.

Climate/Weather

summers: remains around 35°C.

**Winter:**remains around 10°C.

Nearest Visiting places

Sri Thiayagaraja Temple:
The Thiyagaraja temple at Thiruvarur is one of the ancient heritage sites of India and is a representation of the religio-socio-cultural history of the Tamil region for a period spanning over a millennium and a half. Little is known about this shrine to much of India. The vast temple complex today is truly a standing monument to centuries of history and tradition.

Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple:
The Deity of Sri Aravamudan of Thirukkudanthai (Kumbakonam) has been sung by seven Alwars of Sri Vaishnavisam. When the four thousand (4000) Dhivyaprabandam of Alwars were in a forgotten state, it was only through the decade of ten verses praising Lord Amudan, Sriman Naadha Munigal revived the entire 4000 Verses. Hense this recling Lord Aravamuthan alias Sri Sarangapani Swami is known as Dravida Sruthi Darshala. In this town, there are also the deities of Lord Chakkarapani and Lord Rama in the Pattabishegam mode and many others.

Sri Murugan Temple:
The primary Deity of this temple is Palaniandavar. His image is carved in the likeness of the Deity of Palani Hills Temple in Southern India. He is the shaven headed renunciate yogin, whose Grace bestows knowledge of the deeper contemplative depths of Yoga and ultimately God-Realization.Now He has come to the West and resides in this spectacular valley where people come from all over the world for disciplined play or leela in the mountains.

Sri Kothandaramar Temple:
Those praying in this temple are blessed with high education and wisdom. Those desirous of going overseas for higher education visit this temple praying to achieve their aim. Artists aspiring name and fame and special skills seek the blessing of the lord of this temple. Couples separated due to some reason or other get united praying here. Employment opportunities, promotion in job are also the boons Sri Ramachandra ensures to the devotees.

Sri Saraswathi Temple:
Sri Saraswathi Temple is situated at Koothanur, It is around fifteen kilometers away from Mayiladuthurai, of Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu, India. Tamil Nadu is famous for its beautiful temples, especially in and around the Tiruchi-Thanjavur belt. While some of these temples, such as the Navagraha temples and Vaitheeswarankoil temple are famous, there are hundreds of other temples, which are unique although not very popular.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

For accommodation near Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, nearby towns offer budget lodges, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. Book ahead during peak season (December-March).

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:Mannargudi, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu,India

East Police Station:Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu,India

Nagai Hospital:3/134, Main Road,Nagappattinam, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu,IndiaPh:043 6524 1150

Anbu Hospital:4 & 5 Lakshmi Vilas Street,Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0435 2432266

Society/Community Phone Number:

Address of Forest Range Officer:C.G. Complex, Opp. New Bus Stand,Muthupet,Ph: 04369 – 262518

Address of Wildlife Warden:Collectorate, Nagappattinam,TN - 611002,Ph: 04365 - 253092

Location info

• **Address:**Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary,Thiruvarur,Tamiln Nadu,India

• **District:**Thiruvarur

• **Nearest City:**Udayamarthandapuram

• Best time to visit: November to March

History of Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary was created in 1999. And the regular visitors here are as far as from Central Asia, Tibet, Ladhak and even Russia. Just imagining the jet lag, we would have if we travel all the way from Russia. Ahem… Well… Some of the regular feathered friends are Garganey, Common Teal, Little Grebe, Purple Moorhen, Pheasant tailed Jacana, Egrets, Night Heron, Small blue kingfisher, Little Cormorant, Treepie, Woodpecker, Koel, Brahminy Kite, Whoa…. The list goes really long. There are few trees, a wide pond and that’s it. But within those are several hundreds of birds. I should have taken a voice recorder, the non-stop chirping of birds was just awe inspiring. Music to the tired ears of traffic jam horns and cell phone ringtones.

Things to visit & highlights

Fauna:
A notable aspect of the sanctuary is the large number of Purple Moorhen and Openbill storks during February – March.[1] It is home to other migratory water birds including Coot, Grey Heron, White Ibis, Night Heron, Purple Heron, Little cormorant, Darter, Spoonbill, Indian Reef Heron and White-necked stork. Beginning in September, bird population peaks during November- December with up to 10,000 birds.

How to reach Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

**Nearest Railway Station:**There are train facilities from Nagapattinam to Thanjavur, Thiruchi, Chennai and Nagore. Chennai is connected to all the major cities in India by railways.

• Nearest Airport: Nagapattinam is Thiruchi that is at a distance to 140 Kilometers

**Road Transport:**Bus services are available from Nagapattinam to Thanjavur, Thiruchi, Nagore and Chennai. Various interstate buses also ply from Nagapattinam.

Nearest petrol pump

**Petrol Pump:**Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu,India

**HP Petrol Pump:**Karaikal,Pondicherry,Tamil Nadu,India

**Sakkottai Petrol Pump:**Srinivasa Nagar,Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Best time to visit Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

November to March when migratory birds arrive from Siberia, Europe, and Central Asia. Early morning (6–9 AM) is the best time for bird watching. Late afternoon (3–5 PM) is also good. Avoid midday when birds are less active.

Timings & opening hours

Best visited during daylight hours, typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The sanctuary may have restricted access during the breeding season to avoid disturbance. Check forest department guidelines before visiting.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: INR 10–25 for Indian adults, INR 100–200 for foreign nationals. Camera fee: INR 20–50 (still). Binoculars may be available for rent at the sanctuary office.

Duration needed

2–4 hours for a thorough bird-watching session. Bird photographers and serious birders may spend 4–6 hours covering the sanctuary. Early morning visits are most productive.

Safety tips

Wear sturdy walking shoes — the sanctuary trails may be uneven or muddy. Carry insect repellent, especially near water bodies. Stay on designated paths. Do not disturb nesting birds. Maintain silence for better bird sightings. Carry sufficient water.

Things to carry

Binoculars (essential), camera with telephoto lens, bird identification guide or app, water bottle, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, snacks, notebook. Wear muted colours.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

By Air: Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the primary international gateway. Regional airports include Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), Madurai International Airport (IXM), and Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), depending on location.

By Train: Tamil Nadu has an extensive railway network. Major junctions include Chennai Central (MAS), Coimbatore Junction (CBE), Madurai Junction (MDU), Tiruchirappalli Junction (TPJ), and Salem Junction (SA). From the nearest station, local transport is readily available.

By Road: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operates an extensive bus network connecting all parts of the state. National highways NH 44, NH 48, and NH 32 provide excellent connectivity. Private buses and taxis are also available from nearby towns and cities.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Basic food options are available at forest rest houses, eco-lodges, and small local eateries near Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary. These typically serve South Indian vegetarian meals including rice, sambar, poriyal, and curd. Visitors are advised to carry packed food and sufficient water when visiting the sanctuary.

Things to do at Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

Spot and identify resident and migratory bird species using binoculars and field guides. Walk along the sanctuary’s trails and watchtowers for panoramic views of the wetlands. Photography of birds in their natural habitat, especially during golden hour.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best season for bird watching at Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary? November to March when migratory birds arrive. December and January offer the highest diversity of species.

What birds can I expect to see? The sanctuary hosts herons, egrets, storks, ibises, pelicans, ducks, and many migratory species. Over 100 species may be recorded during peak season.

Is prior permission required to visit? For most sanctuaries, entry tickets can be purchased at the gate. For photography with professional equipment, prior permission from the forest department may be required.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.