Vellode Birds Sanctuary

About Vellode Birds Sanctuary

Erode district is a prominent district in the southern state of India, Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the bank of the river Cauvery in the northern part of the state. It is surrounded by the Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul district, Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts. Spread over an area of 8,169 sq.km. Erode was part of the former Kongunadu region of ancient Madras. The major rivers flowing through the district are Bhavani, Cauvery, Amaravathi and Noyyal. Palar River flows in the north part of the district and the Vatamalaikarai odapi and Uppar Rivers in the south. The district is landlocked and is situated between 10 36“ and 11 58“ north latitude and between 76 49“ and 77 58“ east longitude.

Vellode Birds Sanctuary of Erode District of Tamil nadu, has an area of 77.185 ha. Comprising of 75.935 ha of Periyakulam Yeri and 1.250 ha of odai poramboke in SF No.503 in Vadamugam Vellode village.

Vellode Birds Sanctuary is situated in Vadamugam Vellode village, Erode District of Tamil nadu. It is located about 12 km from Erode, along Chennimalai main road. March to June are the hottest months in this area. The average maximum temperature is about 30C and the average minimum temperature is about 19C. During the peak summer the maximum temperature often reaches 38C. This area receives rainfall mainly from the Northeast monsoon between September to December, Whereas the period between February to June generally remains dry.

Climate/Weather

Summer: Arrives in the month of April and persists till June. The days are hotter with average maximum temperature going as high as 37-40°C.

Winter: Arrives in the month of November. Days are pleasantly cool whereas nights are a bit cooler. The average maximum temperature remains in the range of 25°C.

Interesting things to Visit

Vellore Fort:
The fort was built in 16th century by a Vijayanagar chieftain. It is the finest example of Military Architecture.

State Government Museum:
The Museum was opened to public in the year1985. it consists of objects of art, archaeology, Pre-history, weapons, sculpture, bronzes, wood craving, handicrafts, numismatics, philately, botany ,geology and zoology.

Jalakanteswara Temple:
It was built in the year 1550 A.D. The temple is a small architectural wonder of Vijayanagar.

Muthu Mandapam:
Muthu Mandapam this madapam is also called Pearl Place. This is a memorial, which is built around the tombstone of the last Tamil ruler Vikramaraja Singh. It is built on the bed of the river Palar.

Vennamalai:
This temple is named after Valli, second wife of lord Murugan and it is dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Thiruvallam:
it is famous for the ancient temple that is dedicated to Sri Vallanadeheeswarar. The unique feature of this shirne is that the Nandi doesn`t face lord shiva.

Flora and Fauna:
Amirthi zoological parkAmirthi zoological park is situated under the Javadu Hills of Tellai across Amirthi river, which is 25 kilometer away from Vellore. The area is covering the 25 hector with beautiful waterfalls. The forest is rich with different species of flora and fauna. A substantial part of this jungle has been cleared to serve as tourist resort where as the rest of the jungle has been declared as wild life sanctuary.

Bannari Amman Temple:
Site of the popular Kundam- Firewalk festival organized during April–May every year, this famous temple in Erode District is one of the important Sakthi temples in the region. You may plan your tour to Erode in a way so as to witness this colorful festival.

Government Museum:
This museum is well-known for its collection of palm-leaf manuscripts and coins, as well as many important exhibits and botanical and zoological specimens.

Thindalmalai:
This hill temple of Lord Murugan is situated 5 km from Erode.

Sangameshwarar Temple:
Situated 15 km north-east from Erode Railway Station is the celebrated pilgrimage center, Bhavani. The confluence of the rivers Bhavani and Cauvery is home to the Sangameswarar temple.

Nearest Visiting places

Salem:
Surrounded by hills, Salem is also a part of the Kongu Nadu (Coimbatore and Erode) region Salem is at the base of the renowned tourist destination of Yercaud hills, which offers breathtaking views both along the ride up the hill and from the peak. There are also remote sites of beauty such as Kiliyur Falls.The city is surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of hills formed by the Nagaramalai to the north, the Jeragamalai to the south, the Kanjanamalai to the west, and Godumalai to the east. It is divided by the Thirumanimuthar in the main division. The fort is the oldest building in town.
Photos Trips

Samayapuram Mariamman Temple:
Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple in Samayapuram near Trichy in Tamil Nadu, India. The main deity, Samayapurathal or Mariamman is made of sand and clay like many of the traditional Mariamman deities, and hence unlike many other Hindu deities there are no abhishekams conducted to the main deity, but instead to the small stone statue in front of it. It is believed by the devotees that the Goddess has enormous powers over curing illnesses and hence, it is a ritual to buy small metallic replicas, made with silver or steel, of various body parts that need to be cured, and these are deposited in the donation box.[citation needed] Devotees also offer mavilakku, a sweet dish made of jaggery, rice flour and ghee. The temple attracts hundreds of devotees on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, the holy days for Mariamman. Offerings of raw salt is also made to the Goddess by the rural devotees.Also samayapuram is the second most wealthy temple in tamilnadu after palani.

Sangeeth Mahal:
Sangeetha Mahal,the place where the musicians and dancers performed in front of the Chola and Nayak rulers, is in the first floor of the Tanjore Palace. It is a classic example for the Indian craftmanship and architect.

Santhome Beach:
Santhome beach is the southern part of the Marina beach. Light houe is the major attraction of the beach.

Santhome Church:
SanThome Chruch is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Santhome, in the city of Chennai. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, and rebuilt again with the status of a cathedral by the British in 1893. The British version still stands today. It was designed in neo-Gothic style, favored by British architects in the late 19th century.

Sarangapani Temple:
Of the many temples in Kumbakonam, one of the famous temple is Lord Sarangapani Temple.This vaishnav temple is twelve storied (147 feet - 45 m height) temple was built in the 15th century.

Saraswathi Mahal Library:
The library was established around 1700 AD and the library keeps oldest manuscript in plam leaves and have a large number of foriegn books as part of the collection. Most of the manuscript is written in Tamil and Sanskrit and these collection is helpful for the researchers.

Sholinghur:
Sholinghur is a town and a panchayat union under Walajah Taluk in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India. Sholinghur is very famous for the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple. According to legend, Lord Narayana not only took several incarnations in this world to reform the people, but also sent His messengers as preceptors to perform this function. One such preceptor was Doddacharya of Chozhasimhapuram, now known as Sholingur, who lived nearly 470 years ago performing service to Lord Yoga Narasimhar.Sholingur also has historical significance. It was here that Sir Eyre Coote fought against Tipu Sultan and Haider Ali in the Second Anglo-Mysore War.

Siva Ganga Garden:
The Siva Ganga Garden is a park is near to the Tanjore Palace and the big temple. A collection of rare flower plants is the speciality of the place and it is a well maintained park

Solar Observatory:
The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is an solar observatory owned and operated by Indian Institute of Astrophysics. It is located on the southern tip of the Palni Hills 4 km from Kodaikanal town, Dindigul district, Tamilnadu state, South India. The Evershed effect was first detected at this observatory in January 1909. Solar data collected by the lab is the oldest continuous series of its kind in India. Precise observations of the equatorial electrojet are made here due to the unique geographic location of Kodaikanal.

Spencer Plaza:
Spencer Plaza, one of the biggest shopping malls in South Asia, is located on Mount Road (officially known as Anna Salai), and is one of the landmarks of the modern Chennai.This shopping mall is the major hangout for people of Chennai. The mall has been developed by Mangal Thirth Estate Limited. It now comprises 3 phases, Phase I, Phase II and Phase III. Phase III is the most recently opened. The Plaza has a number of stores dealing in goods of many major brands, as well as local brands.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple:
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, situated 6 km north of the city, is among the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu in South India, and is the largest temple complex in the world. Shrouded in a haze of coconut palms away to the north, the temple is built on an island in the middle of the Kaveri and covers an area of 2.5 km². Enclosed by seven rectangular walled courtyards, this temple has 21 gopurams, the largest of which was completed in 1987 and measures 73 m in height. Srirangam is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The temple is replete with excellent carvings and numerous shrines dedicated to various gods. It is believed that Sri Ramanujar the Vaishavite saint and philosopher is embalmed inside the temple premises in the Sri Ramanujar Sannidhi.

St.George Fort:
Also known as Fort St. George . Fort St George (or historically, White Town) is the name of the first British fortress in India, founded in 1639 at the coastal city of Madras (modern city of Chennai.) The construction of the fort provided the impetus for further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally a no man“s land.The fort is a stronghold with 6 meter high walls that withstood a number of assaults in the 18th century.Today, the Fort serves as the administrative headquarters for the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu state.

St.Thomas Mount:
St. Thomas Mount is a small hillock located in Chennai. Located a little off Guindy and close to the flying range in Chennai, St. Thomas Mount is associated with St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ, who is believed to have been martyred here. History says 2000 years back a saint “Parangi” “Peeringi” munivar who lived here. Over period of time Anglo Indians predominated in this areas. A small relic-filled Church built in 1523 by the Portuguese stands at the summit of the 300 foot high St. Thomas Mount. The place was visited by Pope John Paul II during his visit to India on 5th February 1986. The Indian Army operates an Officers training Academy (OTA) on the mount. The South line of the Chennai suburban railway has a station named after St. Thomas Mount here.

Stone House:
This was the first ‘Pukka’ house in Ooty, built by John Sullivan. It is situated inside the premises of the Government Arts College.

Suchindram Temple:
Suchindrum is a temple town situated in the southern most district of Kanyakumari in Tamilnadu State,India.Its 11 km from kanyakumari city and 7 km from Nagarcoil town 70 km from adjacent Tirunelveli district and approx 85 km from Trivandrum city.The town of Suchindrum is renowned for the Sthanumalayan Temple (pronounced Sthanumalayan) and was an important citadel of Travancore province.

Swammimalai:
Swamimalai Murugan Temple (Thiruveragam) is one of the Arupadaiveedu, believed to be the six main abodes of Muruga (Karthikeya).In Swamimalai the Lord Murugan is called as “Swamynatha Swamy”.The temple is set up in in an artificial hill.There are 60 steps and each is named in one Tamil year.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

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

Help Line/Phone Number

Erode North Police Station:Erode, Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:0424 2411300

Surampatti Police Station:Erode, Tamil Nadu,India

CMC hospital:Vellore,Tamil Nadu,IndiaPh:0416 2282158

Kumaran Hospital:SH 9,Vellore, Tamil Nadu,India

Government Hospital:Vellore, Tamil Nadu,India

Location info

• **Address:**Vellode Birds Sanctuary, Erode,Tamil nadu,India

• **District:**Erode

• **Nearest City:**Vellode

• Best time to visit: November to April

History of Vellode Birds Sanctuary

Vellode Bird Sanctuary is located in Erode District of Tamil Nadu. It is spread over 77 hectares and was established in 1997. About 20 migratory birds have been spotted here. Cormorant, darter, egret, heron, black drango, spotted dove, black winged kite, coot, jacana and little snipe are high on the list of sightings.

Things to do at Vellode Birds Sanctuary

For the benefit of the visitors, a watch tower is constructed. A tourist canteen building was also constructed to cater the needs of the visitors. An interpretation center was also constructed for creating awareness among the visitors especially to the student visiting the sanctuary.The vehicles of the visitors are restricted at the entry point itself so as to observe silence in sanctuary which is required for the perching birds.

How to reach Vellode Birds Sanctuary

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Erode is an important Railway Junction and well-connected to all major cities of India.

• **Nearest Airport:**Coimbatore (90 km).

• **Road Transport:**Regular buses from the large bus stand in Erode take you to all nearby cities and towns.

Nearest petrol pump

**Petrol Pump:**SH 79,Erode, Tamil Nadu,India

**Petrol Pump:**Kalingarayan Palayam,Bhavani, Erode, Tamil Nadu

Best time to visit Vellode Birds 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 Vellode Birds 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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best season for bird watching at Vellode Birds 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.