Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

About Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Point Calimere Sanctuary is strategically located in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district, a mere 42 km from Thiruthuraipoondi Railway station and 225 km from Tiruchirapalli Airport. The sanctuary is connected through a well-developed road networ

While covering 377 sq. km. of picturesque area, the wildlife reserve invites wildlife lovers to embark on a journey to explore its flora and fauna.Travel to Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu in between the months of November and February.

The Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary has a diverse and exotic plantlife.Draped with dry evergreen forests, mangrove forests and grassland, Point Calimere wildlife sanctuary harbors some of the rare species of fauna.

The varied wildlife here consists of Chitals, Wild Boars, Bonnet Macaques, Black Bucks, Flamingos, Teals, Gulls, Terns, Plavers and Stilts along with the Dolphins and Turtles that quite often come very close to the shores. The best season to visit the sanctuary is between November and January, when there are Teals, Curlews, Gulls, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, Shanks, Herons and about 3000 Flamingoes all over the tidal mud flats and marshes. In springtime you can see Koels, Mynas, Barbets and a profusion of wild berries. The Forest Department Rest House at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary has adequate rooms and provide meals too.

Sprawling on 17.26 sq km surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal swamps, this sanctuary is situated in Nagapattinam district. It is bestowed with populations of varied wild life such as Chittal, Wild Boar Sprawling on 17.26 sq km surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal swamps, dry evergreen forests of mangroves, this sanctuary is situated in the Nagapattinam district. It is bestowed with population of varied wild life such as Chital, Wild boar, Bonnet macaque, Black Buck, Flamingoes, Teals, Gulls, Terns, Plavers and Stilts. Special attractions are close encounters with Dolphins and Turtles which often come quite close to the shore.

90 Km from Thanjavur or Tanjore, Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary is often also referred to as Kodikkarai Wildlife Sanctuary. Stretching across an area of 17.26 sq. km., it is surrounded by ble waters of the sea and mesmerizing beaches. The beautiful locales, tidal swamp forests and dry evergreen forests of mangroves, make the Kodikkarai coastal sanctuary, a delightful and adventurous wilderness destination. The wetland jutting out into the Palk Strait separating India and Sri Lanka, the highlights of the area are the migratory waterfowls such as Flamingos that come to seek refuge here in winters. The flora consists of mostly shrubs; the sanctuary recently faced a problem of survival in the wake of violent monsoon winds, feral cattle, horses and bucks. Presently, lobster is being cultivated here to again attract the birds to the place

Climate/Weather

Summer and winter. May and June are the hottest months with an average maximum temperature of 40ºC. Tiruchirapalli lies on Deccan Plateau and thus have relatively cooler nights thanks to the sea breeze that sets in the evening.

Winter persists between November-January when the climate swings between pleasantly cool to mildly chilly at times. Minimum temperatures rarely dip below 15 ºC. The rainy season that falls between October and December brings rain in spurts, mostly due to northeast branch of monsoon.

Interesting things to Visit

Flora at Point Calimere Sanctuary:
The diversity of habitats makes the vegetation of the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary quite diverse. This diversity ranges from dry evergreen forests, salt marsh, mangrove vegetation to grasslands. Of all the trees present in the forest, Manilkara hexandra and Salvadora persica are the dominant ones. You can also spot some insectivorous plants such as Drosera burmanii and D Indica. The marshy areas of the shore are home to Salicornia brachiata and Sessuvium portulacastrum while Calotropis gigantea, Prosopis chilensis and Pandanus tectorius occur in elevated regions.

Fauna at Point Calimere Sanctuary:
Point Calimere Sanctuary is most famous for its flamingos and blackbuck. There is no end to your excitement at the sanctuary as you get to spot a vast variety of water birds such as plovers, teals, terns, gulls etc. Fourteen species of mammals have been reported from the Point Calimere Sanctuary. The larger mammals include the blackbuck, wild boar, spotted deer and jackal. Another interesting creature at the sanctuary is the flying fox that resides in large groups on trees. The water birds in the great swamp and the dolphins and turtles that often come quite close to the shore are interesting to see.

Nearest Visiting places

Rock Fort Temple:
This temple sits pretty atop a mammoth piece of rock which rises from the plains, soaring to a height of 83 meters. The Rock fort temple is a combination of three temples, of which The Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva - halfway up is the most famous and visited temple complex by the devotees. The temple has a 100-pillared hall, and a Vimana completely covered with gold, which more often than not captures the imagination of the onlookers. There are several remarkable rock-cut cave temples on the southern face of the rock, dating back to the Pallava period, which perfectly compliment the resplendence of the Rock Fort. This temple site is also the chosen venue for the famous Carnatic wars between the French and English, which was fought around this rock.

Sri Jambukeshwara Temple:
The Sri Jambukeshwara Temple is located 5 km from the town, dedicated to Lord Siva. The legend has it that an elephant worshiped Lord Shiva near the Jambu tree, hence the temple was named Jambukeshwara. There are seven gopurams and 5 concentric walls, which are completely covered with splendid carvings. These carvings are so life-like that they virtually transport the beholder into the past realm. It is built around a Siva Lingam, which is completely submerged in water that comes from a spring in the sanctum sanctorum. Although non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, but such tourists can experience the structural beauty of the complex from outside which also is worth the time. The temple is open daily between 6 am to 1pm and between 4pm to 9.30pm.

Samayapuram Mariamman Temple:
Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is located 12 km north of the city junction on Trichy-Chennai highway. The Maariamman Temple is one of the most visited shrines in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Maariamman, who is a form of Goddess Shakti associated with prosperity and health. Locals believe that the deity cures diseases such as Small Pox and Chicken Pox. The walls of the temple have carvings of Goddess Shakti in her various manifestations and also other heavenly sculptures of various Gods.

Srirangam (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple):
The temple of Sri Ranganatha is the largest temple in India. It is of great importance to all Hindus as it is considered to be the supreme temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located some 6 km from Trichy and is on the banks of River Kaveri. This 13th century temple is surrounded by seven scintillating rectangular courtyards and has 21 spectacular gopurams, among which Rajagopuram is the largest in India. The walls and surroundings of the temple are rich in brilliant carvings and wonderful paintings that have proved to be a great attraction for the tourists.

Nearest Petrol Pump

**Indian Oil Petrol Pump:**Salai Road,Woraiyur, Tiruchirapalli,Tamil Nadu,India

**BP Petrol Pump:**NH 67,Thiruchirapalli,Tamil Nadu,India

**IOC Petrol Pump:**Thiruchirapalli,Tamil Nadu,India

**HP Petrol Pump:**Municipal Office Rd,Thiruchirapalli,Tamil Nadu,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

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

Help Line/Phone Number

Gandhi Market Police Station:W B Road,Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu,India

Srirangam Police Station:THERKU VASAL,Srirangam,Tiruchirappalli,Tamil Nadu,India

Sowmanasya Hospitals Pvt Ltd:6, K K Nagar, Chinthamani,V N Nagar, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil nadu,Ph:0431 2704304

Kavery Medical Centre & Hospital:Thennur,Tiruchirapalli, Tamil nadu,Ph:0431 4022555

Location info

• **Address:**Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary,Nagapattinam,Tamilnadu,India

• **District:**Nagapattinam

• **Nearest City:**Thiruchirapalli

• Best time to visit: November-January

History of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1967 and was further extended in 1988.

How to reach Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

**Nearest Railway Station:**Trichy is considered to be an important station of South India. It has trains running in and out of the city to all the main cities of Tamil Nadu and India.

**Nearest Airport:**Tiruchirapalli has its own airport which is around 5 km from the city. All major cities of India have direct flight connection with Tiruchirapalli (Trichy). Flights to Colombo and Gulf countries also operate from here.

• **Road Transport:**Trichy has highways that connect the city to all major parts of Tamil Nadu. State transport buses regularly ply in and out of the city.

Best time to visit Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

October to March for optimal wildlife viewing. Post-monsoon vegetation makes sightings near water sources easier. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best safari experiences. Summer (April–May) can be good near remaining water bodies.

Timings & opening hours

Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Safari timings vary by season — typically morning (6–9 AM) and evening (3–5:30 PM). The sanctuary may close during monsoon for animal breeding. Check forest department schedules.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: INR 25–50 for Indian adults, INR 200–500 for foreign nationals. Vehicle entry: INR 50–200. Safari charges: INR 300–1000 per person depending on sanctuary. Camera fee: INR 50–100.

Duration needed

3–6 hours for a half-day visit including one safari. Full-day visits with multiple safaris and a break are recommended for serious wildlife enthusiasts. Overnight stays at forest lodges enhance the experience.

Safety tips

Stay inside the vehicle during safaris. Do not exit the vehicle inside the sanctuary. Do not feed or disturb animals. Maintain silence for better wildlife sightings. Follow forest guide instructions. Carry insect repellent. Avoid wearing bright colours.

Things to carry

Binoculars, camera, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, light jacket, insect repellent, snacks. Wear earthy tones. Valid ID is required for entry registration.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: nearest regional airport. Nearest railway station: at the nearest town. Bus services and taxis are 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 Point Calimere Wildlife 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 Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Go on guided safaris through the sanctuary’s forest trails. Watch for elephants, deer, gaur, leopards, and numerous bird species. Visit the sanctuary’s interpretation centre and nature trails for educational insights about the ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary? October to March offers the best wildlife viewing. Early morning safaris (6–8 AM) are ideal for animal sightings.

Can I drive my own vehicle inside Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary? Private vehicles may be allowed in some sanctuaries with a guide. Many require using the forest department’s safari vehicles for core area visits.

Are there accommodation options near Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary? Forest department guesthouses, eco-lodges, and private resorts are available near most wildlife sanctuaries. Advance booking is essential.

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.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Tamilnadu
• Category: Wildlife Sanctuary

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.