Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary

About:

Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary, nestled in the hills of Vallanad within Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, is a biodiversity-rich sanctuary known for its unique scrub forest ecosystem.

The sanctuary spans over 16.41 square kilometers and provides a protected habitat for a variety of wildlife, especially the blackbuck antelope, a species now rare across India.

The sanctuary is a major attraction due to its mix of wild beauty and ecological diversity, drawing numerous tourists each year.

The trees are not allowed to grow tall as it is easier for the blackbucks to reach the shrubs. Both evergreen and deciduous trees can be found in this sanctuary. Due to drought like conditions and excessive heat plat growth is stunted here. The waxy leaves of the plants help to retain moisture in the plants.

Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Macaques, Jungle cat, Mongoose and wild hares are the fauna that be seen in Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary, in plenty in this reserve.
Originally Blackbucks were spread over large tracts of India but today the Black Buck population is confined to small parts of india, like Tamil Nadu Sanctuaries . The original habitat of Blackbucks is open plain and not dense jungles. On the open plain the black buck is one of the swiftest animals.

Location info:

Sanctuary Name: Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary

District: Thoothukudi

State: Tamil Nadu

Country: India

Geographical Position: The sanctuary is situated in the hills of Vallanad within the southeastern part of Tamil Nadu, bordered by Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, and the Gulf of Mannar.

Nearest City: Thoothukudi, approximately 16 km away, known as "Pearl City" and a major seaport.

Accessibility: Well connected by road and close to major cities:

• Thoothukudi: 16 km
• Tirunelveli: 50 km
• Madurai: 160 km
• Coimbatore: Approximately 350 km

Climate/Weather:

Climate Type: Arid and hot

Rainfall: Limited rainfall with an annual average of approximately 758 mm, mostly occurring during the monsoon season.

Temperature Range:

• Summer: Temperatures can soar up to 40.5°C, creating a hot and dry environment.
• Winter: Cooler periods bring temperatures down to around 18.5°C, providing a mild respite from the heat.

The sanctuary’s drought-resistant plants and scrub forest are well-adapted to retain moisture and thrive in this climate.

History:

Interesting things to do:

• Wildlife Watching: Observe the graceful blackbucks and other wildlife, including spotted deer and macaques, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon.
• Photography: Capture stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it an excellent location for photography enthusiasts.
• Nature Walks: Explore designated trails on foot and learn about the local ecosystem through guided nature walks.
• Bird Watching: Bring binoculars to spot numerous local and migratory bird species in the sanctuary.
• Picnicking: Enjoy a peaceful picnic in designated areas surrounded by the beauty of nature.
• Educational Tours: Join organized tours that provide insights into conservation efforts and the importance of biodiversity.
• Stargazing: Experience the clear night sky away from city lights, perfect for stargazing on clear nights.
• Community Engagement: Learn about and support local conservation initiatives through engagement with the community.

Interesting things to Visit:

Flora and Fauna in Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary:
The great diversity of flora and fauna in Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary is simply amazing. This dense scrub forest area houses Spotted Deer, Macaques, Jungle cat, Mongoose, wild hares and several other animals. The sanctuary was founded with the aim of protecting and nurturing Blackbucks in the country. As a consequence of extensive poaching and habitat loss, blackbuck populations have been reduced drastically. Today, blackbuck is an endangered species in India, and is included in Schedule I of Indian Wildlife Act.

Avian Population in Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary:
For bird watchers there are many options in and around Thoothukudi. A major attraction just 22 km northwest of Thoothukudi is Mayura Thottam. It is a peacock farm situated at Ottapidaram. Mayura Thottam is spread over an area of 55 acres. A large number of migratory birds also visit this place every year during the breeding season.

Scrub forests:
Scrub forests are primarily located near the equator in very arid regions like some parts of South India. The plant species found in scrub forests of Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary vary. However, the climate and soil conditions are similar in scrub forests throughout India.

Pines:
Pines are evergreen. The bark pines is thick and scaly. The branches are produced in a tight spiral. Many pines produce just one coil of branches each year, from buds at the tip of the new shoot, but others produce two or more whorls of branches per year. The new spring shoots are light-colored and point upward at first, then later darken and spread outward. These offer foresters of the Tamil Nadu Sanctuaries a means to evaluate fertility of the soil and strength of the trees.

Dry deciduous forest:
Dry deciduous forest Dry deciduous forests are found in some parts of India including Kalakkadu Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. It is also found in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The common trees are the sal, a variety of acacia,

Wet Evergreen Forests:
Wet Evergreen Forests Are found in the south of India along the Western Ghats and the Nicobar and Andaman Islands. Tall, straight evergreen trees characterize it. These trees often rise to a great height before they open out. The most common trees that are found here are the Jackfruit, Betel Nut Palm, Jamun and Mangoes. The shrubs cover the layer closer to the ground, followed by the short structured trees and then the tall variety. Beautiful fern and varieties of orchids grow on the trunks of the trees

Mobile range info:

The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary is located in a remote area with limited infrastructure. Mobile network coverage within the sanctuary is minimal to nonexistent, making it challenging to maintain a reliable connection.

Visitors should anticipate limited or no mobile signal during their visit. It is advisable to inform family or friends about your plans in advance and to carry a local map or GPS device for navigation.

Additionally, carrying a power bank to keep your devices charged is recommended, as charging facilities may be scarce in the sanctuary.

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Tiruchendur:
It is 56 kms from Tirunevelli and can be reached by train and by buses. It is the most importer tourist attraction in thoothukudi district. It is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga called Arupadai Veedu. Of them, this is the only one standing on leval ground the others are on hills or elevated Places. It is the place where Lord Muruga offered His thankgiving prayers to his father Lord Siva for gaining victory over the demon Surapadman by slying him. The temple is on the edge of the sea and the main deity has been cut on a rock lying on the edge of the sea and the main deity has been cut on a rock lying on the edge of the sea and the main deity has been cut on a rock lying on the shores. The idol of the Urchavar or festival deity is kept in a separate shrine facing the opposite direction. This idol was recovered from the sea by a local chief called Vadamalai and installed there. The silver vessels presented to the shrine by the erstwhile collector of this district Lushington expose the devotion of foregners too. Kumarakuruparar the famous saint and poet who was originally dumb got his power of speech in this temple sung hymns on the diety.

Srivaikuntam and Alwarthirunagari:
Theism two Vaishnavaite shrines are on the way to Tiruchendur from Tirunelveli. Srivaikuntam is also known as Kailasapuram and has in the Nataraja shrine, 8 artistically carved pillars. The most famous is the Kallapiran, the festival deity and the presiding deity is called Vaikuntanatha. On the 6th day of the Tamil month Chitthiri, the sun rays fall on the main deity as token of worship. The idol is most exquisitely carved with club in hand. Lions Yalis and Elephants are carved in the pillars of the mandapam. The temple served as a fort during the patriotic war of Kottabomman with the British. In the north of the town is a enclouser of 10 ft high running round with a gate in the middle. The women of this fort never stir beyond the wall. The outside world is sealed for them. Kattai Pillaimars as they are called never marry outside world is sealed for them Kattai pillaimars as they are called never marry outside their clan.

Ettaiyapuram:
The birthplace of the national poet Bharathiar. Ettaiyapuram is 71 kms from Tirunevelli. Here, Manimandpam is constructed for Bharrathyir. There is also a memiraial for Bharathiyar. His patriotic sings aroused the Tamilians patriotic songs aooused the Tamilians from slumber and made them conscious of the evils of foreign dominators and inspired them to flight relentelessly for freedom.

Athichanallur:
From an Archaeological point of view, this place has a glorious past and it is located on the banks of river Tamirabarani. It is assumed that, in ancient times, a civilized habitation flourished here. Some monuments i.e., Urns (burnt-clay vessels which were used for burying the dead bodies of the very old people), small mud vessels were found near the river Tamirabarani and they are supportive evidences for the civilization. This place is now under the supervision of Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.

Bharathiar Math Mandapam:
In memory of the National poet Subramania Bharathiar a memorial was built by Kalki Krishna Moorthy in 1945 and Mahatma Gandhi showered his blessings on the occasion of its opening. In 1981 the centenary year of Bharathiar was celebrated. This was taken over by the Public Relations Department on 11-12-1981. Located at Ettaiyapuram.

Ettaiyapuram:
34 km from Thoothukudi. This is the birth place of Mahakavi Bharathiyar. A Memorial for Umarupulavar Dhansha is also located here. During the reign of Pandyas at Madurai people from Chandragiri near Chittoor of Andbra Pradesh were brought and posted as “watch keepers (Dhisai Kavalars) of Ilasanadu. This was later called Ettayapuram. Ettayapuram was formed in 1565.

Kattabomman Memorial Fort:
This was built in 1974. The visitors can see this during day time 8 am, to 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Family goddess Jackammal is located nearby. The snap shot is of the 5th generation heir of Veerapandya Kattabomman temple. His name is Vee. Veemaraja alias Jegaveera Pandya Subbramania Kattabomma Durai. Bommu means the god Sastha Ayyanam Swamy. The earliest freedom struggle against the Britishers was by Kattabomman and his clan. They were charged for treason and were sentenced to death and hanged. The entrance fee for the visitors is 50 paisa for children and Rs.l/- for adults. Location at Panchalankurichi. Ph : 04632-2366149.

Kayatar:
This small town is 24 km from Tirunelveli on NH7 Madurai road. Veerapandiaya Kattabomman who raised voice against British was hanged at a tamarind tree here on 16-10-1799. Now this place is preserved as monument.

Ayyanar Sunai:
Ayyanar Sunai It is 10 Km from Tiruchendur. A natural water spring in the desert with Ayyanar temple attracts local tourists.

Kazhugumalai:
Kazhugumalai It was one of the important centers of the Jams. The has-relief found here is the contribution of Jams and are among the earliest of such works. The Vettuvan Koil (Siva Temple) the rock-cut cave temple is worth visiting.

Kulasekarapattinam:
The Muthuraman temple 20 km horn Tiruchendur is known for the popular ‘Dasara’ festival where folk dance artists I urn all over the state participate in the festival. It is a coastal village with a fine beach.

Korkai Port:
Korkai Port 29 Km from Tiruchendur. Korkai, the ancient Port City (12th Centaury) of the Pandya Kings of the .Sangam period, now identified with the village Korkai (Srivaikundam taluk of Thoothukudi Dt.) has attracted the attention of scholars, historians and archaeologists for more than a century. Although Korkai is recognized as an ancient Port City, it’s precise location is still a point of conjecture. Korkai is now a remote village. An attempt is made now to locate the port based on field exploration, folk beliefs, and coastal geology and geomorphology.

Manapadu:
Manapadu 18 km. from Tiruchendur. It is on the sea-shore at the Bay of Bengal. An ancient Roman Catholic Church is here where the Cross is said to have been brought from Jerusalem, This Church is also associated with St. Xavier, the famous missionary from West. Since there are other small Churches here in this place, it is called as “Chinna Jerusalem” (Small Jerusalem).

Ottapidaram / V.0. Chidambaranar illam:
Ottapidaram continues to be a Tourism centre for Freedom fighters, since it is the birth place of the great patriot V.O.Chidambaranar. His house has been converted into a memorial and is preserved by the government from 12-12-1961. His statue, life history and photo galleries are displayed in his memorial. It is 167.12 sqm. Situated at 2/119, V.O.C. Street, Ottapidaram.

Panchalankurichi
Panchalankurichi 18 km from Tuticorin. From here the great warrior “Veerapandiya Kattabomman” raised his voice against the British regime in the 17th Century A.D. The fort was converted as a memorial by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu in 1974. Sri Devi Jakkammal Temple, the hereditary Goddess of Kattabomman, is located near the fort. The cemetery of British soldiers are seen near the fort. Within the memorial Hal!, there arc beautiful paintings on the walls depicting the heroic deeds of the saga.

Thiruchendur:
Thiruchendur It is 40 km from Thoothukudi. Tiruchendur is very popular for the seashore temple of Lord, Subramanya temple tower and the sculptures of the temple are worth seeing. It is also ideal for see bathing. The temple is one among the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. That victory is still celebrated by the pilgrims here during the Tamil Month ‘Aippasi’ as festival.

Srivaikundam:
Srivaikundam (30 km) Name of the presiding deity is Kannapiran.

Thiruppuliangudi:
This Divya Desam is located at about 2 Km. From Srivaikundam and 1 Km from Natham. The 3 Thirupathis are situated on Srivaikuntam - Thoothukudi bus toute. Presiding deity is Kasinavenda Perumal.

Vanchi Maniyachi:
The original name of the place was Maniyachi which has been renamed as “Vanchi Maniyachi” in memory of the brave freedom fighter Vanchi Nathan, who shot dead the then British Collector of Tirunelveli here.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Nainaar: Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Sri Bharani Hotel:Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Sakuntala Hotel:Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Annapoorna Hotel:Thirunelveli, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Things to carry:

• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in the hot climate.
• Comfortable Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes for walking and exploring the sanctuary.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield against the sun.
• Binoculars: For bird watching and wildlife spotting from a distance.
• Camera: Capture the beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
• Light Snacks: Carry some energy-boosting snacks for your visit.
• First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for any minor injuries.
• Map or GPS Device: To navigate the sanctuary and surrounding areas.
• Power Bank: Keep your devices charged for photography and navigation.

Tips & Suggestions:

• Visit Early or Late: Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times for wildlife sightings when animals are most active.
• Stay Quiet: Keep noise levels down to avoid startling the wildlife, enhancing your chances of spotting animals.
• Respect the Environment: Follow all park rules and regulations. Do not litter and maintain the sanctuary's natural beauty.
• Engage a Guide: Hiring a local guide can enrich your experience with insights about the flora and fauna.
• Wear Neutral Clothing: Dress in earth-toned colors to blend in with the surroundings and avoid startling the wildlife.
• Be Patient: Wildlife viewing requires patience. Stay still and quiet to increase your chances of seeing animals.
• Plan for Weather: Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress appropriately for the conditions.
• Take Care of Personal Belongings: Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with valuables while exploring.
• Inform Someone: Always let someone know your plans for the day, especially if venturing into remote areas.

Help Line/Phone Number:

For inquiries related to the sanctuary, contact the Tamil Nadu Forest Department at: +91 462 250 0778.

• Kalakkad Police Station, Kalakkad, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
• Kadayam Police Station, Kadayam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
• Parassala Police Station, Parassala Vellarada Road, Parassala, Tamil Nadu

• Shifa Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, Ph: 0462 2333245
• CSI Jayaraj Annapackiam Mission Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
• Karthik Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary