Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is located in the district of Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary comprises Chinna Kollukudi Patti, Periya Kollukudi Patti and Vettangudi Patti irrigation tanks. It is situated close to Thirupattur and is regarded as the only bird sanctuary of the Sivaganga district. It is estimated that around 8,000 migratory birds primarily from North Asian and European countries visit this bird reserve.

Notifications: Wildlife Sanctuary in 1977

Flora
Prosopis, Tamarind and Babul

Avian Fauna
Indigenous endangered avian species: Intermediate Egret, Painted Stork, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Pintail, Little Cormorant, Flamingos, Darter, etc.
Other species: Asian Openbill Stork, Spoonbills, Night Herons, Grey Herons, White Ibis and others.

Getting there
By road the sanctuary is easily approachable from different parts of the state. It is placed on the Madurai–Melur–Tirupathur road and is approximately 51km away from Madurai. The closest airport to Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is at Madurai. The nearest railheads are located at Madurai and at Karaikudi (about 32km).

Tourist Information
There are literally no staying options within the sanctuary. However, tourists can find quality accommodation facilities at Madurai, Tirupathur and Karaikudi.

Bird watching and nature trail along the bird reserve are major tourist activities. While going for bird watching trip carry a powerful binocular and a bird guide book for identifying different avian fauna species. Avoid making noise while bird spotting or else the birds may fly off.

Some of the nearest places of interest around Vettangudi sanctuary are Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Mariamman Teppakulam, Gandhi Museum, Pillarpatti, Thirupparankunram and Kundrakudi.

Additional Information
Location: Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, A. Melaiyur, Tamil Nadu
Area: approximately 38.4 ha.
Best time to visit: November to February

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