Tamil Nadu is a state in the south of India and comprises of Chennai, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Coimbatore, Madurai and may other cities. These places are gifted with lush landscape and dense forest. Most of them are converted to sanctuaries to safeguard the rich heritage. Amidst these green bushes, walk some distinct and magnificent creatures like Lions, Deer, Crocodiles and Bears. Any animal lover or wildlife admirer would not miss the opportunity to visit these 8 reserves in Tamil Nadu close to hourly hotels in Chennai.
1. Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
The reserve is located in the lively city of Chennai with hourly hotels in Chennai nearby. Many vulnerable and endangered species live in the park, including the Indian Leopard, Indian Elephant, gaur, and Bengal Tiger. Spot the Gray Bengal Tiger enjoying nature without a care in the world. The park also houses 250 species of rare birds including the Indian white-rummed vulture and Long-billed vulture. Along with these, there are 50 species of fishes, 21 species of Amphibians, 34 species of reptiles, and 55 species of mammals. Madumalai also offers jungle and road safaris. Other exciting activities to try here, include elephant safaris, elephant camps, and bird watching.
2. Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sanctuary was established in 1988 and is the best-preserved forest in the south near hourly hotels in Chennai. The place is home to a unique species of giant squirrel. They are very rare and labelled as a near threatened species due to predators and loss of habitat. Be ready to catch a glimpse of a lot of adorable, grizzled squirrels from the watch towers located in different parts of the forest. Apart from providing a new shelter to these innocent creatures, the park also nests other species of animals and birds like sloth bears, lion tailed Macques, Black leopards, porcupine, Nilgiri Tahrs, Nilgiri langurs, Elephants, Red faced Malkoha, Nilgiri Flycatcher and Grey Pied Hornbill. A hassle- free way for tourists to enjoy the reserve is by booking dayuse hotels in Chennai or dayuse rooms in Chennai to rest after their day trip.
3. Point Calimere Wildlife sanctuary
Surrounded by serene beaches and shores, the forest is famous for migrating birds like flamingo which come here every winter for the pleasant weather. Located 354 km from couple friendly hotels in Chennai, it is a beautiful spot to plan a picnic with your family or significant other. The reserved area came into existence in 1967 for the protection of the endangered blackbuck antelope, an indigenous mammal of India.
A 7 square km. land of the reserve hosts as a national park and is an amazing place to spend some quality time with your partner. To continue the romance, post the trip reserve hotels for unmarried couples in Chennai. You can find animals like Chital, wild boar, bonnet macquae, spotted deer, monitor lizards, blackbuck, small Indian civet, Indian star tortoise, terns and snouted fruit bats sunbathing in the conservation. Happy dancing dolphins and racing turtles can also be observed at the shore.
4. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
Another trust started by Romulus Whittaker years back. There are many thrilling activities to explore here like night safaris, croc feeding and venom extraction from poisonous snakes. Learn and do things you never imagined even in your wildest dreams.
5. Annamalai Tiger Reserve
Nestled in the evergreen mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, originally called the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, the reserve was established in 1976. Later, to honor the former prime minister’s visit, the place was renamed as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Some animals seen here are panthers, elephants, deers, tigers, gaurs, wild bears, flying squirrels, jackals, pangolins, wild dogs and porcupines. The jungle also flaunts birds like the red treepie, spotted dove, rocket-tailed drongo, whiskered bulbul, black-headed oriole and pigeon. Take care of your steps! The Amravati Reservoir of the park accommodates daunting crocodiles. This lovely tourist site has other attractions such as Karianshola trek, Manjampatti valley, Anaikunthi Shola, teak forests, grass hills, waterfalls, dams and reservoirs, a few of which might require permission from officials.
6. Chennai snake park trust
Being in the heart of the city, this park is the first one to be dedicated to snakes. It was found by the renowned herpetologist and Padma Shri Award winner Romulus Whittaker in the 70’s. There are a total of 39 reptilian species in the park including rare species like the Indian Gharial with a thin, never-ending jaw and reticulated python which is the longest python kind in the world. Attend the informative shows to learn more about these hissing creatures.
Be alert to not bump into a Icchadhari naagin. According to Indian Mythology these are snakes that possess the power to shape shift. Feeling scared already? Rush to your hourly hotels in Chennai as soon as you can.
7. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Spreading over an area of 895 square km. Kakakad Mundanthurai is one of the largest reserves close to Chennai with 73 tigers. If you are travelling to Bangalore, you can still admire the wild cat in the Bannerghatta National Park by booking hourly hotels in Bangalore.
The forest lies in the convergence of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and can be reached from hotels for a few hours in Chennai by car or train. Including Tigers, the woods also boast 150 endemic plants, 81 reptiles, 33 fish, 37 amphibians, 273 birds and 77 mammal species. Spot leopards, elephants, wild boar, chital, sambar deer, jungle cat and many others within the reserve.
8. Mukurthi National Park
The park lies between Mudumalai National Park and the Silent Valley National Park. The fourth highest peak in the Nilgiri hills, Mukurthi stands tall in the reserve. There are three rivers- Pykara, Billithadahalla and Kundah flowing through the woods. Trekking and camping are popular adventures to explore here with consent from the respective authorities. There are different animals ranging from Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur, Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, leopard, Malabar spiny dormouse, barking deer, jackal, shrew, soft-furred rat, small Indian civet, otter and wild dog in and around the premises.
It is no less than a privilege to be able to praise the beauty of these marvelous creatures in their natural habitat. If you are zoophilist these wildlife sanctuaries should be at the top of your bucket list to learn and acquire more knowledge about them.