Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
Located at the point where Palk Strait meets the Bay of Bengal, Point Calimere Sanctuary is spread over 22 sq. km. of area comprising of sandy beaches, backwaters, saline swamps, mangroves, dry evergreen forests and thorny scrubs. Established mainly for the conservation of blackbuck in 1967, it allows the opportunity to explore this magnificent creature grazing at the open grasslands. Other animals at the sanctuary include wild boar, jungle cat, spotted deer, jackal, civet, bonnet macaque, Indian grey mongoose, monitor lizard and the rare feral horses or ponies. One can also come across the bottlenose dolphins and Oliver Ridley turtles that come here for the purpose of nesting. The sanctuary is also a heaven for the birdwatchers that get to explore the majestic species of pelicans, storks, sandpipers, greenshanks, dowitcher, flamingo, darters, kites, terns, ibis, egrets, parakeets, partridges, pheasants and doves. The sanctuary is also famous for hosing cultural heritage sites like Ramar Padam (a shrine where Lord Rama’s footprints can be found), Navakodi Sitthar Temple, Sanyasin Muniaswar Temple, Mattumunian Temple, Chola Lighthouse and many others. Jeeps, boats and guides are available for exploring the sanctuary and private vehicles are also allowed.