The sheer diversity of landscape found in Tamil Nadu,
and its range of animal and plant life, makes it a favorable destination
for incentive groups wishing to experience something of the State's
natural wealth.
Top of the list is the Mudumalai Sanctuary. Situated among the
hills, this wildlife reserve covers 321 square kilometres and shelters
gaurs, deer, wild elephants, and langurs, and also predators such as
tiger, leopard and the Asiatic wild dog (dhole).
The sky-bound population includes the Hornbills, the Great Black
Woodpecker with its red crest, Mynahs, Barbets, Parakeets, Tiny-Eared
Owl, Scops Owl; and majestic birds such as the Crested Hawk Eagle and
the Crested Serpent Eagle.
Nearby to Mudumalai is the Annamalai Sanctuary. This famous
wildlife sanctuary is the home for gaur, tigers, panthers, elephants,
spotted deer, bears, and a variety of birds. The sanctuary, recently
renamed as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, is on the border
between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and is famous for its spectacular scenery
and diverse range of flora and fauna. Treks can take place on foot, or
by jeep. The best time to visit the reserves is between February and
June.
Tamil Nadu is also home to the National Deer Park and is the
only place in the world where one can still find a sizeable number of
the endangered species of Indian antelope (the Black Buck). The Deer
Park, along with the fascinating Madras Snake Park, is supported by the
Worldwide Fund for Nature, and both are located in the Raj Bhavan
premises, at Guindy.premises, at Guindy.
Ninety kilometres Southeast of Thanjavur is the Calimere Wildlife
and Bird Sanctuary. Located near the Palk Straits, which separate
India and Sri Lanka by a distance of 28 kilometres, Calimere Wildlife
and Bird Sanctuary is famous for its vast flocks of migratory water
fowls such as flamingos, barbets, and mynahs during the spring season
The Nilgiris is the oldest and the second highest mountain range
in India after the Himalayas and is part of the Western Ghats and the
renowned Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Besides a splendid variety of
wildlife such as the Nilgiri Tahr, mouse deer, barking deer, sambar,
langur, flying squirrels, four-horned antelopes, and gaur an amazing
variety of bird life is also present in the Reserve.
The Nilgiris is the most popular region in Tamil Nadu for the purpose of
trekking. There are regular walking tours for the tourists with guides
through the hills. The guides are usually expert at explaining, in
detail, the flora and fauna of the area.
