EcoTourism in Tamil Nadu

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, as well as 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 like 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 is on the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and is famous for its spectacular scenery and diverse range of flora and fauna. It has recently been re-named as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. Treks can take place on foot, or by jeep, and the best time to visit the reserves is from February to 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.

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 just 28 kilometres, it is famous for its vast flocks of migratory water - fowl such as flamingos, barbets, and mynahs during the spring season.

The Nilgiris is the oldest and second highest mountain range in India after the Himalayas and is part of The Western Ghats and the renowned Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Presenting 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. The Nilgiris is the most popular region in Tamil Nadu for trekking, and there are regular walking tours through the hills with guides who are expert at explaining the flora and fauna.