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Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary
Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary
Location
: 90-Km Southeast Of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Area : 17.26-Sq. kms
Also
Called : Kodikkarai Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Season : Between November
And January
Point
Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 17.26 Sq.Kms and is situated 90-km
southeast of Thanjavur in a wetland which juts out into the Palk Strait into
the sea taking a sharp turn to the west separating India and Sri Lanka. It is
surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal swamps, dry evergreen
forests of mangroves, this coastal sanctuary is also known as "Kodikkarai".
It is noted for the vast flocks of migratory waterfowl, especially flamingos,
which congregate here every winter. The sanctuary is vast, mostly shrub-land,
shaped by the violent monsoon winds and treated mercilessly by feral cattle,
horses and the graceful buck. At present cultivation of lobster has been started
as the number of birds is decreasing.
Fauna Special
attractions at Point Calimere are the close encounters with Dolphins and Turtles,
which often come quite close to the shore. The sanctuary is bestowed with population
of varied wild life such as Flamingos, Teals, Gulls, Terns, Plavers, Stilts, Chital,
Wild boar, Bonnet macaque, and Black Buck.
Variety
Of Birds Visiting The Sanctuary In the months between November and
January, the tidal mud flats and marshes are covered with Teals, Terns, Plovers,
Sandpipers, Shanks, Herons, Curlews, Gulls, and up to 3000 Flamingoes at one time.
The spring brings in a different set of birds like Koels, Mynas and Barbets that
are drawn here by the profusion of wild berries. From April to June there's very
little activity; the main rainy season is between October and December.
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Crocodile Bank
Location : 42 Kms From Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu
Main
Aim : To Protect And Conserve The Endangered Reptiles
Houses
: 5,000 Species
Run By : Romulve Whittaker
Located
42-km from Chennai (Madras) is a farm where several species of Indian and African
crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity, in the open air. This crocodile
bank is on the way to Mahabalipuram and is run by Romulve Whittaker. A countrywide
crocodile conservation programme was launched to save these ancient reptiles
that have survived the passing of dinosaurs. The species found here other than
the Indian varieties have been donated by foreign zoos and croc farms. The Crocodile
Bank occupies an area of 3.2 hectares and has been established with an aim to
protect and conserve the endangered reptiles such as Crocodiles, Alligators,
etc. About 5,000 species are kept in their natural surroundings in open pools.
This
farm breeds crocodile to augment the crocodile population of the wildlife sanctuaries.
They can be viewed from a safe distance. Tourists in large numbers visit the crocodile
bank to see a variety of reptiles, all in one place. There is also a small snake
farm here that conducts demonstrations of venom extraction. Started in 1976 with
just twenty-five reptiles, the Bank today faces a crocodile population explosion
(mainly the Mugger) with over 7,000 inmates.
How
to Get There Air : Chennai (42-km) is the nearest
airport with both domestic and international terminus. Chennai is connected with
all the major places in India through the numerous domestic flights. International
flights operate from various parts of the world to Chennai.
Rail :
The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-km) and Chennai (42-km).
Road : There are buses available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram,
Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram daily. The Crocodile Bank is on the
way to Mahabalipuram. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai (Madras) or Mahabalipuram.
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