Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary, Bird sanctuary in Tirunelveli district, India.
Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary consists of two irrigation tanks totaling about 129 hectares that serve as breeding grounds for water birds and stopovers for migrants. The site includes an observation tower, visitor center, children's area, and overnight lodging.
The site was officially designated as a sanctuary in 1994 and later recognized as a wetland of international importance in 2021. This recognition reflects its significance as a critical habitat for migratory and resident bird populations.
The local Telugu-speaking community has long treated the waters as a shared responsibility, protecting nesting sites as part of daily life. This stewardship remains visible in how the landscape is managed and respected by those who live nearby.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best bird watching when activity is highest. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable clothes suitable for walking on open ground and around water edges.
The local community skips fireworks during Diwali to protect nesting birds from disturbance, demonstrating a rare example of community-wide conservation in action. Additionally, guano collected from the tanks during summer months is used as natural fertilizer for farming.
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