Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Wildlife refuge in Thoothukudi, India
Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area covering approximately 16 square kilometers of dry deciduous woodland situated on an isolated hillock in southern Tamil Nadu. The terrain supports the plants and animals characteristic of this dry climate zone.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department established this protected area to safeguard the native blackbuck population, which represents India's southernmost natural antelope habitat. The decision to protect this region grew from concerns about preserving local wildlife species.
The sanctuary maintains a peacock farm where visitors watch these national birds perform courtship displays among the forest. You can observe their behavior in an environment that feels less formal than a typical zoo.
The sanctuary is most easily reached by road from Tirunelveli Junction railway station, roughly 16 kilometers away, or from Vagaikulam Airport about 22 kilometers distant. Plan your visit during the drier months when vegetation is thinner and wildlife viewing becomes easier.
The trees in the sanctuary remain naturally short due to harsh climate conditions, which allows blackbucks to access shrubs more easily. This adaptation is the result of the hilltop's dry and windy environment.
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